When is the best time to visit Samoa?
With sun-kissed beaches, breathtaking volcanic pools, glorious waterfalls, and the freshest seafood, Samoa ticks off every box in the ‘perfect beach vacation destination’ checklist. Find out the best times to visit Samoa and experience its stunning landscape, colorful culture, and welcoming people.
Samoa’s peak tourist season coincides with its dry season, i.e., from June to September. With clear, blue skies, low humidity, and perfect weather conditions, this is the best time to travel to Samoa. But, if you want to experience the beauty of these islands during a quieter time, the months of May, October, and the first half of November offer plenty of perfect beach days.
OVERVIEW
It’s the month with the most number of rainy days and the highest amount of rainfall. With daytime temperatures in the mid-80s, this is also the Samoan summer season.
WE RECOMMEND
- Pamper yourself with a traditional Samoan massage
- Experience the beauty of tropical rains from the comfort of your thatch-roofed beachfront villa
OVERVIEW
The rainy season continues with short-lived but heavy thunderstorms. There is also a chance of typhoons hitting the island during this period. Day time highs continue to hover around 85°F.
WE RECOMMEND
- Try some lip-smacking and authentic Samoan dishes such as Palusami and Oka
- Get an insight into the island’s customs and culture at the Samoan Cultural Village in Apia
OVERVIEW
Rainfall levels drop, but with around 18-20 days of precipitation, it is still a wet month. With water temperatures around 84°F, the sea is at its warmest during this month.
WE RECOMMEND
- Rent a bicycle and pedal your way around the island, stopping for a refreshing coconut drink
OVERVIEW
It’s the last month of the rainy season. Rainfall levels fall as do the number of wet days. The weather starts to clear up by the end of the month, and it’s a relatively quiet time to visit the islands.
WE RECOMMEND
- The breathtaking Sua Ocean Trench, a volcanic pool filled by ocean tides, is a must-visit
- Sample the freshest mango, papaya, and pineapple at local produce markets
OVERVIEW
It’s the start of the dry season with sunshine days now outnumbering rainy days. With the crowds yet to arrive, it’s a good time to visit Samoa. Day time highs are around 85°F while night time temperatures drop to about 73°F.
WE RECOMMEND
- Dive into the cool waters of the Afu Aau Waterfalls
- Uncover the myths and legends surrounding the Paia Dwarfs Cave
OVERVIEW
Dry weather and sunny days make the month an excellent time to visit Samoa. There is a festive spirit in the air with the island gearing up to celebrate the Samoan Independence Day (the country achieved independence from New Zealand in 1962)
WE RECOMMEND
- Participate in the festivities surrounding the Samoan Independence Day
- It’s time to enjoy the sun and surf at Lalomanu Beach
OVERVIEW
July brings with it glorious weather and travelers from neighboring New Zealand and Australia. It’s the driest month of the year and one of the best times to visit Samoa.
WE RECOMMEND
- Make a trip to watch the geyser-like fountain display of the Alofaaga blowholes
- Hike up Mt Vaea to visit the resting place of writer Robert Louis Stevenson
OVERVIEW
Clear, blue skies and dry weather conditions dominate, making it another excellent month to travel to Samoa. Day time temperatures are in the mid-80s while night time readings hover in the low 70s.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sign up for diving lessons and swim amongst the most colorful fish at The Rock
- Revel in the sights and sounds of the Teuila Festival, one of the biggest cultural events in the South Pacific.
OVERVIEW
With reasonably dry conditions and warm temperatures, it’s a great month to visit Samoa. Water temperatures are in the low 80s, and it’s the perfect time to dive in and explore Samoa’s underwater treasures.
WE RECOMMEND
- For safe and close encounters with reef sharks, visit the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia
- Explore the lava fields of Savai’i
OVERVIEW
Rainfall levels begin to increase but a good number of dry days and lean crowds make it an ideal month to travel to Samoa. Daytime highs are around 86°F with a slight increase in humidity levels.
WE RECOMMEND
- History buffs, head to the National Museum of Samoa
OVERVIEW
The rains start to get more frequent, especially during the latter part of the month. The first half of the month is not a bad time to visit if you prefer a quiet environment and don’t mind the occasional rain shower.
WE RECOMMEND
- Don’t miss out on the Fiafia night at your resort – traditional music, dance, and food are part of the festivities
OVERVIEW
Expect heavy rain spells that last a few hours, typically in the morning and evenings. Rough seas and massive swells are characteristic of this season though water temperatures are at their warmest.
WE RECOMMEND
- Experience Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way of living as you visit charming villages
- Attend a traditional Sunday Service at a local church
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Best Time to Visit by Season
Samoa experiences a fairly predictable tropical weather pattern with two seasons – a wet season (or summer) that extends from mid-November to April and a dry season (or winter) that starts in May and ends in October. About 70% of the rain that Samoa receives is during the wet months, with January and February receiving the most. There is also a chance of typhoons and cyclones during this season. Daytime temperatures during these months hover in the mid-80s, and sea temperatures are at their warmest.
The dry season sees the islands bathed in sunshine and clear blue skies. Temperatures are typically in the low to mid-80s, and humidity levels are slightly lower than the wet season. Naturally, this is also a busy travel season.
What to Pack for Samoa
Samoa’s year-round warm temperatures call for cool cottons and breathable linens. Swimsuits, sunscreen, sunhats, and glasses are a must when visiting this island nation known for its alluring beaches. Flip flops and waterproof sandals or shoes are also important items to bring along. Sarongs or cover-ups are recommended while stepping off the beach. Samoans are fairly conservative in their dressing, so if you plan to visit public beaches, we suggest you wear a cover-up over your bathing suit.
Dresses, skirts, and breezy tops for women and cotton shirts/t-shirts and Bermuda shorts, for men, work well if you plan to explore the villages or are going on an island tour. If attending a Sunday church service is on your itinerary, we advise packing a dress that falls below the knee for women, and a shirt with full-length trousers for men.
There are plenty of inland activities to do in Samoa including unforgettable hikes to cascading waterfalls and hidden pools to discover. Pack a set of waterproof hiking shoes, trekking pants, quick-dry T-shirts, and insect repellant. We recommend you take along quality rainwear no matter when you are visiting, as it’s common to have a sudden but short rain spell, even during the dry season.
Time your Samoa trip right with advice from our experts and explore all its highlights and hidden gems. Get in touch with us for more advice and details on the best time to visit Samoa.
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