Samoa Weather in January 🌞

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Typical Temperatures in January

In Samoa’s long “summer season”, January is one of the warmest months. Temperatures typically reach 30°C / 86°F during the day, while the lowest temperatures are around 24°C / 75°F – usually at night. January also experiences high humidity, which can make it feel a little hotter than it actually is.

Temperatures Across Samoa

• Apia, Upolu – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
• Lalomanu, Upolu – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
• Salelologa, Savai’i – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
• Fagamalo, Savai’i – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F.

Sea Temperature in January

Samoa experiences warm waters year-round. However, January is one of the months when sea temperatures in Samoa are at their highest. Sea temperatures are at an average of 29°C / 84°F  in January.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Hours of Sun in January

Many travellers visiting Samoa want to see some sun! January would be a good time for soaking up the sun with an average of 6 hours of bright sunshine each day (however, this is less than mid-way through the year). Plus, Samoa experiences some of its longest days with daylight hours being an average of 13 hours.

UV Levels During January

Wearing sunscreen is recommended all year round in Samoa but especially in January when the maximum UV levels are at an extreme around midday! UV levels are 11+ UV index at midday. For advice on what sunscreen to wear, see The Best Sunscreens for Samoa + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During January

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

• Sunrise: 7.02 am at the beginning of January and 7.19 am at the end of January
• Sunset: 7.58 pm at the beginning of January and 8.02 pm at the end of January.

© Pixabay

Rainfall in January

January is a month of the “wet season” and, we’re not going to beat around the bush, it’s typically the wettest month of the year. Nevertheless, tropical rainfall patterns are usually swift, followed by sunshine. If you need a rainy day backup for a couple of hours, check out the ideas in the 20 Things to Do in Samoa on a Rainy Day.

Samoa receives an average of 419 mm / 16.5″ of rainfall in the month of January, with around 18 days out of January experiencing rain.

Average Rainfall Across Samoa

• Apia, Upolu – The average rainfall in January is 419 mm / 16.5″
• Lalomanu, Upolu – The average rainfall in January is 400 mm / 15.7″
• Salelologa, Savai’i – The average rainfall in January is 400 mm / 15.7″
• Fagamalo, Savai’i – The average rainfall in January is 400 mm / 15.7″.

© Pixabay

Tropical Storms in January

The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April, making January a month with a higher risk of tropical storms. On average, less than 1 day in January in Samoa is affected by tropical storms.

Historically, Samoa was affected by a tropical cyclone in January 1863, 1865, 1869, 1870, 1877, 1885, 1886, 1890, 1915, 1926, 1933, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1947, 1951 and 1966. In more recent history, Cyclone Heta (January 2004) caused isolated flooding, washed out several roads and damaged powerlines. Cyclone Tino (January 2020) disrupted air and marine travel and caused power outages.

If you want to avoid the risk of cyclones in 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 Samoa.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

The Best Places to Visit in Samoa in January

Apart from the first week of January, when locals are flying back and forth from Samoa to celebrate the New Year with family, January is a quiet time for tourists to experience the islands. With that in mind, you’re bound to have a great time no matter where you travel to. But if we have to choose the best place to visit in Samoa in January, it would be Upolu.

Upolu – Usually the most popular island to visit in Samoa, Upolu is much quieter during the low season month of January, ideal if you like to experience attractions all to yourself (although, expect tourists to be replaced by eager locals at their favourite swimming holes). If you’re on Upolu at the beginning of the month, don’t miss the New Year’s celebrations in Apia, the first capital to see the New Year. What’s more, Upolu’s array of waterfalls is best seen during the wet season. See what to do in Upolu in the 20 Best Things to Do on Upolu.

That’s not to say that Samoa’s other island, Savai’i shouldn’t be on your bucket list. If you have more time, we highly recommend taking at least a couple of extra days to explore its awesome natural and historical wonders. Find out more about the Samoan islands The Best Islands to Visit in Samoa.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

January Packing List for Samoa

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

• High-factor reef-safe sunscreen
• 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
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
• Sarong (lavalava – you can always buy one once you arrive at The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Samoa).

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