American Samoa Weather in January

January is one of the warmest months in American Samoa, sitting firmly within the island's long summer season. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 29°C (84°F), while nighttime lows are usually about 26°C (79°F). Thanks to high humidity, the air can often feel even warmer, especially during the middle of the day.

Temperatures Across American Samoa

Pago Pago – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84°F), with an average low of 26°C (79°F).

Sea Temperature in January

The ocean around American Samoa stays warm year-round, but January brings some of the warmest sea temperatures. On average, the sea sits at a balmy 29°C (84°F), perfect for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities.

If you're hoping to catch some sun in American Samoa this January, you're in luck. The islands enjoy around 6 hours of bright sunshine per day, making it a great time to explore the outdoors, just keep in mind that cloud cover and brief rain showers are common during this wet season. January also brings some of the longest daylight hours of the year, with an average of 13 hours of daylight daily.

UV Levels During January

UV levels in American Samoa are extremely high in January, often reaching 11+ on the UV index around midday. It's important to wear reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen, along with protective clothing and a hat if you're out in the sun for long periods. For advice on what sunscreen to wear, see The Best Sunscreens for American Samoa + Sun Protection Tips LINK#TT024.

Sunrise and Sunset in January

January has daylight hours lasting about 13 hours a day in American Samoa.

• Sunrise: 6:08 am at the beginning of January and 6:24 am at the end of January
• Sunset: 6:55 pm at the beginning of January and 7:12 pm at the end of January.

January marks the heart of the wet season in American Samoa and is typically one of the rainiest months of the year. On average, the islands receive around 347 mm (13.7 in) of rainfall, with 18 to 20 days in the month experiencing some precipitation.

Despite the frequent rain, showers are usually brief and heavy, often followed by clear skies or light cloud cover. This means there's still plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities between rain spells.

If you need a rainy day backup for a couple of hours, check out the ideas in the 10 Things to Do in American Samoa on a Rainy Day LINK#TTD064.

January falls within the South Pacific cyclone season, which runs from November to April, making it a month with a higher risk of tropical storms in American Samoa. While the likelihood of being directly affected by a cyclone is relatively low, the region can occasionally experience strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas when storms pass nearby.

Historically, American Samoa has experienced several tropical cyclones in January. One of the most significant was Cyclone Heta in January 2004, which caused major damage across the islands, including flooding, power outages and the destruction of infrastructure.

If you want to avoid the risk of cyclones in American Samoa, it’s best to travel in the dry season. For those planning to travel during January, be aware of what to do if there is a cyclone alert by following our guide, Cyclone Safety in American Samoa LINK#TT030.

Aside from the first few days of January, when locals are still celebrating the New Year with family, this month is generally a quiet time for tourism in American Samoa. That makes it a great opportunity for travellers who prefer a slower pace and fewer crowds.

With that in mind, you're likely to have a memorable trip no matter where you go, but if we had to pick, Tutuila stands out as the best place to explore in January.

Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa is home to the capital, Pago Pago and is often the most visited part of the territory.

This is a fantastic time to hike in the National Park of American Samoa, where the rainforest is lush and the waterfalls are at their fullest thanks to the wet season. For culture and local life, don't miss visiting small villages along the southern coast or taking in the ocean views from Blunts Point Trail and Mount ʻAlava.

That's not to say you should skip American Samoa's outer islands. If you have extra time, consider visiting Ofu and Olosega in the Manuʻa Islands. These remote islands are known for their pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and a true off-the-grid escape.

Learn more about where to go in The Best Islands to Visit in American Samoa LINK#TT012.

Be prepared for American Samoa in January by packing these few seasonal essentials:

• High-factor reef-safe sunscreen LINK#TT024
• Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
• Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
• Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church service, etc.)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent LINK#TT023
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals

Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for American Samoa: FULL American Samoa Packing List LINK#TT021.