Samoa travel guide: Upolu, Savai’i, entry requirements and best time to go

Samoa (the Independent State of Samoa, not to be confused with neighboring American Samoa) is a Polynesian archipelago in the South Pacific. The country is made up mainly of two large islands, Upolu, home to the capital Apia, and Savai’i, which together account for 99% of the land area. This Samoa travel guide covers a country visited for its very much alive Polynesian culture, fa’a Samoa, the beaches of southern Upolu and the lava fields of Savai’i. The best time to go is May to October, outside the cyclone season.

It brings together the islands and sites to know, entry requirements and safety advice read on 24 October 2026 on the UK FCDO (GOV.UK) and U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) websites, official climate normals for Apia and a calculation we have not found elsewhere: the number of rainy days to expect over a week, month by month.

When to go to Samoa

Go from May to October. This is the least rainy period: Apia gets 112 mm (4.4 in) in August, the driest month, against 483 mm (19.0 in) in January, more than four times as much. The heat barely changes: highs of 29.8 to 31.1 °C (86 to 88 °F) and lows of 23.4 to 24.6 °C (74 to 76 °F) all year round.

According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), the tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April, but most rain falls from December to March, and higher rainfall inland can cause flooding; it advises monitoring updates from the World Meteorological Organization, the Samoa Meteorology Division or the Fiji Meteorological Service. The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026) adds that strong winds, heavy rain, landslides and disruptions to services can occur during this season.

Month	High °C (°F)	Low °C (°F)	Rain mm (in)	Rain days	Rain days per 7 days	Sun per day	Cyclone season	Verdict
January	30.6 (87)	24.5 (76)	482.8 (19.0)	20.5	4.6	4.8 h	Yes	❌ Wettest month, cyclones possible
February	30.8 (87)	24.6 (76)	406.3 (16.0)	18.4	4.6	5.7 h	Yes	❌ Very wet, cyclones possible
March	30.9 (88)	24.5 (76)	302.0 (11.9)	18.1	4.1	5.6 h	Yes	⚠️ Wet, cyclones possible
April	31.1 (88)	24.5 (76)	231.8 (9.1)	13.9	3.2	6.2 h	Yes	⚠️ End of cyclone season
May	30.6 (87)	24.0 (75)	244.6 (9.6)	13.2	3.0	6.2 h	No	✅ Rain decreasing
June	30.2 (86)	23.9 (75)	139.2 (5.5)	10.1	2.4	6.6 h	No	✅ Drier
July	29.8 (86)	23.5 (74)	132.8 (5.2)	10.7	2.4	6.9 h	No	✅ Dry
August	29.8 (86)	23.4 (74)	112.3 (4.4)	9.9	2.2	7.1 h	No	✅ Driest and sunniest
September	30.0 (86)	23.6 (74)	143.3 (5.6)	12.0	2.8	6.9 h	No	✅ Dry
October	30.2 (86)	23.9 (75)	220.7 (8.7)	13.1	3.0	6.4 h	No	✅ Rain increasing
November	30.5 (87)	24.2 (76)	260.5 (10.3)	15.5	3.6	6.0 h	Yes	⚠️ Start of cyclone season
December	30.7 (87)	24.4 (76)	413.7 (16.3)	17.8	4.0	5.0 h	Yes	❌ Very wet, cyclones possible

A week in Samoa: how many rainy days?

We converted monthly rain days into a one-week stay (rain days ≥ 1 mm in the month × 7 / number of days in the month). Destination de Voyage calculation based on the WMO 1991–2020 normals for Apia.

• In August, expect about 2.2 rainy days out of 7, the best figure of the year.
• In January, about 4.6 days out of 7: on average it rains every other day, or more.
• Sunshine ranges from 4.8 hours a day in January to 7.1 hours in August (World Bank, 1971–2000).
• Combined view: the months outside the cyclone season (May to October) are also those with the fewest rainy days over a week.
• In practice: July to September suit hiking on Savai’i and ferry crossings best; in the wet season, leave some slack in your schedule.

Things to do in Samoa: the highlights

Apia and Upolu

Apia, on the island of Upolu, is the political and economic capital, where most services are found. Upolu has most of the sites visitors go to.

Vailima and Robert Louis Stevenson

The Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last years of his life in Samoa and wrote about the rivalries between Germany, Britain and the United States in the archipelago. His house and his grave are among the most visited sites in the country.

To Sua Ocean Trench

On Upolu, To Sua is an opening in the ground where you swim in seawater. It is one of the sites highlighted by the Samoan tourism authorities and one of the most visited attractions.

Lalomanu and Saleapaga, southeast Upolu

The beaches of Lalomanu and Saleapaga, in southeast Upolu, are among the most popular with visitors. Offshore lie the uninhabited Aleipata islets (Nu’utele, Nu’ulua, Fanuatapu and Namua). Be careful: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026), tides can produce powerful currents in ocean lagoons and there have been fatal accidents at popular beaches, so take local advice before swimming.

Piula Cave Pool and Papaseea

The Piula cave pool and the Papaseea sliding rocks, on Upolu, complete the list of the country’s most visited sites.

Savai’i and its lava fields

Savai’i is the largest island in Samoa and the only one still volcanically active. The eruptions of Mount Matavanu (1905–1911) left the Saleaula lava fields on the north coast, covering about 50 km² (19 sq mi). The country’s highest point, Mount Silisili (1,858 m / 6,096 ft), is also on Savai’i. The island is reached by ferry from Upolu.

Manono and Apolima

Between Upolu and Savai’i, these two small islands are the only inhabited ones apart from the two large islands. You can see traditional fale there, open houses without walls, closed with palm-leaf blinds at night or in bad weather.

