El Salvador: When to Go

El Salvador has a tropical climate with only two seasons: verano (dry season) from November to April, and invierno (wet season) from May to October. Almost the entire annual rainfall occurs during the rainy season and at night. Temperatures are based mostly on elevation in El Salvador. The coastal areas are the hottest, averaging 22-32°C (72-90°F) throughout the year; the central areas vary dramatically year-round, from 19°C (66°F) in the coldest months to 38°C (100°F) in the warmest; and the mountainous areas are always cool, with temperatures averaging 12-23°C (54-73°F).

The best time of year to visit is at the beginning or the end of the dry season, when it doesn't rain every day and the roads are in good shape. More cultural festivals take place around these times. It's advisable to avoid the holiday periods - it's busy and prices are inflated. The main holiday periods are from Christmas through mid-January; Semana Santa, a week-long festival before Easter; and during the first week of August when San Salvador holds its annual festival. Many services also shut down during these periods. In the rainy season, prices are lower, beaches are less crowded and the evenings slightly cooler after the rainstorms.

Weather

This diminutive nation bakes, with year-round temperatures surfing from around 32°C (89°F) during the day and dropping to around a cozy 19°C (66°F) at night. The coastal lowlands are the hottest region. While the dry season peaks in summer, the middle months experience quite heavy rainfall. During the rainy season, it usually only rains at night.