San Salvador in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in San Salvador

30°C (86°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, perfect for outdoor exploration
Comfortable evening temperatures around 18°C (65°F) make walking tours and street food hunting ideal after 5pm
Clear mountain visibility for volcano tours - November offers the best views of Volcán de San Salvador and Cerro Verde with minimal cloud cover
Día de los Muertos celebrations extend into early November with authentic cemetery visits and traditional food festivals throughout the capital

Considerations

Intense midday heat reaches 30°C (86°F) with 70% humidity, making outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
High UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable walking time during peak hours
Tourist shoulder season means some mountain lodges and tour operators have reduced schedules compared to December peak season

Best Activities in November

Volcán de San Salvador Crater Tours

November's clear skies offer unobstructed views into El Boquerón crater and across the capital valley. Morning temperatures stay comfortable at 22°C (72°F) at 1,800m (5,905 ft) elevation. The dry season means stable hiking conditions on the 2 km (1.2 mile) rim trail.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (7am-11am) to avoid afternoon heat. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD. Look for operators with transportation from central San Salvador. Best booked 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides.

Historic Centro Walking Tours

November evenings are perfect for exploring Plaza Barrios, Teatro Nacional, and Asuncion when temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) after 5pm. The dry weather means outdoor café seating and extended evening hours at historic sites.

Booking Tip: Schedule tours for 4pm-7pm to catch golden hour photography and avoid midday heat. Cultural tours range $15-30 USD. Book through certified historical guides for authentic stories about the 1980s civil war period.

Ruta de las Flores Day Trips

The mountain towns of Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco enjoy cooler November temperatures at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation. Coffee harvest season is in full swing, offering farm tours and fresh roasting demonstrations. Clear roads and minimal rainfall make the winding mountain drive safe.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $45-70 USD including transportation and coffee tastings. Weekend food festivals in Juayúa run November-January. Book Thursday-Sunday for maximum cultural activities.

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site Visits

The 'Pompeii of the Americas' is best visited in November's dry conditions when the covered excavation sites stay comfortable. Morning visits at 8am avoid both crowds and heat while maintaining good lighting for photography of the preserved Maya village.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3 USD, guided tours add $10-15 USD. Combine with nearby Colombia ruins for a half-day archaeological experience. No advance booking required but arrive by 9am for English-speaking guides.

Lake Coatepeque Sunset Tours

November's clear skies create perfect conditions for sunset viewing over this volcanic crater lake. Water activities like kayaking are comfortable in the warm lake temperatures, and lakeside restaurants extend outdoor seating hours due to pleasant evening weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips including lake activities cost $35-60 USD. Afternoon departures (2pm) allow for swimming and sunset viewing. Book with operators offering life jackets and insurance coverage.

Pupuseria Food Tours

November's comfortable evening temperatures make outdoor pupuseria hopping ideal. Local markets extend hours and weekend food festivals celebrate traditional cooking. The dry weather means street food vendors operate at full capacity with expanded seating areas.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours (5pm-9pm) cost $20-35 USD including tastings at 4-6 locations. Look for tours that include Guatemalacity and local neighborhoods. Book tours that provide cultural context about Salvadoran cuisine history.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Día de los Difuntos Cemetery Celebrations

Extended Day of the Dead celebrations at Cementerio La Bermeja and Cementerio Los Ilustres feature traditional flower markets, candlelit vigils, and family gatherings. Local families welcome respectful visitors to learn about Salvadoran memorial traditions.

All November

Festival Gastronómico Noviembre

Month-long celebration of Salvadoran cuisine across the capital's markets and restaurants. Special focus on traditional November foods like ayote en miel and seasonal tamales. Cooking demonstrations and food competitions happen weekend afternoons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton or linen - protects from sun while staying cool in 70% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for volcano hiking and cobblestone historic streets

Light sweater or jacket for evening temperatures that drop to 18°C (65°F) in mountain towns

Quick-dry clothes for brief afternoon showers that occur on 10 days throughout the month

Insect repellent with DEET for evening outdoor dining and lakeside activities

Portable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in 30°C (86°F) midday heat

Waterproof phone case for lake activities and unexpected rain showers

Cash in small bills - many local food vendors and markets don't accept cards

Lightweight daypack for volcano hikes and market visits

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-10am or after 4pm when locals are active - midday heat empties the streets and many shops close 12pm-2pm

November is coffee harvest season - visit working farms in Ruta de las Guatemala on weekdays to see actual processing, not just tourist demonstrations

Local buses (chicken buses) run extended evening schedules in November due to comfortable weather - costs $0.25 USD vs $15+ taxi rides

Many volcano tour guides offer discounts for early morning bookings in November since afternoon heat makes hiking uncomfortable for most tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing during 11am-3pm when locals avoid the heat and many attractions offer limited shade

Packing only summer clothes - November evenings in mountain areas drop significantly and indoor spaces use strong air conditioning

Booking accommodation without air conditioning - November humidity makes sleeping uncomfortable even when temperatures seem moderate