Everything You Need to Know About the American Samoa Time Zone
If you didn’t catch the top of your browser widget showing the current time in American Samoa, don’t worry; this guide will give you a clearer understanding!
All of the islands in American Samoa follow the same time zone: Samoa Standard Time (SST), which is UTC –11. American Samoa does not observe daylight saving time.
Interestingly, although it's geographically close to the independent nation of Samoa, the two are on different sides of the International Date Line, meaning American Samoa is a full day behind Samoa.
Before we get started on planning, be sure to bookmark the 30 Tips for Traveling in American Samoa LINK#TT042 for more essentials to know before travelling to American Samoa.
Table of Contents
When it is 9 am in American Samoa, it is…
- 10 or 11 am in Auckland on the next day
- 8 or 9 am in Sydney on the next day
- 7 am in Tokyo on the next day
- 12 or 1 pm in Los Angeles on the same day
- 3 or 4 pm in New York on the same day
- 8 or 9 pm in London on the same day
- 9 or 10 pm in Frankfurt on the same day
Note: Two possible times are shown depending on whether daylight saving time is currently observed in the destination.
Time Zone in American Samoa
American Samoa observes just one time zone, which is the following…
- Time zone name: Samoa Standard Time
- Time zone abbreviation: SST
- Offset: UTC –11
- Example city: Pago Pago
Notes About the Time Zone in American Samoa
All islands in American Samoa follow the same time zone.
There is no daylight saving time in American Samoa; they remain on Samoa Standard Time (UTC –11) year-round.
Daylight Hours in American Samoa
American Samoa experiences fairly consistent daylight hours throughout the year, with only minor variation between summer and winter.
The average length of daylight is about 12 hrs and 30 mins. The shortest days occur in June LINK#TT052, averaging around 11 hrs and 22 mins, while the longest days are in December LINK#TT048, with up to 12 hrs and 58 mins of daylight.
Sunrise and Sunset in American Samoa
Sunrise in American Samoa typically occurs around 6:15 am. The earliest sunrises are in November LINK#TT055 at around 5:48 am, and the latest are in July LINK#TT051, around 6:50 am.
Sunset is generally around 6:30 pm, with the earliest sunsets in June LINK#TT052 at about 6:10 pm and the latest sunsets in January LINK#TT050, around 7:02 pm.
For more info on the weather, check out American Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate LINK#TT058.
Countries in the Same Time Zone as American Samoa
Very few places share the exact same time zone as American Samoa, which follows Samoa Standard Time (SST) at UTC –11. However, a couple of territories do operate on this time.
Other Locations in UTC –11
- Niue
- Parts of the United States Minor Outlying Islands (e.g. Midway Atoll)
Fun Facts About the American Samoa Time Zone
While American Samoa’s time zone history isn’t as dramatic as its neighbors, it’s still one of the most interesting due to its unique position in the Pacific.
American Samoa: One of the Last Places to See the New Day
American Samoa is one of the last places on earth to experience a new day because it sits just east of the International Date Line. That means when it’s Monday in Samoa, it’s still Sunday in American Samoa even though the two are only about 70 km (43.5 miles) apart!
This also makes American Samoa one of the last places to celebrate the New Year, in contrast to Samoa, which is one of the first.
Why American Samoa Didn’t Change in 2011
In 2011, Samoa (the independent country) shifted its time zone by skipping a day to move west of the International Date Line, aligning itself with New Zealand and Australia for business reasons.
American Samoa did not follow and remained on UTC –11, keeping it aligned with U.S. territories and the U.S. mainland for administrative and travel connections.
No Daylight Savings in American Samoa
American Samoa does not observe daylight saving time. The territory remains on Samoa Standard Time (UTC –11) throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About the American Samoa Time Zone
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions travelers have about the time zone in American Samoa.
How Far Behind New Zealand is American Samoa?
During New Zealand’s daylight savings (late September to early April), American Samoa is 24 hours behind New Zealand. Outside of daylight savings (early April to late September), the difference is 23 hours.
Why Didn’t American Samoa Skip a Day Like Samoa Did?
In 2011, independent Samoa shifted time zones to align with New Zealand and Australia by skipping a day. American Samoa chose not to follow, keeping its alignment with the U.S. mainland and remaining on UTC –11.
Is American Samoa in the Latest Time Zone?
Yes, American Samoa is one of the last places on earth to experience each day. Thanks to its position just east of the International Date Line, it’s among the final locations to welcome the new day and to celebrate the New Year!
More About the Time in American Samoa
That's it for our complete guide on the American Samoa time zone. For more advice, check out the following guides:
- The Best Time to Visit American Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide LINK#TT019
- American Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate + Samoa Weather by Month LINK#TT058
- Where is American Samoa Located?
And if you're planning a trip to American Samoa, don't miss our Samoa Travel Tips: 30 Tips for Travelling in American Samoa LINK#TT042.
