Salvador enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with little temperature variation year-round. Expect warm, humid weather, with daytime highs from 26°C to 31°C and nights rarely below 21°C. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, abundant sunshine, and warm sea temperatures, making it a vibrant destination for beach lovers and culture seekers alike.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Salvador’s climate is shaped by its coastal location and proximity to the equator, resulting in consistently warm temperatures and high humidity. The city experiences two main seasons: a rainy season from April to July and a drier period from September to February. Daytime highs range from 26°C in July and August to 31°C in January and February, while nighttime lows rarely fall below 21°C. The lowest temperature ever recorded is just 13.3°C, so cold weather is virtually unknown here.
The wettest months are April, May, and June, each receiving over 200 mm of rain, with May often topping 300 mm. Rain typically falls in short, heavy bursts, but sunny intervals are frequent, and lush greenery thrives during this period. The driest months are December and January, with less than 80 mm of rain each. Sunshine is generous year-round, peaking at 8–8.5 hours per day in January and dipping to about 5.5–6 hours in June. Humidity averages 80–85% but is tempered by steady sea breezes. The Atlantic Ocean remains warm for swimming all year, with sea temperatures ranging from 25°C in July to 28°C in March and April. Winds are generally light to moderate, averaging 7–12 km/h, but can be stronger during storms.
| Average climate data for Salvador, Brazil | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 136 | 140 | 150 | 310 | 355 | 245 | 173 | 128 | 102 | 115 | 136 | 141 | 2,131 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 173 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 79 | 79 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 82 | 81 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 81 | 81 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
The best time to visit Salvador is from September to March, when rainfall is lower, temperatures are warm (28–31°C), and sunshine is abundant. These months are perfect for enjoying the city’s beaches, festivals, and outdoor attractions. The sea is warm and inviting, and the city is at its liveliest, especially during Carnival in February or March.
The least favourable time to visit is from April to July, the peak of the rainy season. Heavy, frequent downpours can disrupt outdoor plans and sightseeing, though the city remains warm and lush. While there are still sunny intervals, travellers should expect more rain and pack accordingly. This period is quieter, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Yes, Salvador has a distinct wet season from April to July, with May and June being the rainiest months. The drier season runs from September to February, with much less rainfall and more sunshine.
Daytime highs in Salvador range from 26°C in July and August to 31°C in January and February. Nights are warm, rarely dropping below 21°C, and the lowest temperature ever recorded is 13.3°C.
Yes, humidity in Salvador is consistently high, averaging 80–85%. The tropical air is tempered by steady sea breezes, making the climate feel comfortable for most visitors.
January is the sunniest month, with up to 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. Even in the wettest months, Salvador enjoys several hours of sun daily, making it a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
Absolutely. Sea temperatures in Salvador range from 25°C in July to 28°C in March and April, making swimming possible and pleasant at any time of year.
No, cold weather is virtually unknown in Salvador. The lowest recorded temperature is 13.3°C, and even in the coolest months, daytime highs stay around 26°C.
Bring light, breathable clothing, sun protection, a hat, and a rain jacket or umbrella, especially if visiting during the wet season. Comfortable sandals and swimwear are essentials for enjoying the beaches.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is March (29.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is August (26.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 28.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is March (23.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is August (21.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 22.7 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is March (28.5 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is September (25.7 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 27.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is May (354.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is September (102.4 mm). Over the whole year there are 2,130.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is May (20.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is October (9.9 days). Over the whole year there are 172.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is May (83.9 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is February (78.6 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 80.9 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are January and December (Average daylight: 12.1 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are June and July (Average daylight: 11 h). Over the whole year there are 11.6 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is February (Average sunshine: 8 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 5.1 h). Over the whole year there are 6.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March, September, October, November and December (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 8). Over the whole year the average UV index is 10.8.
