Samoa: When to Go

When you're talking paradise, any time is a good time to go. As a general rule, however, you might find your Polynesian parade being rained on in December and January and your holiday smile melting in the humid months between November and April. The season for tropical storms and cyclones is also between November and March. The most comfortable time to visit the region is during the dry season between May and October. This is basically considered to be the region's high season, though there isn't necessarily much difference between prices charged.

Not surprisingly, this is also when most of the major Samoan festivals are held. If you're into big-game fishing, the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament take place during the second week of May. The rising of the palolo , one of the most fascinating natural phenomena, takes place on coral reefs around the islands in either October or November and the Samoan cultural event of the year, the Teuila Festival, takes place in September. If you plan to come during the December-January holiday period, when huge numbers of Samoans and Tongans return for the holidays (mostly from New Zealand, Australia and the USA), it's wise to book flights well in advance.

Weather

This region of the southwest Pacific is typically tropical. Conditions 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. But the even temperature and fresh sea breezes means conditions are never too stuffy. The region's wet season (ostensibly its low season) lasts from November to April. December and January are normally the wettest months. Remember, though, that most precipitation occurs at night and the main discomfort will be caused by a rise in the lethargy-inducing heat and humidity.

The Samoan islands unfortunately lie squarely within the South Pacific's notorious cyclone belt. The season for tropical storms and cyclones is between November and March. Cyclones seem to occur, on average, every 10 to 15 years. The last big storm to hit the region was Olaf, which blew across the islands in early 2005.