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American Samoa travel guide

A small, remote US territory for travellers who want raw Polynesian nature without the crowds

Best: Aug, Sep

Photo: 12019 / Pixabay

Capital
Pago Pago
Languages
English, Samoan
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Time zone
UTC-11:00
Plugs
Type A, B, F, I · 120 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
911

Why visit American Samoa

American Samoa suits travellers who want quiet islands, reef snorkelling and hiking without big tourist infrastructure. The dry season in August and September brings the best weather for outdoor trips. Flights are limited and infrequent, so getting there takes planning, and the main island of Tutuila covers just 199 square kilometres, so don't expect much variety once you land.

  • A compact slice of Polynesia

    American Samoa covers just 199 km2, so you can explore much of the territory without long drives. It sits in the Polynesia region of the South Pacific, giving a concentrated taste of island culture in a small area.

  • US dollar and US plugs simplify travel

    As a US territory, American Samoa uses the United States dollar and the same plug types (A, B, F, I) and 120 V voltage as the mainland US. The calling code is +1 and cars drive on the right, which keeps logistics familiar for US-based travellers.

  • Pago Pago as your base

    The capital, Pago Pago, anchors a territory of around 43,268 people, making it a small, low-density place to settle into rather than rush through.

  • English and Samoan side by side

    Both English and Samoan are official languages here, so visitors can get by easily while still hearing and seeing Samoan used daily in signs, conversation and local life.

  • August and September for the best conditions

    August and September are flagged as the best months to visit American Samoa, making this window worth building a trip around if your dates are flexible.

Is American Samoa right for you?

Great for

  • Travellers who want steady warmth, with highs between 27 and 29°C in every month
  • Dry-season trips in August and September, with 100 mm of rain or less
  • US travellers who want English, US dollars and the +1 calling code
  • Short, slow trips around a small territory of 199 km² and about 43,268 people
  • Green-season fans who like heavy tropical rain, such as 410 mm in February

Less ideal for

  • People who need cool nights, as lows stay near 26°C all year
  • Travellers wanting dry days from December to April, with about 25 rain days a month
  • Trips built around big-city life, as the whole territory has about 43,268 people

American Samoa right now: November

6.0/10
Avg high
28°C
Avg low
26°C
Rain days
23

Averages for American Samoa.

Weather by month

This climate data is for American Samoa, where August and September are the best months, with highs around 27.3°C, just 16-17 rain days, and only 96-100mm of rain. The toughest weather comes from December through March, when it rains on 24-26 days a month and totals climb to 232-410mm, so the air stays warm and wet with less sunshine.

Average highs and lows in American Samoa by month January: high 29°C, low 27°C , 26 rain days . February: high 29°C, low 26°C , 25 rain days . March: high 29°C, low 27°C , 26 rain days . April: high 29°C, low 27°C , 25 rain days . May: high 28°C, low 27°C , 24 rain days . June: high 28°C, low 26°C , 20 rain days . July: high 28°C, low 26°C , 20 rain days . August: high 27°C, low 26°C , 16 rain days . September: high 27°C, low 26°C , 17 rain days . October: high 28°C, low 26°C , 22 rain days . November: high 28°C, low 26°C , 23 rain days . December: high 28°C, low 26°C , 26 rain days . 29°C 27°C JAN 26d 29°C 26°C FEB 25d 29°C 27°C MAR 26d 29°C 27°C APR 25d 28°C 27°C MAY 24d 28°C 26°C JUN 20d 28°C 26°C JUL 20d 27°C 26°C AUG 16d 27°C 26°C SEP 17d 28°C 26°C OCT 22d 28°C 26°C NOV 23d 28°C 26°C DEC 26d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

American Samoa (country average) · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit American Samoa: month-by-month weather →

Food to try in American Samoa

Palusami

This dish is young taro leaves baked with coconut cream, often with onion inside. It's a staple at family gatherings and Sunday meals across American Samoa.

Oka (Samoan raw fish)

Raw fish, usually tuna, is cut into cubes and marinated in lemon or lime juice, then mixed with coconut cream, onion and chili. It's a common starter or light lunch near the coast.

Sapasui (Samoan chop suey)

This noodle dish blends local ingredients with Chinese-style stir fry, using glass noodles, meat and vegetables. It shows up at family dinners and community feasts.

Umu-cooked pork

Whole pork is cooked in an umu, an earth oven heated with hot stones, for several hours until tender. This method is used for Sunday meals and village celebrations.

Taro and breadfruit

These starchy staples are boiled, baked or roasted and served alongside most main meals. Breadfruit is especially common when in season on the islands.

Koko Samoa (Samoan cocoa)

This is a thick, unsweetened cocoa drink made from local cocoa beans, often served hot at breakfast. It's typically drunk with bread or koko rice on the side.

Know before you go

  • Currency: American Samoa uses the United States dollar (USD). It is a US territory, so no currency exchange is needed if you are arriving with dollars.
  • Language: English and Samoan are both official languages. English is widely used for signs and official business, so most travellers get by easily.
  • Plugs and voltage: Power sockets are type A, B, F and I, running at 120 V. Travellers from countries with different plug types or higher voltage will need an adapter or converter.
  • Driving side: Traffic drives on the right. This matches the US mainland, so visitors from right-hand drive countries should take extra care at junctions.
  • Emergency number: Dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies, the same number used across the United States.
  • Calling code: The international calling code is +1, the same as the rest of the United States and Canada, which can simplify phone roaming setups.
  • Size and scale: American Samoa covers just 199 square kilometres and has a population of about 43,268 people, so distances between sights are short.

American Samoa: frequently asked questions

Is American Samoa good in August?

Yes. August is one of the two best months, with a score of 6.4 out of 10. It has only 15.8 rain days and 100 mm of rain, the driest month of the year. Highs reach 27.3°C and sunshine runs about 10.4 hours a day, making it a solid choice for beach and outdoor time.

What is the best time to visit American Samoa?

August and September score highest, both rated 'good' at 6.4. These months have the fewest rain days of the year, 15.8 and 16.7, and the lowest rainfall totals, 100 mm and 96 mm. Sunshine hours also peak around this time, at 10.4 and 11 hours a day.

Is American Samoa rainy?

Yes, most of the year is wet. From December through May, rain falls on 23 to 26 days a month, with totals between 232 mm and 410 mm. The driest stretch runs from July to September, when rain days drop to 16-20 and monthly totals fall to 96-131 mm.

How hot does it get in American Samoa?

Temperatures stay warm all year, with little seasonal change. Highs range from 27.3°C in August and September to 28.7°C in March and April. Lows never drop below 25.8°C. There is no cold season, so packing is the same whichever month you visit.

What is the weather like in American Samoa in December?

December scores 4.9, rated 'ok' rather than 'good'. It brings 25.7 rain days and 331 mm of rain, among the wettest months of the year. Highs still reach 28.3°C, so it stays warm, but expect frequent showers throughout the month.

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