American Samoa: When to Go

The best time to enjoy American Samoa - and especially the island's capital - is during the dry season (May-October). The risk of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) is reduced at this time and, not surprisingly, it is also when most of the major festivals are held. This is considered to be the region's high season, though there isn't much difference in pricing. If you plan to come during the December-January holiday period, when huge numbers of Samoans return for the holidays (mostly from New Zealand, Australia and the USA), it's wise to book flights well in advance.

Weather

Conditions in Samoa are almost perpetually hot and humid - the average annual temperature is 26.5°C (80°F) in coastal areas, with a decrease in temperature as the land rises inland. Humidity is always high but the even temperature and fresh sea breezes means conditions are never too stuffy. The region's wet season, also the season for tropical storms and cyclones (and ostensibly its low season), lasts from November to April with December and January normally the wettest months. In the harbour area of Tutuila, the famous Rainmaker Mountain ensures that the region receives over 5000mm (197in) of precipitation annually.