San Salvador Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in San Salvador. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

San Salvador is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1661 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The seasons in San Salvador, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, September, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 322 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 29 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 4.1 mm over 4 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

September, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C and receives 181 hours of sunshine. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 33°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our San Salvador Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in El Salvador

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

San Salvador’s average annual precipitation is 1661 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

For more detailed information about San Salvador’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our San Salvador Climate page.