San Salvador Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in San Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
San Salvador has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1661 mm (65 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, September receives substantial rainfall, averaging 322 mm (13 in) of precipitation, recorded across 29 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January brings less rainfall, with 4.1 mm (0.2 in) over 4 rainy days.
September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). The city receives 181 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 33°C (91°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our San Salvador Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
41-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in July
Explore San Salvador's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for San Salvador spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in El Salvador: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across El Salvador. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
San Salvador vs World: Rainfall Compared
San Salvador's average annual precipitation is 1661 mm (65 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including San Salvador:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about San Salvador's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our San Salvador Climate page.
