Climate Overview
The climate in El Salvador is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 21°C and approximately 697mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 173mm of rainfall. El Salvador is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, June, April. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 9°C.
Temperature
Temperatures in El Salvador vary considerably across the year, with a 24°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is May, when average highs reach 33°C and the mean temperature sits around 24°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 9°C and an average of 17°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 15°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between November and December, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
El Salvador is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 697mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 58mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 173mm of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 3mm. That's 169mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
El Salvador is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 11km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is May, averaging 15km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in December, with average winds dropping to 8km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 7km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
87 days until Summer
It is currently spring in El Salvador, which began on March 20, 2026. El Salvador is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in May at around 33°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 9°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 87 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 11 to 33°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 23mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 14km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 18 to 32°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 402mm across the season with a monthly average of 134mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 13 to 29°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 228mm for the season, averaging 76mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 9 to 27°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 44mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit El Salvador is during January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 27mm per month. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for El Salvador based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
