Salvador Holiday Weather Overview
Capital of the north-eastern Brazilian state of Bahia, Salvador hosts the largest carnival in the world, and is known as Brazil’s happiest city. Salvador is also famous for its colonial architecture and its historic centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil and the city is home to a lively and eclectic arts and cultural scene.
Salvador’s Climate
Salvador enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, which means that it’s hot and humid all year round. There’s very little temperature variation throughout the year, and although there are “wet” and “dry” seasons, they should really be called “wet” and “wetter” seasons, as it rains quite a lot all year round.
Carnival in Salvador
The biggest tourist draw by far is Salvador’s annual carnival. Officially a five day extravaganza, pre- and post- carnival events usually turn it into a fortnight. Carnival takes place each February and the city is packed to bursting during this period, so book well in advance.
In February, the average daily high in Salvador is 30°C, although it can reach the mid 30s Celsius. Nights are a sticky and sultry 24°C, and humidity is around 79% which can make it uncomfortable to sleep - although you may be so worn out by the carnival that this won’t be an issue!
If you’re visiting Salvador for carnival week, take many changes of very lightweight summer clothing, and waterproof shoes. You’ll also need sunscreen and insect repellent, but don’t bother with an umbrella - the streets will be too crowded. Do as the Brazilians do and just dance in the rain!
Salvador’s Wettest Season
The wet season in Salvador is between March and August, with April and May being the wettest months. If you visit at the peak of the wet season, you can expect to experience rain on around 17-20 days of the month, typically in torrential but short lived downpours accompanied by thunderstorms. The average high temperature is 28°C with overnight lows in the low 20s Celsius.
Humidity during the wet season in Salvador can reach 84%, so bring many changes of clothing and remember to keep drinking water.
Salvador’s Driest Months
The driest months in Salvador are September and October, but these months still receive over 4 inches of rain each, with rain expected on at least 10 days of the month. Temperatures are similar to those in the rest of the year, with highs in the high 20s or low 30s Celsius and sultry nights in the low 20s.
January Festivals
Apart from carnival, January is the 2nd most popular month to visit Salvador. Two major festivals take place at this time - the Procissao no Mar on New Year’s Day, which celebrates the protectors of searfarers, and the Lavagem do Bonfim later in January, when hundreds of traditionally dressed women ritually clean and decorate the main church.
Best months to visit Salvador?
July and August are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Salvador. The weather averages gathered from Salvador weather forecast and Salvador weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 26°c and average of 93.13333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Salvador?
August and July are the coldest months with temperature at around 23°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Salvador?
May and April receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 259.62mm.
Travelling to Salvador? Check out our Weather averages of Salvador to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Salvador section.