The climate of San Marcos
San Marcos in
El Salvador is governed by a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, identified by the Köppen climate classification as "Aw". Being positioned in the tropics results in year-round warm temperatures, with minimal variation across seasons. Variability, however, manifests more significantly in the distribution of rainfall throughout the year.
The region maintains average high temperatures above 29°C (84.2°F) every month, peaking at 33.4°C (92.1°F) in both
March and
April. The year-round warmth is balanced by the lower night-time temperatures, which dip to 19°C (66.2°F) in
January, gradually rise to 22.6°C (72.7°F) by
May, and subsequently hover around 21°C (69.8°F) for the remainder of the year. Rainfall patterns show a stark contrast between the dry and wet seasons. The driest months are January and
February, receiving only 2mm (0.08") and 7mm (0.28") of rainfall correspondingly, followed by a steady rise in rainfall from March to
October, the rainiest month being May with 267mm (10.51"). Relative humidity also follows this trend, increasing from 64% in January to a peak of 82% in
September and October.
Although the region enjoys ample daylight throughout the year, with a minimum of 11.3 hours in
December and a peak of 12.9 hours in
June, the amount of sunshine varies. The highest sunshine hours are observed in April, recording 11.3 hours per day, while the minimum is in October with 8.3 hours. Wind speeds remain fairly low throughout the year. The annual average pressure remains steady, ranging from 1011.3mb to 1013.6mb.
The best time to visit San Marcos
The best time to visit
San Marcos largely depends on personal preferences. For those who prefer warm and dry conditions,
January and
February offer the lowest amount of rainfall, with readings only up to 7mm (0.28"), along with the lowest relative humidity of 64%. However, the likelihood of maximum sunshine hours, higher daylight hours, and slightly cooler temperatures might make
March and
April a more attractive choice for some.
The worst time to visit San Marcos
Preferably, the period between
May and
October should be avoided due to the high volume of rainfall, peaking at 267mm (10.51") in May. This period also experiences the year's highest levels of humidity, between 76% to 82%. Furthermore, the diminished sunshine hours, particularly in
September and October, make these months less favorable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in San Marcos
Spring months bring a surge in temperatures in
San Marcos. From
February to
April, the average high temperature rises from 32.4°C (90.3°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F). However, nighttime temperatures remain comfortable, increasing from 20°C (68°F) in February to 22.5°C (72.5°F) in April. Although
March witnesses an increase in rainfall compared to February, the volume remains relatively low at 6mm (0.24"). Sunshine hours increase during this period, with April recording 11.3 hours of sunshine per day, the highest throughout the year.
Summer weather in San Marcos
Summers in
San Marcos, extending from
May to
July, mark the onset of the wet season. Rainfall climbs significantly, reaching a high of 267mm (10.51") in May and decreases slightly thereafter. Amid these conditions, temperatures maintain their warmth, with highs from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F) and lows from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F). Despite the high level of rainfall, the area still enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, with an average of 10.7 hours in May and 10.4 hours in
June.
Autumn weather in San Marcos
The autumn months of
August to
October in
San Marcos continue with excessive rainfall, although the volume slightly decreases from the summer months, with October recording 223mm (8.78"). The period is characterized by a high relative humidity level, reaching 82% in
September and October. Simultaneously, the average high temperature reduces from 31.6°C (88.9°F) in August to 29.7°C (85.5°F) in October, while the average minimum temperature remains steady around 21°C (69.8°F).
Winter weather in San Marcos
The winter months from
November to
January present a respite from the wet conditions, with rainfall dropping to 42mm (1.65") in November and further to 6mm (0.24") in January. The reduction in rainfall corresponds with a decrease in relative humidity to 75% in November and 69% in
December. Notwithstanding the term 'winter', temperatures remain warm with average highs from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F) and lows from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 19°C (66.2°F).
Weather in January
Weather in February
Moving into
February,
San Marcos experiences a slight rise in temperature compared to
January. February brings a pleasant mix of sun and clouds, presenting an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities. The city faces an increased downpour with an average of 7mm (0.28") of rainfall spread across almost four days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March carries similar weather patterns to
February, while showing a slight increase in temperature and rainfall. The warm days of March coupled with an average UV index of 7 may require wearing sunblock for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April tags along with increased rainfall and warmer temperatures compared to its preceding month,
March. It is during this month that the wet season sets in, indicated by a considerable jump in rain from 6mm (0.24") in March to 53mm (2.09").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May presents a dramatic increase in rainfall to 267mm (10.51"); a significant upsurge from 53mm (2.09") experienced in
April. This heavy rain, covering over 26 days, coupled with decreased sunshine hours, is a clear sign of the peak wet season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather dynamics in
June exhibit a slight moderation compared to
May. While the month maintains the momentum of the wet season with 179mm (7.05") rainfall across 26 days, this is less than the previous record of 267mm (10.51"). Even so, this rainfall is substantial, and cloud cover of 39% persists.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Intensifying a notch lower,
July emulates
June, yet with a slightly lower rainfall of 120mm (4.72") spread over about 24 days. It's worth noting that the consistency of rain in July implies the enduring wet season. Subsequently, the humidity decreases marginally and the temperature sustains a similar range as June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August follows the consistent rainfall trend seen in
July with a slight increase in the rainfall to 161mm (6.34") over nearly 25 days. The weather remains quite warm, similar to what July has to offer. Despite the consistent rain, average daylight hours of approximately 12.6 hours provide considerable time for daily activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks a peak in cloud cover with 41%, somewhat reducing the sunlight hours during the day. Meanwhile, the month holds on to the wet season pattern, with 150mm (5.91") of rainfall across approximately 26 days. Equal energy balancing through wind is less operational as wind speed drops to an average value of 4.5 KPH.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
San Marcos experiences the peak of the wet season with the highest level of rainfall at 223mm (8.78") over roughly 24 days. Comparatively, temperature ranges remain consistent with the previous month but a notable drop begins.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November introduces a noticeable shift in weather conditions as rainfall significantly drops to 42mm (1.65") over approximately 13 days. The city witnesses a reduction in cloud cover, signifying the end of the wet season and the beginning of the drier months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Arriving at the final month of the year,
December embraces the cooler and drier season with an average low temperature of 19.1°C (66.4°F). December records the lowest rainfall of the year at 6mm (0.24") over nearly three days, indicating the complete shift to the dry season.
Weather in December »