El Salvador
San Salvador experiences a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: a dry period and a wet period. The dry season (November to April), known as summer, has warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low humidity. Average daytime temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). Evenings bring cooler air, typically around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). Rainfall during these months stays minimal, making it good for outdoor exploration. Skies are generally clear and blue, with impressive views of the surrounding volcanoes.
The wet season (May to October), often called the "green season," brings frequent afternoon and evening showers. These rains can be heavy, but seldom last all day. Temperatures stay warm, similar to the dry season, but humidity levels are noticeably higher. September and October typically see the heaviest rainfall. Despite the rain, mornings are often sunny, allowing for activities before the afternoon downpour.
Hiking Volcanoes & National Parks: The dry season (November-April) is ideal. Trails offer better grip and clearer views. The cooler, less humid air makes climbs more comfortable. Beach Visits (La Libertad): The dry season gives the best conditions for surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying the Pacific coast without rain interruptions. Water clarity tends to be better.
Cultural Exploration: The high season gives pleasant walking conditions in the Historic Center. The dry, sunny days allow for comfortable exploration of plazas and outdoor monuments. The rainy season makes for experiencing the city's indoor attractions, like museums and theaters, comfortably, escaping the afternoon downpours. Coffee Farm Tours: The harvest season, generally from October to March, makes for the best experience for visiting coffee plantations, as you can witness the picking and processing of coffee beans.
May - October
Mornings are frequently sunny, good for early activities.
Heavy afternoon rains can disrupt outdoor plans; roads may be slick.
August - October
Pacific side means fewer direct hurricane threats than Caribbean.
Tropical depressions bring significant rainfall; check forecasts.
Year-Round
Buildings in San Salvador are designed to withstand tremors.
Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures upon arrival.
Consider packing a compact, quick-drying umbrella or a Lightweight rain jacket even during the shoulder season. Afternoon showers can appear suddenly.
Layering your clothing makes adapting to San Salvador's changing temperatures simpler. A t-shirt under a light long-sleeved shirt, topped with a rain jacket or a thin sweater, allows you to add or remove items as needed.
A compact, quick-drying umbrella is good for sudden showers.
A light rain jacket can offer protection without bulk.
Dress in layers to adjust to temperature variations.
Carry water to stay hydrated in the warm climate.
Sunscreen and a hat are good for strong sun.
Make sure you meet all necessary criteria before departing for San Salvador. This section outlines typical requirements for travelers from major countries and shares advice for others.
Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days. This list includes citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Visitors from these countries typically receive a "Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement" stamp upon arrival. This agreement gives free movement between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for the duration of the 90-day period. Once stamped into any one of these countries, the 90-day count begins for all four.
You must have specific documents ready upon arrival to ensure a smooth entry process.
For passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled, AirHelp may assist in receiving compensation. They assist passengers in obtaining compensation up to €600 for delayed or canceled flights.
San Salvador offers a range of experiences to fit different budgets, from value-focused backpacking to luxury travel. These are average daily costs and vary based on personal spending and choices.
The official currency of El Salvador is the United States Dollar (USD). This makes financial transactions for travelers arriving with USD simple, as no currency exchange is needed.
ATMs are widely available in San Salvador, especially in commercial areas, shopping malls, and bank branches. They dispense USD. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and shops (Visa and MasterCard are most common). Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card suspensions.
Daily Costs (USD): $30 - $50. Stay in hostels, eat street food and local eateries, use public buses for transport, and focus on free or low-cost attractions.
Dorm beds $10-15; pupusas $2-5; bus fares $0.25-0.50.
Limited comfort and privacy; reliance on local transport may be slower.
Daily Costs (USD): $60 - $120. Stay in mid-range hotels, dine at casual restaurants, use taxis/ride-shares, and enjoy organized day tours.
Hotel rooms $40-80; meals $10-20; taxis $5-15.
Higher costs than budget options; some planning needed for tours.
Daily Costs (USD): $150+. Stay in high-end hotels, enjoy fine dining, use private cars, and partake in specialized experiences.
Hotels $100-250+; meals $30-70+; private cars $80-150.
Highest spending; less immersion in local public life.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range / Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10 - $50 (Dorm/Guesthouse) | $50 - $300+ (Hotel) |
| Meals | $1 - $10 (Street Food/Local Eatery) | $10 - $70+ (Casual/Fine Dining) |
| Transportation | $0.25 - $5 (Bus/Inter-city) | $3 - $35 (Taxi/Ride-share/Airport Shuttle) |
Prioritizing your well-being remains important for a worry-free trip. San Salvador, like any major city, calls for awareness and preparation. This section gives detailed information to help you stay healthy and secure.
Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip. Yellow Fever certificate may be needed if arriving from risk areas. Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid are often recommended.
Drink only bottled/purified water. Avoid ice, raw food, unpeeled fruits. Carry Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication.
Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika are present. Use Insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants.
Sunburn/Heatstroke: Strong tropical sun. Use Sunscreen SPF 50+, wear Wide-brimmed hats, hydrate with Bottled water. Seek shade during peak sun hours.
Drinking Water: Tap water is generally not safe. Rely on bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Consider a Water purification bottle with filter for sustainability.
Food Hygiene: Be cautious with street food; many vendors offer delicious and safe options. Observe preparation. Pick food that is fresh, hot, and prepared in a clean environment. Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits from questionable sources.
Access to Healthcare: Several private hospitals with good facilities are available. Pharmacies are widespread. Call 911 for general emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
Policy should cover medical treatment, hospital stays, and emergency medical evacuation. Check coverage limits and pre-existing condition clauses.
Look for coverage that includes trip cancellation, interruption, or delay due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cover theft or loss of luggage/electronics. Verify policy covers adventure activities like volcano hiking or surfing. World Nomads and SafetyWing are good options.
Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is a concern, especially in crowded areas. El Salvador has seen a significant reduction in overall crime rates, especially homicides.
El Salvador sits in an active seismic zone. Be aware of earthquake safety procedures (Drop, Cover, Hold On).
San Salvador Volcano is dormant, but monitor local news for advisories if hiking volcanoes.
Rainy season (May-Oct) brings localized urban flooding and landslides. Avoid driving/walking through flooded streets.
Dial 911 for Police, Fire, Ambulance. Save your country's embassy/consulate contact info. Share itinerary with a trusted person at home.
