December is dry and warm, though inland highlands are cooler at night. Holiday travel increases around Christmas, especially at beach resorts. Expect busy domestic travel and some higher seasonal prices.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across El Salvador in December.
La Libertad, El Tunco, El Zonte, Costa del Sol
December returns to sunny, low-humidity conditions with cool mornings and warm afternoons-ideal for long beach days and sunset sessions in El Tunco and El Zonte. The surf is reliable, local businesses are busy with holiday visitors, and restaurants are fully open; book accommodations early for holiday weeks. Pack a light sweater for ocean breezes at night and expect bustling beach towns and lively weekend crowds.
San Salvador, Santa Tecla, Antiguo Cuscatlán, Suchitoto
December is pleasantly dry and cool in the valley, with holiday crowds in San Salvador but generally comfortable weather for urban sightseeing and day trips to Suchitoto or Lake Coatepeque. Evenings can be cool, especially up toward the volcanoes, so pack a midweight jacket for nighttime events and markets. This month is popular for local travel, so book accommodations early if your trip coincides with national holidays.
Santa Ana, Cerro Verde, Izalco, Coatepeque, Apaneca/Ataco coffee towns
December is cool and mostly dry - perfect for wandering Ataco’s murals and booking multi-day treks to Santa Ana without the worry of afternoon storms. Nights can be chilly at elevation, so a sweater or light jacket is useful, especially for dawn summit photos over Coatepeque. This is a busy time for local tourism, so reserve popular lodgings early for holiday weeks.
Chalatenango, Cabañas, Suchitoto hinterlands
December is pleasantly dry and cool in the northern highlands, with clean air and excellent visibility from ridge roads and viewpoints. This month suits extended rural travel, cultural festivals and canoeing on calmer lakes, but nights can be chilly so a warm layer is recommended. Expect more local tourists on holiday weekends, so plan stays accordingly.
La Unión, La Palma, Usulután, Jiquilisco Biosphere
December’s dry, balmy weather makes coastal travel straightforward - perfect for exploring La Unión’s waterfront, visiting Conchagua, or taking extended boat trips in the bay. Tourist services are busy around holidays but reliable, and clear skies make sunrise views over the gulf memorable. Pack sun gear and a light jacket for coastal breezes at night, and book popular eco-tours in advance for holiday periods.
There are no major festivals or events in El Salvador during December to be aware of.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.