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The first question usually asked when planning a Samoa travel holidays is: What time of year is it best to visit?
Samoa has a distinctly tropical climate with plenty of sunshine and plenty of rain. These are small islands in the vast Pacific Ocean and wetaher patterns are impossible to predict. Sunshine and temperatures between 25C and 33C are common throughout the year, with warm nights and slightly higher temperatures in the summer months of Dec to May. Summer also has higher humidity with clear blue skies in the morning and predictable late afternoon downpours. When the heat gets too intense, a tropical depression usually clears the air - these depressions can occasionally form into tropical cyclones. Winter is slightly cooler (noticably at night when it can dip below 20C) with more consistent south easterly trade winds.. When is it best to go - all year round.
The main festival in Samoa is Teuila in early September. In American Samoa, Tourism Week in July is the best time to visit for cultural events and traditional displays.
The next most commonly asked question is: How much will it cost?
Western Samoa offers excellent value for money and is one of the cheapest destinations in the South Pacific islands, although American Samoa is a lot more expensive. Budget travellers will get by on ST$100 per day, about A$30, but in American Samoa you'll need almost US$100 per day to survive. Most credit cards and travellers cheques are readily accepted in both countries and there are ATM cash withdrawal machines at Westpac and ANZ banks in Apia (Upolu), Sale'aloga (Savai'i) and in Pago Pago Town (American Samoa). Currency is the Samoan Tala (ST$) for Western Samoa and the US$ in American Samoa.
How do I get to Samoa?
Getting to Samoa is straight-forward with direct flights between Los Angeles (Air New Zealand), New Zealand (Air New Zealand and Polynesian Airlines) and Fiji (Air Pacific, two flights per week) and connections to Australia via New Zealand or Fiji.
30-day visas are granted to all Nationals on arrival in Independent Samoa. America Samoa is governed by the same immigration regularities as the US so check with your nearest US Embassy...
Travel Insurance is advisable for any visit to Samoa. Local private doctors are good but hospitals can handle basic emergencies only. Mercy flights to Australia or New Zealand are provided in extreme cases.
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