The best time to visit Samoa is between April and October, when the weather is drier and the humidity is lower.
Samoa’s climate is dictated by its position in the South Pacific near to the Equator. Average daily temperatures hover around 28 to 30°C throughout the year, and the seawater is balmily warm. Both of Samoa’s main islands are mountainous, so you’ll often see the interiors shrouded in low cloud.
As with many of the South Pacific island nations, it experiences a distinct wet season between November and March. As a general rule, more rain falls on the islands’ southern flanks.
Month-by-month guide for travelling in Samoa
Visiting Samoa in January - February
Samoa is in the midst of its rainy season, so travel during these months is best avoided. Rainfall can also be heavy, with a risk of cyclones and thunderstorms.
Visiting Samoa in March - May
March is the tail end of Samoa’s wet season and can be an unpredictable month, weather-wise. Expect to experience some rain but also the onset of drier days. April and May are drier still, and visiting during these months can offer good value, with fewer foreign visitors and a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Just take layers for cooler evenings.
Events & Festivals
- Anzac Day is observed on 25th April with military parades and remembrance ceremonies in Apia, Samoa’s capital.
Visiting Samoa in June - September
This is the best time of year to visit Samoa if you want to be virtually guaranteed warm weather with the least chance of rain. It’s an ideal time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on the beaches. Be aware that this period is also the islands’ busiest time, as they see an influx of visitors from New Zealand and Australia, who come here to escape the Southern Hemisphere winter.
Events & Festivals
- Samoa’s Independence Day is celebrated at the beginning of June, with celebrations across the islands.
- Apia’s Teuila Festival, a week-long music, sport and dance event, takes place in early September.
Visiting Samoa in October - November
During these months, Samoa can become a little rainier as it segues back to the wet season. But, as in April and May, it’s still possible to visit and experience dry weather, and the crowds generally slacken as November comes to its end.
Events & Festivals
- In October and November (dates vary), Samoans hail the mating season of the palolo reef worm (considered a caviar-like delicacy) with feasts and beach parties.
Visiting Samoa in December
Samoa enters its wet season again, and travel to the islands becomes prohibitive for anyone hoping for bright tropical sunshine.
Samoa Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Savai'i | 29°C 391mm | 30°C 260mm | 30°C 298mm | 29°C 236mm | 29°C 224mm | 28°C 144mm | 27°C 140mm | 28°C 197mm | 28°C 179mm | 29°C 354mm | 29°C 310mm | 29°C 304mm |
Upolu | 30°C 505mm | 30°C 383mm | 30°C 392mm | 30°C 219mm | 29°C 194mm | 29°C 152mm | 28°C 118mm | 28°C 130mm | 29°C 171mm | 29°C 277mm | 30°C 306mm | 30°C 408mm |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for travelling to Samoa, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
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