San Salvador in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in San Salvador

30°C (87°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - December sits in the sweet spot with minimal rainfall (only 0 mm total) but afternoon clouds that break the heat, making outdoor exploration comfortable from 7am-4pm
Christmas and New Year festivities transform the city - local celebrations blend with international holiday spirit, creating unique cultural experiences like posadas processions and elaborate nativity displays in Plaza Barrios
Ideal hiking conditions for volcanic expeditions - cooler morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) and clear skies provide perfect visibility for Volcán de San Salvador and Boquerón crater hikes before afternoon heat builds
School vacation period means locals are out celebrating - authentic cultural immersion as Salvadorans enjoy their summer break with beach trips, family gatherings, and neighborhood festivals that visitors can join

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs jump 40-60% compared to September/October, and popular restaurants require reservations 2-3 days ahead instead of walk-ins
Afternoon heat can be intense - temperatures peak at 30°C (87°F) with 70% humidity between 1-4pm, making midday city walking uncomfortable without strategic planning for shade and air conditioning breaks
Crowded attractions and longer lines - major sites like Joya de Cerén and Suchitoto fill with both international visitors and domestic holiday travelers, doubling typical wait times

Best Activities in December

Volcán de San Salvador Crater Hiking

December's dry conditions and cool mornings (18°C/64°F at 6am) make this the ideal month for the 2-hour hike to Boquerón crater. Clear skies offer spectacular views across the Pacific, and the lack of rain means safer footing on volcanic trails. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon heat buildup at 1,893m (6,211ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides (typically $25-35 per person). Look for operators including transportation from San Salvador Centro and safety equipment. Early morning departures (6-7am) essential in December heat.

Suchitoto Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

The dry season preserves the cobblestone streets perfectly, while December's cultural calendar includes weekend artisan markets and impromptu street music performances. Morning temperatures (20°C/68°F) make the uphill colonial district exploration comfortable before midday heat arrives.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but cultural context tours ($15-25 per person) provide essential historical background. Book weekend visits 10 days ahead as domestic tourists fill hotels during school holidays. Allow 4-5 hours including Lago Suchitlán views.

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site Visits

UNESCO's 'Pompeii of the Americas' benefits from December's zero rainfall - no muddy paths obscuring the ancient Maya village structures. Morning visits (8-10am) offer comfortable viewing temperatures before the site becomes uncomfortably hot under metal viewing shelters.

Booking Tip: Arrive at 8am opening to beat tour groups (site gets crowded by 10am in December). Entry fee $3 for foreigners, guided tours available on-site for additional $5-8. Combine with nearby Colombia ruins for full-day archaeological experience.

Santa Ana Volcano Day Expeditions

The challenging 2-hour ascent to Ilamatepec crater rewards hikers with emerald lake views - December's clear conditions provide 90% visibility success rate compared to 40% during rainy months. Cool dawn temperatures (16°C/61°F) at the base make the strenuous climb manageable.

Booking Tip: Mandatory guided tours only ($8 entry plus guide fees $20-30). Book 3-4 days ahead through Santa Ana operators or San Salvador tour companies including transport (1.5-hour drive each way). Depart San Salvador by 5:30am for optimal conditions.

El Salvador Coffee Plantation Tours

December coincides with coffee harvest season - witness actual bean picking and processing rather than just touring empty facilities. Cool morning mountain air in Apaneca-Ilamatepec region (15°C/59°F at sunrise) creates perfect conditions for farm walks and outdoor tastings.

Booking Tip: Reserve harvest experience tours ($25-45 per person) 1-2 weeks ahead as December is peak harvest viewing time. Look for fincas offering bean-to-cup processes and traditional breakfast included. Transportation from San Salvador typically adds $15-25 per person.

Pacific Coast Beach Day Trips

December's offshore winds create ideal surfing conditions at El Tunco and La Libertad, while families enjoy calmer waters at Costa del Sol. Zero rainfall means consistent beach weather, though afternoon UV index of 8 requires sun protection planning.

Booking Tip: Day trips from San Salvador typically $35-50 including transport and lunch. Book midweek departures (Tuesday-Thursday) to avoid domestic weekend crowds. El Tunco for surfing/nightlife, Costa del Sol for family-friendly swimming. Allow 1.5-hour drive each way.

December Events & Festivals

December 16-24

Las Posadas Processions

Traditional December 16-24 reenactment of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, featuring neighborhood-to-neighborhood processions with traditional music, prayers, and communal meals. Join locals in Plaza Barrios or residential areas like Micronesia Escalón for authentic cultural immersion.

Early December through January 6

Feria de Navidad en Plaza Barrios

Central San Salvador's Christmas market transforms the main plaza with artisan crafts, traditional foods like nuegados and atol shuco, and live marimba performances. Evening visits (6-9pm) offer comfortable temperatures and full atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain requires grip, and morning dew on trails (even in dry season) makes surfaces slippery before 9am

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 daily, and altitude at volcano sites (1,500-2,000m/4,900-6,600ft) intensifies sun exposure

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - despite minimal rainfall, afternoon mountain clouds can produce brief showers during volcano hikes

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which becomes uncomfortable after 10am when temperatures rise

Insulated water bottle - stay hydrated in heat, but mountain morning temperatures (16°C/61°F) also require warm drinks during early starts

Portable phone charger - GPS essential for volcano hikes and rural areas, but heat drains batteries 30% faster than normal

Cash in small bills ($1, $5) - many archaeological sites and rural vendors don't break $20 bills, and December crowds exhaust change quickly

Comfortable walking sandals for evenings - feet swell in afternoon heat, and evening strolls through colonial districts require different footwear than hiking boots

Lightweight long-sleeve shirt - air-conditioned buses and restaurants maintain frigid temperatures (18°C/64°F) contrasting with outdoor heat

Anti-chafing balm - combination of heat, humidity, and increased walking during tourist season creates friction issues for unprepared visitors

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities by 7am and retreat to air conditioning 1-4pm - locals follow this rhythm religiously in December, and tourist sites are nearly empty during early morning hours

Book accommodations in Zona Rosa or Santa Elena for December - these areas have reliable backup generators during peak-season power demands, unlike older downtown hotels

Carry toilet paper everywhere - December tourist influx overwhelms public restrooms at archaeological sites and mountain trail stops, and vendors run out of supplies quickly

December 24-26 sees complete business closures including restaurants and tour operators - stock up on snacks and plan indoor hotel activities during this period when even convenience stores shut down

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting volcano hikes after 10am in December heat - afternoon temperatures of 30°C (87°F) at sea level translate to dangerous conditions at altitude, yet tourists consistently ignore early start recommendations

Underestimating December crowd levels because it's 'Central America' - domestic tourism during school holidays creates unexpectedly long lines and fully booked accommodations, especially weekends

Assuming all businesses maintain normal hours during December 15-January 8 holiday period - family priorities override tourist services, and many restaurants and tour operators have reduced availability