El Salvador in May

Dry season runs November through April—perfect weather, but also peak crowds and prices. December through February brings the most consistent surf swells and clearest volcano views. March and April heat up considerably, especially inland. But here's the secret: early dry season in November offers ideal conditions with fewer tourists. Rainy season from May to October shouldn't scare you off completely. Mornings often stay clear, afternoon downpours cool things off, and accommodation prices drop 30-40%. Just avoid September and October when storms hit hardest. Surf works year-round, though swells get bigger and more consistent during Northern Hemisphere winter. For volcano hiking, any dry season month works, but January and February offer the clearest summit views. Coffee harvest season runs December through March if you want to see the process firsthand in mountain towns like Apaneca.