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Climate

Man wearing shorts and hiking boots sitting on cliff overlooking misty shore line
Ta`u South Shore - NPS Photograph - John Brooks

American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean, between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn.  A tropical climate prevails. Temperatures are warm or hot year-round (high 70's to low 90's F) with high humidity.  Rain showers are frequent.  Rain showers may last only for a few minutes, or last all day.  The average annual rainfall in the drier portions of the island is 125 inches and 200 inches elsewhere.  Tropical storms are more prevalent during the rainy season (November to May).

Check the current weather at Pago Pago Airport

So, what to wear?

Click to read about Samoa's seasonsPlan to dress lightly; sandals, shorts and short sleeved shirts are suggested. Rain gear is always appropriate, but remember the high humidity; you may get just as wet wearing your raincoat as not! If you plan to hike in the park's interior, wear sturdy boots. Since the islands are volcanic in nature, lava rubble is found everywhere; it can be rough on lesser quality boots and shoes.  

Bring your own snorkel equipment, especially when visiting Ofu island.  Lastly, if you'd like to be closer to the local culture, you may wish to try a "lava lava", a skirt-like garment worn by both men and women in various styles and lengths. They are available at many local stores.

NOTE:
It is customary in Samoa to cover much of the body. Even when swimming, be sure to wear modest clothing; no bikinis, please.

 

 
   
 

NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICAN SAMOA
Pago Pago, AS 96799 USA

Last Updated: Wednesday, 22-Dec-2004 09:44:10 Eastern Standard Time