
El Salvador, similar to its neighboring countries in Central America, is characterized by having only two well-defined seasons or periods. Although snow has fallen at some point in the past, it does not snow in El Salvador.
Globally, four seasons are recognized: summer, winter, autumn, and spring, but it’s important to clarify that not all countries fully experience these seasons (one example is El Salvador), which only presents two seasons: the wet or the dry.
Being a country located in Central America, El Salvador is relatively close to the equator, an imaginary line drawn across the globe.
As a result, El Salvador has a tropical climate with minimal temperature variations; that is, temperatures usually range between 18° and 32° Celsius (64° and 89.6° Fahrenheit).
Although there are always exceptions, and there are also somewhat cooler areas, for this reason (its location on the planet), the country only experiences two seasons: the wet and the dry.
For informational purposes, it’s important to know the qualifiers assigned to the seasons to avoid confusion. The wet season is considered the winter or rainy season, and the dry season is considered summer.
Dry Season in El Salvador
It occurs over a six-month period beginning in November and ending in April. The heat during this season can be uncomfortable, especially during March and April. The atmosphere is humid, and the sky is very clear, allowing the passage of sunlight which warms the surface, raising air temperatures.
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People can go out without umbrellas or parasols without fear of getting wet from the rain. According to the “Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources” (MARN), temperatures vary in intensity; the lows have been recorded at below 15°C (59°F) and the highs have reached above 32°C (89.6°F), even reaching up to 42°C (107.6°F) in April, establishing an average annual temperature of around 30°C (86°F).
What’s the hottest place in El Salvador?
Referring rather to the hottest department. According to some meteorological stations located across El Salvador, maximum temperatures of 37°C (98.6°F), and even up to 42°C (107.6°F), have been registered in the department of San Miguel.
This department is popularly considered by the population as the hottest or most sweltering. In 2016, the temperature in the capital (San Salvador) in April reached 37.3°C (99.14°F). It’s important to note that; the coolest months of this season are December and January, with the least hot hours presenting during the early morning.
The most intense heat can be felt during the daytime hours and into the early nighttime. The coastal region is the hottest area, remembering that El Salvador only has access to the Pacific Ocean. During this time, inhabitants wear comfortable clothing, without excess fabric, and some prefer light colors. Some also prefer to avoid black shirts as they say it feels hotter.
For tourists wanting to visit or be in the country during this season, they have the preference of choosing between December to March, as April records the highest temperatures, usually being the month when it gets hottest in El Salvador and when the so-called Holy Week takes place.
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Wet Season in El Salvador
The wet or rainy season begins from May to October; it is characterized for being hot (heat is characteristic of the country’s climate, especially at noon), sometimes cloudy, and for the vapor released from the surface.
It officially starts in May but with the changing climate, there can be advances or delays. If during the dry season the heat increases excessively, it’s likely this season will delay in starting its rain cycles and, upon starting, produces tropical storms with heavy rainfall in the afternoons and nights, threatening with thunderstorms.
Sometimes there are floods in certain parts of the country, especially during the so-called “temporals” which are rains lasting two or more days, remaining cloudy, and where generally people cannot dry their clothes unless they use a dryer.
Note: In El Salvador, most people usually dry their clothes in the sun. In apartments, as they often do not have space to take advantage of sunlight, they tend to use a dryer. The rains come suddenly but usually begin to fall as night approaches.
During the last month, October, moderate to strong winds occur, refreshing the environment. Note: in recent years, the winds sometimes delay, changing more and more over time.
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It’s good to clarify that during this season, surprise rains appear and necessary precautions should be taken, such as using umbrellas and waterproof clothing to avoid setbacks caused by possible viral diseases like the flu and common colds.
As a curious note, some people say that one should not get wet with the first rains of the season because they say it is acidic and can cause illness; whether this is true or not, that is left to each individual’s discretion.