Best time to travel to Samoa | Intrepid Travel NL

World Sale! Save up to 20% off* selected trips.

The best time to visit Samoa is during the dry season (May to October). June through September typically offers the driest, sunniest conditions, and lower rainfall means the water visibility is good for snorkelling. Just note that the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so you can expect higher prices and more people on the beach. The shoulder months (May and October) offer a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

When to visit

For smaller crowds

Travelling in the wet season (November to April) isn’t off the cards, but you’ll need to be prepared for higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. If you don’t mind the heat and getting caught in the rain a few times, the off-season can be a great time to experience Samoa sans the crowds. The wettest months are February and March, but you can also expect better deals on hotels and activities.

There's another mini-peak season from mid-December to mid-January when Samoans who live overseas return for the festive season. Travellers from Australia and New Zealand also flock to Samoa for a summer break during the school summer holidays.

To experience waterfalls

One of Samoa’s biggest drawcards is its waterfalls. The best time to see them is in the wet season when the cascades are most powerful. Always follow local advice and avoid waterfalls during extremely heavy rain. April is an ideal time to visit as it's on the cusp of the dry season, but the water levels are still high.

What’s the weather like in Samoa?

Samoa is located in the South Pacific and has a tropical climate. It experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). The weather is hot all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C.

The heat and humidity are more intense in the wet season, and there's also a risk of tropical cyclones and typhoons. It’s not uncommon for flooding to occur after heavy rain, particularly in and around the capital city of Apia. The water temperature doesn’t fluctuate much, with year-round temperatures lingering between a pleasant 27°C to 29°C.

Want to learn more about Samoa?Return to Samoa FAQs