Itinerary ideas for Samoa

• One week: Apia and Vailima, To Sua, the beaches of Lalomanu and Saleapaga, Piula and Papaseea, all on Upolu.
• 10 days to 2 weeks: Upolu (6 days), then the ferry to Savai’i (Saleaula lava fields, villages, beaches) and back to Upolu before your flight.
• Combined trips: Samoa can be combined with Fiji, New Zealand or French Polynesia, depending on available flights.

In the cyclone season, services can be disrupted: keep a spare day before your international flight. If you combine your trip with New Zealand, our Auckland guide presents the city.

Getting around Samoa

• Car: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), urban and main roads are generally in fair condition, though bumps and potholes are common; side roads are often gravel or dirt, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended on secondary roads and roadside assistance is limited. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) advises avoiding night driving, as roads are poorly lit; the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph) in towns and villages and 56 km/h (35 mph) elsewhere, and accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours.
• Driving permit: UK drivers must buy a temporary driving permit, which requires their UK licence; car rental companies help with this, and the permit can be used for up to 90 days a year (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). Driving under the influence is an arrestable offense (travel.state.gov).
• Fuel and cash: most gas stations and businesses outside Apia only accept cash (travel.state.gov): fill up and carry tala before heading out.
• Taxis and buses: taxis are widely available, but use only licensed ones; buses are slow, crowded and rarely used by visitors (travel.state.gov).
• Ferry: vessels are sometimes overloaded, and the U.S. Department of State recommends riding only in the passenger compartment, not on the vehicle deck, during crossings.
• Walking or cycling: stray dogs are common in Apia and many villages and can become aggressive; keep your distance (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026; travel.state.gov).

Where to stay in Samoa

• Apia: convenient for services and excursion departures.
• Southeast coast of Upolu: for the beaches of Lalomanu and Saleapaga and easy access to To Sua.
• Savai’i: for the lava fields and a more rural atmosphere.
• Safety: use hotel safes or deposit boxes for passports and valuables (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026).

Entry requirements, health and safety

Entry requirements for Samoa. The Samoan authorities set and enforce entry rules (GOV.UK).

• US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), visitors can apply for a 90-day visitor permit on arrival. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, a confirmed onward or return ticket, a visa for your next destination if applicable, sufficient funds and a confirmed address in Samoa. A departure tax is payable when you leave, normally included in airfares.
• UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 19 March 2026), you can visit without a visa for up to 60 days; border officials issue a free visitor permit using your arrival card. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and you may need to show an onward or return ticket, sufficient funds and confirmed accommodation. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. A departure tax of 40 tala applies to flights from Samoa to American Samoa.
• Connections: the journey usually involves a stopover in another country: check that country’s transit rules with your airline. Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026; check them again before you travel.

• Customs: strict rules cover firearms, plant and animal products, pets and recreational drugs, and you must declare anything that may be prohibited or taxed; cash or travellers’ cheques worth 20,000 tala or more must be declared (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). The U.S. Department of State also lists fruits and honey among regulated items. For your return, check your home country’s allowances (e.g. CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK).
• Safety: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) describes the level of serious crime as low and petty theft as uncommon, while the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026) reports that petty theft and robberies are common, including residential break-ins, and that violent assaults, including sexual assaults, have occurred, notably near Apia’s downtown bars.
• Natural hazards: cyclones from November to April; Samoa lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes are a constant risk and can trigger tsunamis (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov). Blowholes are slippery: keep a safe distance and never stand between the opening and the sea (travel.state.gov).
• Swimming and activities: take local advice before swimming or surfing; dive companies and tour operators do not always observe safety and maintenance standards, so check that your insurance covers you (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026).
• Health: dengue, chikungunya and Zika are common: use repellent and sleep under mosquito nets (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026; GOV.UK). Tap water is not potable in many areas. Hospital care is available in Apia, but most providers require cash payment up front, and a medical emergency is likely to require evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii (GOV.UK): take out travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
• Emergencies: dial 911 for ambulance, fire and police (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov).

Practical tips for Samoa

• Cash: businesses in Apia and resorts may or may not accept major credit cards, and most businesses outside Apia only take cash; ATMs are available at Faleolo Airport, in Salelologa and in many places in Apia (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026).
• Phone and internet: coverage can be limited or non-existent in rural areas and on outlying islands; Vodafone and Digicel SIM cards are sold at the airport, convenience stores and supermarkets and must be registered (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). Check roaming charges with your provider before you leave.
• Dress code: dress modestly in towns and villages; swimwear is acceptable on the beach or by streams and waterfalls (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026).
• Local laws: drinking alcohol in public is illegal except in bars and restaurants, the legal drinking age is 21, and same-sex sexual activity is illegal (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026).
• Fa’a Samoa: the « Samoan way », developed over about 3,000 years, still shapes social life, chiefly titles and villages; Christianity plays an important role.
• Date: since 31 December 2011, Samoa has been west of the International Date Line (UTC+13): it is one day ahead of neighboring American Samoa.

Mistakes to avoid in Samoa

1. Confusing Samoa and American Samoa: entry rules, currency and the date differ.
2. Relying on cards everywhere: carry cash in tala.
3. Driving at night or setting off around Savai’i without fuel and cash.
4. Riding on the vehicle deck during a ferry crossing.
5. Packing fruit, honey or other plant and animal products without checking customs rules.

Frequently asked questions

Our sources

• Entry, health and safety information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Samoa country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Samoa (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026)
• World Meteorological Organization, 1991–2020 normals for Apia (NOAA archive), and World Bank (sunshine 1971–2000), via the Wikipedia climate box (article « Apia »), read on 23 October 2026
• Wikipedia (en): « Samoa » and « Apia », read on 23 October 2026
• Destination de Voyage calculations: rain days per 7 days, sun per day, comparison with the cyclone season
• Our methodology

Updated October 2026.

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