What is the Weather Like in American Samoa in September?
September in American Samoa strikes a sweet spot between the dry season and the approaching wet months. Expect warm tropical temperatures and a touch more humidity, making September ideal for rainforest hikes and reef exploration.
As the islands ease out of their "winter" months, the weather remains inviting for chasing waterfalls and soaking in natural beauty from the mountains to the sea. September offers a relaxed vibe with plenty of daylight hours and fewer rainy interruptions. On the other hand, tradewinds are still pumping, making it a less ideal time for snorkelling and boat trips without careful planning.
While the weather in American Samoa during September is generally easygoing, here's a closer look at temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours and more.
Before we jump into this weather guide for September, 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 September
- While September is less busy with tourists, it is part of the local school holidays, so it's always worth booking flights and accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
- Tradewinds are still blowing in September, so aim for water activities in the morning or at low-to-mid-tide for the best conditions.
- UV levels are high, so be sure to apply high-factor reef-safe sunscreen regularly.
- Insect repellent is always a must to avoid mosquito bites, even in the dry season of September.
- September is considered a safe time to visit Samoa with little risk of cyclones.
Typical Temperatures in September
September in American Samoa may be considered part of the "cooler" months, but don't let that fool you; temperatures still feel summery.
Expect average daytime highs of around 84°F (29°C), with evenings dipping to a pleasant 73°F (23°C). Humidity sits high, offering that warm tropical feel without being overwhelmingly sticky.
Sea Temperature in September
Sea temperatures around American Samoa in September hover around 82°F (28°C), making the ocean comfortably warm for all kinds of water activities.
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Hours of Sun in September
Even in September—technically still part of the "cool season", American Samoa enjoys long, bright days. Expect about 12 hours of daylight, with around six hours of sunshine daily, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. It's the perfect time to enjoy lazy beach days, outdoor adventures or epic ocean views.
UV Levels During September
September marks a noticeable increase in UV levels in American Samoa, with midday readings often reaching 11 or higher. That's extremely high, so a generous application of reef-safe, high-factor sunscreen is essential. For more, check out The Best Sunscreens for American Samoa + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During September
September has daylight hours lasting about 12 hours a day in American Samoa.
- Sunrise: 6:22 am at the beginning of September and 6:01 am at the end of September
- Sunset: 6:13 pm at the beginning of September and 6:14 pm at the end of September.
Rainfall in September
September in American Samoa brings a mix of dry days and occasional short-lived showers. American Samoa sees an average of around 7 in (175 mm) of rainfall in September, spread over five days throughout the month. And when it does, it's often in brief tropical bursts rather than all-day downpours.
It's unlikely to interfere much with your plans, and the warm breeze will dry you in no time. If you prefer, keep a light rain jacket handy.
That said, September is one of the wetter months of the dry season in American Samoa. If you prefer the driest conditions possible, you might want to consider visiting in July or early August.
Tropical Storms in September
The South Pacific cyclone/hurricane season starts in November and ends in April. As such, September 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 August. Find out more about tropical storms in our guide, Cyclone & Hurricane Safety in American Samoa.
The Best Places to Visit in American Samoa in September
September is a great time to explore the islands of American Samoa, with fewer crowds and consistently warm, dry weather making outdoor adventures especially enjoyable.
Start your journey on Tutuila, the largest and most accessible island. It's home to the capital, Pago Pago, and the stunning National Park of American Samoa. Here, you can hike through lush rainforest trails with panoramic ocean views, swim in quiet beach coves like Two Dollar Beach, and experience local culture in nearby villages.
For something more off the beaten path, consider a trip to Ofu-Olosega in the Manu'a group. With one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the South Pacific, Ofu offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and tranquil surroundings ideal for a quiet escape. Getting there takes more effort, but the reward is a slice of paradise virtually to yourself.
If time allows, we highly recommend seeing both; each island showcases a different side of American Samoa's natural beauty and cultural charm. Learn more about where to go in The Best Islands to Visit in American Samoa.
September Packing List for American Samoa
Be prepared for American Samoa in September by packing these few seasonal essentials:
- Light clothing layers for the day (preferably linen, bamboo or merino preferably 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 or 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 September
That's it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in American Samoa in September. 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 July
- American Samoa Weather in August
- American Samoa Weather in October
Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to American Samoa in The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa.
