About El Centro
El Centro is a city in and the county seat of Imperial County, California, United States. El Centro is the most populous city in the Imperial Valley, the east anchor of the Southern California Border Region, and the core urban area and principal city of the El Centro metropolitan area which encompasses all of Imperial County. El Centro is also the most populous U.S. city to lie entirely below sea level. The city, located in southeastern California, is 113 miles (182 km) from San Diego and less than 20 miles (32 km) from the Mexican city of Mexicali.
Places to visit in El Centro
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Imperial Sand Dunes
Nature · 31 mi from centreEast of El Centro, these vast rolling dunes are a major off-road vehicle destination. A designated wilderness area protects part of the dune field for hiking and photography.
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Salton Sea
Nature · 39 mi from centreA large saline lake north of the Imperial Valley, known for birdwatching at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge and the eerie landscapes of its shoreline communities.
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Bucklin Park
ParkEl Centro's main city park, with a small lake, walking paths, playgrounds and shaded picnic areas, offering a green spot for a stroll or a family break in the desert town.
Where to stay in El Centro
Popular hotels in El Centro, out of 21 properties you can book.
Cambria Hotel El Centro - Imperial
From $219 per night
Hampton Inn El Centro
From $191 per night
Comfort Inn Suites El Centro I 8
From $168 per night
Best Western El Centro Inn
From $181 per night
Holiday Inn Express El Centro
From $208 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites El Centro
From $202 per night
Calipatria Inn & Suites
From $93 per night
Travelodge by Wyndham Imperial/El Centro
From $84 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham El Centro
From $101 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Brawley
From $72 per night
Mainstay Suites El Centro I 8
From $221 per night
Home2 Suites By Hilton El Centro
From $214 per night
Best time to visit El Centro
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit El Centro is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 69–79°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
El Centro weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 84° 68° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 69° 2%
- Fri 23 Oct 81° 64° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 67° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 88° 70° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 90° 71° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to El Centro
These are the airports closest to central El Centro. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- IPL Imperial County Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around El Centro
Driving is by far the preferred method of travel while in the Imperial Valley, and particularly within the city of El Centro. The local transportation cooperative, Imperial Valley Transit, has routes connecting all cities in Imperial County. You can purchase punch cards at City Hall. However, because of there are few buses, you may need to wait a few hours at some stops if you want to travel by bus.
El Centro travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit El Centro?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit El Centro is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 69–79°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in El Centro?
July is usually the warmest month in El Centro, with average highs of 113°F (45°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 45°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 18 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to El Centro?
Imperial County Airport (IPL) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of El Centro.
What time zone is El Centro in?
El Centro uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around El Centro?
Driving is by far the preferred method of travel while in the Imperial Valley, and particularly within the city of El Centro. The local transportation cooperative, Imperial Valley Transit, has routes connecting all cities in Imperial County. You can purchase punch cards at City Hall.
What are the best places to visit in El Centro?
Top sights in El Centro include Imperial Sand Dunes, Salton Sea and Bucklin Park. East of El Centro, these vast rolling dunes are a major off-road vehicle destination. A designated wilderness area protects part of the dune field for hiking and photography.
Where should I stay in El Centro?
Popular areas for hotels in El Centro include El Centro. Well-reviewed options include Cambria Hotel El Centro - Imperial and Hampton Inn El Centro.
How many hotels can I book in El Centro?
Destina Holidays currently lists 21 properties in and around El Centro, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
