The climate of Samoa
Situated in the central South Pacific,
Samoa is an island country halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, and several smaller islands. Samoa has a tropical rainforest climate (Af in the Köppen classification), distinguished by uniformly high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. The annual average temperature hovers around 26°C (78.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), rarely deviating significantly from these figures. Rainfall is substantial throughout the year, with a yearly total ranging from 2,500mm (19.69") to 3,0mm (0"). The wettest period typically spans from
December to
April, with
January and
February being the rainiest months. The rest of the year, while still receiving considerable rainfall, is relatively drier and is usually referred to as the "dry season".
The Best Time to Visit Samoa
The most favourable time to visit
Samoa is during the relatively dry months from
May to
October. During this period, temperatures average between 24°C (75.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), offering a pleasant, warm climate suitable for outdoor activities and beach visits. These months also coincide with the main tourism season, offering a variety of cultural events and festivals. While rainfall is less prevalent, occasional showers can be expected, typically in the late afternoon or overnight.
The Worst Time to Visit Samoa
The wettest months,
December through
April, might be considered the least appealing time for travel to
Samoa. This period is often characterised by heavy rains, resulting in high humidity and potential disruption to outdoor activities. Moreover, this period coincides with the South Pacific cyclone season, posing a risk of severe weather conditions. However, travellers should note that weather can be unpredictable and cyclones, while possible, are not a guaranteed occurrence.
Spring Weather in Samoa
As
Samoa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its spring runs from
September to
November. During this season, temperatures begin to rise, with averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Rainfall becomes more frequent as the season progresses, with November experiencing substantial precipitation as the country transitions into the wet season. Despite this, sunny spells are common and the islands remain vibrant and lush.
Summer Weather in Samoa
The summer in
Samoa, from
December to
February, coincides with the wet season. Temperatures are high, with averages from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), and humidity is often elevated due to consistent rainfall. Cyclones, while not common, are most likely to occur during these months. Despite the risk of inclement weather, the country's natural beauty continues to flourish, offering a unique experience to visitors.
Autumn Weather in Samoa
Autumn in
Samoa spans
March to
May. While the early part of this season can still be relatively wet, rainfall generally decreases as the months pass. The temperature during these months stays consistent, with averages around 26°C (78.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). This period offers a balance between the wet and dry seasons, making it a viable option for visitors seeking to avoid the peak tourist season while still experiencing favorable weather conditions.
Winter Weather in Samoa
Winter in
Samoa runs from
June to
August and corresponds with the dry season. The temperatures during this season are slightly cooler but still warm, with averages from 24°C (75.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Rainfall decreases substantially compared to other seasons, though brief showers can still occur. The winter months provide a more comfortable climate for exploring the outdoors and taking part in water-based activities, making it an ideal time for visitors who prefer a drier, less humid climate.
Weather in January
January in
Samoa is marked by high temperatures and heavy rainfall, making it the heart of the island's wet season. This month often experiences the most significant rainfall of the year, with precipitation totals often exceeding 400mm (15.75").
Weather in January » Weather in February
February is typically the final full month of the wet season in
Samoa, characterized by substantial rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Average temperature for this month ranges from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Samoa is a transitional month as the climate shifts from the wet season to the drier months of the year. Rainfall begins to lessen compared to the preceding months, though it remains substantial with totals often exceeding 300mm (11.81").
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Samoa signifies a further shift towards the drier season, with a continuing decline in rainfall compared to the preceding months. Despite this transition, rain remains frequent, with precipitation totals often ranging between 250mm (9.84") and 300mm (11.81").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Samoa marks the onset of the dry season, characterized by reduced rainfall and persistent warm temperatures. Rainfall during May usually totals between 200mm (7.87") and 250mm (9.84"), a significant reduction from the wetter months of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is well within the dry season in
Samoa, a period characterized by lower rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Rainfall totals for June typically fall between 150mm (5.91") and 200mm (7.87"), marking a significant decrease from the preceding months.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Samoa falls squarely in the dry season, characterized by a significant decrease in rainfall and persistently warm temperatures. The month sees one of the lowest precipitation totals of the year, generally ranging between 100mm (3.94") and 150mm (5.91").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Samoa is within the dry season, defined by reduced rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. This month sees some of the lowest rainfall totals of the year, generally within the range of 100mm (3.94") to 150mm (5.91").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Samoa serves as a transitional period, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the gradual return to the wetter months. Rainfall starts to increase during this time, with totals typically ranging from 150mm (5.91") to 200mm (7.87").
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Samoa marks a clear shift towards the wet season, characterized by increasing rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Rainfall during this month typically totals between 200mm (7.87") and 250mm (9.84"), a noticeable increase from the preceding dry months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Samoa signifies a deepening of the wet season, marked by substantial rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Rainfall during November often totals between 250mm (9.84") and 300mm (11.81"), signifying a further increase from the rainfall levels in
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Samoa is deep within the wet season, characterized by high rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Rainfall in December often exceeds 300mm (11.81"), making it one of the wettest months of the year. Temperatures remain comfortably warm, typically ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). In Apia, the coastal capital city, temperatures can be slightly cooler due to the influence of coastal breezes.
Weather in December »