San Salvador
Capital of El Salvador
San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador, with a population of about 330,543 as of 2024. Visitors to the city primarily explore its architectural and cultural landmarks, including historic government buildings and religious sites.
What to see
The city features several prominent landmarks. The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador and the National Palace are central sites that highlight the city's architectural character. Additionally, the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo serves as a notable point of interest within the capital.
When to go
The dry season, spanning from November through March, offers the most favorable conditions for visiting. During these months, rainfall is minimal, ranging from 2 mm to 41 mm, with only 2 to 13 rainy days per month. Daily temperatures are consistent throughout the year, with highs generally between 27 °C and 30 °C and lows between 18 °C and 21 °C. Travelers should be prepared for significant rainfall from May through October, as these months experience frequent precipitation, peaking in September with 398 mm of rain over about 29 days.
Getting there
San Salvador is served by two main airports. Ilopango International Airport is the closest option, located 8 km away within the city. For international connections, El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez is located 32 km from the city in San Luis Talpa.
Top sights in San Salvador
Weather by month
The warmest month is March, with an average high of 30 °C. The wettest is September, with about 398 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Average low, °C | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 |
| Rainfall, mm | 2 | 4 | 11 | 44 | 198 | 337 | 367 | 345 | 398 | 235 | 41 | 9 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 25 | 27 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 13 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for San Salvador (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.