El Salvador San Salvador

When To Go

San Salvador has a semi-tropical climate all year round with temperatures hovering around 30°C. The dry season is Nov-Apr when daytime temperatures can be high. The rainy season, May-Oct, is characterised by mostly evening and nocturnal showers. The city suffers from traffic-induced smog all year round depending on local weather conditions.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

Language

Spanish

Getting Local Currency

US dollar. The former local currency( colon) was phased out in 2003. You can obtain US dollar cash or exchange travellers cheques locally in banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) and may be able to obtain cash advances from a couple of ATMs in San Salvador. You should authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited.

Time Difference

GMT -6 hrs

Combines With

Just about anywhere in El Salvador, as the capital is a communications hub and the distances are small.

Getting There

There are flights via US and European hubs, the journey from London takes around taking around 15 hours.

Key Events

Holy Week (variable).
El Salvador del Mundo pageant: end July-early August. With processions, floats and church services celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration.
Dia del Indigena: 12 Dec. Processions honouring the Virgen de Guadelupe.