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, all while enjoying fewer crowds than the peak travel months. It's an ideal time for beach days, rainforest hikes and reef explorations without the rush or the highest price tags on flights and stays.

As the islands ease out of their "winter" months, the weather remains inviting for snorkelling, diving 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.

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 LINK#TT058, as well as The Best Time to Visit American Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide LINK#TT019 for more advice.

5 Tips for Visiting American Samoa in September

  1. September marks the end of the busy season in American Samoa. Still, a bit of planning is recommended; we recommend booking your trip at least two weeks in advance.
  2. The water visibility is at its best in September, so pack your snorkel mask or book that dive trip LINK#TTD097
  3. UV levels are high, so be sure to apply high-factor reef-safe sunscreen regularly
  4. Note that if it has been a particularly dry season, some waterfall attractions may be dried up
  5. September is considered a safe time to visit Samoa with little risk of cyclones.

Typical Temperatures in September

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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 29°C (84°F), with evenings dipping to a pleasant 23°C (73.4°F).

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 28°C (82°F), making the ocean comfortably warm for all kinds of water activities.

Hours of Sun in September

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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

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September in American Samoa brings a mix of dry days and occasional short-lived showers. American Samoa sees an average of around 174 mm (6.9 in)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, just keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

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

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The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November LINK#TT055 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 Safety in American Samoa LINK#TT030.

The Best Places to Visit in American Samoa in September

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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 Island 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.

September Packing List for American Samoa

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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:

Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to American Samoa in The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa LINK#TT038.