The climate of Acajutla
Located on the Pacific coast of
El Salvador,
Acajutla experiences a tropical savannah climate, often referred to as Aw in the Köppen climate classification. This predominance is marked by a wet-dry seasonal variance that shows up in both temperature and precipitation trends.
Acajutla's climate is defined by a nearly uniform high temperature fluctuating from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F) throughout the year. The cooler temperatures don't lag far behind, consistently ranging from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). This leads to relatively stable year-round temperatures, providing a sense of predictability when it comes to planning for weather in Acajutla.
Relative humidity varies slightly over the year, with the values fluctuating between 65% to 76%. Wind speeds remain gentle to moderate, averaging between 9km/h (5.6mph) to 13.1km/h (8.1mph), with the highest gusts not exceeding 19.5km/h (12.1mph). While the cloud cover percentage increases from 13% to a peak of 37% during the wet season, it returns to minimum levels during the dry period.
A sharp distinction is noticeable in the precipitation trends. During the rainy season, from
April to
October, rainfall can reach up to 160mm (6.3") monthly, with nearly 26 rainy days in a month, particularly between
May to
September. During the dry season, from
November to
March, rainfall drops significantly, with a record of only 1mm (0.04") in
February, culminating in a clear demarcation between the wet and dry periods.
The best time to visit Acajutla
Considering the climatic variables, the optimal time to visit
Acajutla would be during the drier months, specifically between
November and
March. During this period, rainfall is minimal, standing at a maximum of 6mm (0.24") in March and as low as 1mm (0.04") in
February, with only 2 to 3 rainy days in a month. Furthermore, the temperatures are comfortable, ranging from a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F) to a low of 24.4°C (75.9°F).
Sunshine hours also lean on the higher side during these months, registering close to 8.6 to 11.5 hours per day. Additionally, the UV index remains at a constant 7, making it crucial for visitors to wear sunscreen and hats during their visit. Sea temperatures are comfortable as well, circling around 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 30°C (86°F), inviting for swimming or other water-based activities.
The worst time to visit Acajutla
The months between
April and
October register the highest rainfall, making them less suitable for a visit to
Acajutla. Specifically, the period from
May to
September proves challenging due to the increased precipitation levels, reaching up to 160mm (6.3") in September alone, with an average of 25 rainy days in a month.
Furthermore, temperatures soar up during these months, with high temperatures up to 30.6°C (87.1°F) and lows of 26.4°C (79.5°F). Coupled with high relative humidity levels, it could lead to discomfort for some visitors.
Spring weather in Acajutla
Spring season in
Acajutla, spanning from
March to
May, marks a transition from the dry to rainy season. Rainfall begins to increase in March, jumping from 6mm (0.24") to 28mm (1.1") in
April and eventually reaching 125mm (4.92") by May. With this increase in precipitation, the number of rainy days rises from roughly 7 in March to 14.5 in April and soars up to 25.3 by May.
Temperatures remain uniformly high throughout spring. The lowest temperature during spring ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), whereas the highest temperature slightly fluctuates from 30.1°C (86.2°F) in March to 30.4°C (86.7°F) in May.
Summer weather in Acajutla
Summer, which happens from
June to
August in
Acajutla, falls within the rainy season. Rainfall peaks, registering between 84mm (3.31") to 138mm (5.43") during these months, with June and August witnessing more than 25 days of precipitation.
Notwithstanding the rainfall, temperatures remain consistently high, with an average high temperature of 30.2°C (86.4°F) in June, dropping slightly to 30°C (86°F) and 29.2°C (84.6°F) in
July and August, respectively.
Autumn weather in Acajutla
Autumn in
Acajutla, extending from
September to
November, experiences a reduction in rainfall from 160mm (6.3") in September to 17mm (0.67") by November. November marks the end of the rainy season, with the number of rainy days declining from 25.7 in September to merely 8.7 by November.
Temperatures continue to be uniform across the season, with maximum temperatures varying from 29.2°C (84.6°F) in September to 30.1°C (86.2°F) by November.
Winter weather in Acajutla
The winter season in
Acajutla is characterized by little to no rainfall and comfortable temperatures.
December marks the driest month, with just 3mm (0.12") of rainfall recorded and an average of 2.6 rainy days. High temperatures in December and
January rest around 30.1°C (86.2°F), declining to 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
February, making the winter months pleasantly warm. The lower temperatures range from 24.4°C (75.9°F) in December to 23.8°C (74.8°F) in February. With such conditions, winter can be a delightful time to visit Acajutla.
Weather in January
Coming off from
December,
January kicks in with a subtly lower daytime temperature, which marks the cool season in
Acajutla,
El Salvador. The city experiences a slight drop in humidity, signifying a somewhat dry atmosphere. Daylight is relatively short, making the days seem shorter and the nights longer.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather forecast for
February shows a slow and steady rise in temperature from
January. Despite the increase, conditions remain cool and less oppressive. With respect to the rain forecast, precipitation levels increase mildly to 4mm (0.16") across three days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving further into the year, the weather in
March shows a clear trend towards warmer conditions. The temperature increase, coupled with sustained humidity, presents a moist and somewhat sultry environment. There is a marked rise in rainfall, reaching 6mm (0.24"), spread over six days in the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a notable shift in the climatic conditions of
Acajutla, characterised by warm tropical temperatures. Rainfall dramatically spikes to an average of 28mm (1.1"), significantly higher than previous months. The high humidity contributes to a balmy atmosphere, while the increased cloud coverage signals the balance shift towards the wet season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the maiden month of the wet season in
Acajutla. The rainfall peaks dramatically to a hefty 125mm (4.92"), dispersed over an average of 25 days. The overall atmosphere is predominantly rainy and humid, providing a stark contrast to the dry start of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June maintains the established rhythm of a wet season with high rainfall averaging 138mm (5.43") throughout the month. Despite a small increment in temperature, the combination of high humidity and continuing cloud coverage gives an impression of a climate remaining in good balance.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In contrast to the preceding months,
July brings a drop in rainfall to 84mm (3.31"), offering some respite from the peak wet period. Despite the easing of rainfall, the city remains quite cloudy, maintaining a damp environment. It is still a relatively rainy month prolonging the wet season trend.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August showcases a reintroduction to higher rainfall records, averaging around 125mm (4.92"). The month extends the trend of the prevailing wet season in
Acajutla. As the wet season approaches its tail-end, the city gets even fewer hours of sunlight.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is the wettest month in
Acajutla, with the highest recorded rainfall of 140mm (5.51") across approximately 25 days. The wet season continues in full swing with limited sunshine hours and high humidity, soothing the warm air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October rolls in, the climate becomes slightly drier with a notable reduction in rainfall to 160mm (6.3"). Despite the decrease, showers remain frequent. While most of the city still sees cloudy skies, an increased number of clear days offers a glimpse of sunnier times.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signals the end of the wet season in
Acajutla. Rainfall drops dramatically to 17mm (0.67") over a mere eight days, presenting a stark contrast to the preceding months. Despite the easing of downpours, skies remain partly cloudy with moderate sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December concludes the year with a return to significantly drier conditions. The rainfall experienced is minimal at 3mm (0.12") across just over two days. Lastly, the month sees a drop in both day and night temperatures, maintaining a comfortably cool ambiance.
Weather in December »