Salvador has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am) with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct rainy season from April to July. The city sits on the Atlantic coast of Bahia at 13°S latitude, meaning seasonal variation is driven by rainfall, not temperature. The annual average temperature is 25.2°C (77.4°F) with monthly averages varying just 3°C between the coolest and warmest months.
Salvador Weather in January
January is the warmest month. Daytime highs average 30°C (86°F) with lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is moderate at 100mm over 12 rainy days. The Atlantic sea temperature is 27°C (81°F). Seven hours of daily sunshine. Humidity at 80%. This is peak summer holiday season for Brazilians. The Festa do Bonfim in mid-January draws massive crowds.
Salvador Weather in February
February matches January: highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is 122mm over 13 days. Sea temperature stays at 28°C (82°F), the warmest of the year. Seven hours of sunshine. The week leading to Ash Wednesday brings Carnival, the world’s largest street party, filling every hotel in the city.
Salvador Weather in March
March remains hot and humid. Highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is 166mm over 16 days. Sea temperature at 28°C (82°F). Seven hours of sunshine. Rain frequency increases as the wet season approaches. Prices drop sharply after Carnival ends.
Salvador Weather in April
April starts the rainy season. Highs drop slightly to 29°C (84°F) with lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall jumps to 276mm over 20 rainy days, the second-wettest month. Sea temperature cools to 28°C (82°F). Six hours of sunshine. Humidity reaches 83%. The heavy showers typically fall in afternoon bursts, leaving mornings partly clear. Hotel rates reach their annual low.
Salvador Weather in May
May is the wettest month. Highs average 28°C (82°F) and lows 22°C (72°F). Rainfall peaks at 303mm over 22 rainy days. Sea temperature at 27°C (81°F). Five hours of sunshine. Humidity at 84%. This is the least appealing month for beach holidays. The museums and churches of Pelourinho become the default activity.
Salvador Weather in June
June brings the last of the heavy rain. Highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is 225mm over 19 days. Sea temperature drops to 26°C (79°F). Five hours of sunshine. The Festas Juninas (June festivals) with forro music, bonfires and traditional food spread across the city, particularly in the Rio Vermelho district.
Salvador Weather in July
July marks the transition to the dry season. Highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 21°C (70°F). Rainfall drops to 181mm over 18 days. Sea temperature at 26°C (79°F). Six hours of sunshine. The shoulder season begins as rain tapers and hotel rates remain moderate.
Salvador Weather in August
August is cooler but drier. Highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). Rainfall falls to 128mm over 15 days. Sea temperature at 25°C (77°F). Six hours of sunshine. Humidity drops to 79%. This is the coolest month by average temperature, though “cool” in Salvador still means 27°C (81°F).
Salvador Weather in September
September brings the dry season properly. Highs climb to 28°C (82°F) and lows to 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is 100mm over 12 days. Sea temperature at 25°C (77°F). Seven hours of sunshine. An excellent month for combining beach time with Pelourinho walking tours.
Salvador Weather in October
October warms back up. Highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is 97mm over 11 days. Sea temperature at 26°C (79°F). Seven hours of sunshine. One of the best months overall: manageable rain, warm sea, and hotel prices still below the December-February peak.
Salvador Weather in November
November sees summer return. Highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is 114mm over 12 days. Sea temperature at 26°C (79°F). Seven hours of sunshine. The pre-Carnival events begin in late November.
Salvador Weather in December
December is peak summer. Highs reach 30°C (86°F), lows 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is 112mm over 11 days. Sea temperature warms to 27°C (81°F). Seven hours of sunshine. The Reveillon (New Year’s Eve) mega-party on the beaches draws 2 million people. Hotel rates peak alongside the summer holidays.
Salvador Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (°C/°F) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 100 | 12 | 27 / 81 | 7 |
| Feb | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 122 | 13 | 28 / 82 | 7 |
| Mar | 30 / 86 | 24 / 75 | 166 | 16 | 28 / 82 | 7 |
| Apr | 29 / 84 | 23 / 73 | 276 | 20 | 28 / 82 | 6 |
| May | 28 / 82 | 22 / 72 | 303 | 22 | 27 / 81 | 5 |
| Jun | 27 / 81 | 22 / 72 | 225 | 19 | 26 / 79 | 5 |
| Jul | 27 / 81 | 21 / 70 | 181 | 18 | 26 / 79 | 6 |
| Aug | 27 / 81 | 21 / 70 | 128 | 15 | 25 / 77 | 6 |
| Sep | 28 / 82 | 22 / 72 | 100 | 12 | 25 / 77 | 7 |
| Oct | 29 / 84 | 23 / 73 | 97 | 11 | 26 / 79 | 7 |
| Nov | 29 / 84 | 23 / 73 | 114 | 12 | 26 / 79 | 7 |
| Dec | 30 / 86 | 23 / 73 | 112 | 11 | 27 / 81 | 7 |
