American Samoa Weather in August
August is one of the most beautiful times to visit American Samoa, thanks to its sunny skies, low rainfall and comfortably warm temperatures. Although it's the heart of the dry season, making it a prime month for hiking and exploring the territory's fascinating historical sites, it's also the tradewind season, making water activities a little trickier.
Whether you're escaping the chill of the Southern Hemisphere or riding out the summer heat of the North, American Samoa offers a tropical retreat with a laid-back vibe and far fewer crowds than some of its Pacific neighbours.
With lush landscapes at their greenest and outdoor conditions near perfect, it's easy to see why August is a favourite among nature lovers and sun-seekers alike.
Before we jump into this weather guide for August, be sure to bookmark American Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate + American Samoa Weather by Month, as well as The Best Time to Visit American Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide for more advice.
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5 Tips for Visiting American Samoa in August
- August is one of the most popular months to visit American Samoa, so book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- For snorkelling and diving, aim for the morning or low-to-mid-tide for the best visibility before the waves churn everything up.
- UV levels are high, so be sure to apply high-factor reef-safe sunscreen regularly.
- With lower rainfall in August, hiking trails across Tutuila and the National Park of American Samoa are usually in great condition. It’s a perfect time for treks to mountaintop viewpoints, secluded beaches and rainforests without the mud.
- Even though it's the dry season, mosquitoes are still prevalent, so be sure to pack plenty of insect repellent!
Typical Temperatures in August
August marks the coolest and windiest point of the year in American Samoa, but most visitors will still find it hot enough!
Average daytime highs hover around 82.4°F (28°C), with evenings dropping to a pleasant 73.4°F (23°C).
Humidity levels remain moderate to high, but the consistent ocean breeze helps keep things from feeling overly sticky.
Sea Temperature in August
Sea temperatures are at their lowest for the year in August, but "low" in the tropics means around 80.6°F (27°C), still perfect for a dip, snorkel or lazy float in the Pacific.
Hours of Sun in August
Winter in American Samoa still means plenty of daylight and blue skies. August enjoys an average of 12 hours of daylight per day, with sunshine hours typically around five hours, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. It's a great time to explore beaches, hike the national park, or enjoy an ocean swim.
UV Levels During August
As August rolls in, UV levels start to climb again, averaging around 10 on the UV index around midday, considered very high. Sunscreen is essential! Use a high-SPF, reef-safe option and reapply regularly, especially if you're in and out of the water, see The Best Sunscreens for American Samoa + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During August
In August, American Samoa experiences about 12 hours of daylight each day.
- Sunrise: Around 6:39 am at the start of the month, shifting earlier to 6:23 am by the end
- Sunset: Around 6:09 pm early in the month, extending slightly to 6:13 pm later on
Rainfall in August
Although August falls during the dry season in American Samoa, that doesn't mean rain is off the radar. You can still expect the occasional tropical downpour, usually short-lived and often happening overnight, leaving most days warm and sunny.
American Samoa sees an average of 5.7 in (146 mm) of rainfall during August, typically spread across just three days in the month.
Tropical Storms in August
The South Pacific cyclone/hurricane season starts in November and ends in April. As such, August is one of the best months to avoid tropical cyclones in American Samoa with a very low risk of tropical storms developing.
Other months that have a low risk of tropical storms in American Samoa include June, July and September. Find out more about tropical storms in our guide, Cyclone & Hurricane Safety in American Samoa.
The Best Places to Visit in American Samoa in August
August is a fantastic time to explore American Samoa, with drier days and ideal temperatures making it perfect for getting outdoors.
Tutuila, the main island, offers the most accessible experiences. It is home to Pago Pago Harbor, lush jungle hikes, hidden waterfalls and coastal villages steeped in local culture. Be sure to visit the National Park of American Samoa, where you can trek through pristine rainforest during arguably the most pleasant temperatures of the year.
If you're seeking even more seclusion, consider a trip to the outer Manu'a Islands—Ofu-Olosega and Ta'ū. These remote gems offer untouched beaches, vibrant coral lagoons and a deep sense of peace far from the modern world. Ofu Beach, in particular, is often called one of the most beautiful in the entire South Pacific.
Whether you stick to the main island or venture further, American Samoa in August is all about breathtaking nature and laid-back island charm. Learn more about where to go in The Best Islands to Visit in American Samoa.
August Packing List for American Samoa
Be prepared for American Samoa in August by packing these few seasonal essentials:
- Light clothing layers for the day (preferably linen, bamboo or merino so it is super light - we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
- Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
- Light pants/trousers/skirt (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church services or to protect from mosquitoes when hiking, for example)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
- Closed walking shoes
- Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
- Insect repellent
- High-factor sunscreen (that’s reef-safe and water-resistant).
Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for American Samoa: Full American Samoa Packing List.
More About the Weather in American Samoa in August
That's it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in American Samoa in August. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:
- American Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate + American Samoa Weather by Month
- The Best Time to Visit American Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide
- American Samoa Weather in June
- American Samoa Weather in July
- American Samoa Weather in September
Finally, if there's anything we've missed, you're likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa.
