Samoa in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Samoa

29°C (85°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days but 0.0 mm measured, perfect for outdoor activities and island hopping without weather delays
Trade wind season brings consistent 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) breezes, making the 70% humidity much more comfortable than other months
Whale watching season peaks in July - humpback whales migrate through Samoan waters, with 85% sighting success rates on tours
School holidays in Western countries mean better flight connections through Auckland and Brisbane, with direct flights operating at full capacity

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, and popular resorts book out 8-12 weeks ahead
Strong trade winds create choppy conditions on the south coasts - some boat tours to Nu'utele Island cancel 2-3 days per week
UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 8) between 10am-3pm, requiring constant sun protection and limiting midday outdoor activities

Best Activities in July

Humpback Whale Watching Tours

July is peak migration season when humpback whales travel from Antarctica to tropical breeding grounds. Morning tours (7am-11am) offer the calmest seas and highest success rates. The trade winds that make other activities choppy actually help spot whale spouts from greater distances.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Tours cost WST 180-250 (US$65-90) per person. Choose morning departures for best weather conditions and whale activity. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophones.

To Sua Ocean Trench Swimming

July's dry weather means the freshwater pool is at its clearest, with 8-10 m (26-33 ft) visibility. The 30 m (98 ft) ladder climb is most comfortable in July's lower humidity. Visit between 8am-10am or 4pm-6pm to avoid peak UV exposure.

Booking Tip: Entry fee WST 30 (US$11) per person. No advance booking needed but arrive early (8am) or late afternoon (4pm) to avoid cruise ship groups. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the rocky entry.

Traditional Fale Stays with Cultural Immersion

July coincides with the peak season for traditional activities like siapo (bark cloth) making and umu (earth oven) cooking. The dry weather means outdoor cultural demonstrations happen daily, and you can participate in coconut husking and weaving workshops that would be cancelled in wet season.

Booking Tip: Book fale beach accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead for July. Rates range WST 120-200 (US$45-75) per night including cultural activities. Look for family-run fales offering daily cultural programs and traditional meal experiences.

Papaseea Sliding Rocks Adventures

July's consistent water levels create perfect conditions for the natural rock slides. The dry season ensures stable water flow without dangerous flood conditions. The 3-4 m (10-13 ft) natural slides are safest now, and the surrounding rainforest is accessible via well-maintained trails.

Booking Tip: Best accessed with local guides who know current water conditions and safe sliding spots. Guide services cost WST 80-120 (US$30-45) per group. Wear old clothes and bring grip-soled water shoes. Check current tour options for guided rainforest combinations.

Savai'i Island Ferry and Lava Field Exploration

July's calm seas make the 1.5-hour ferry crossing comfortable with minimal seasickness risk. The dry conditions allow full access to the Saleaula lava fields where you can explore the buried village and lava tubes. Clear skies offer unobstructed views of the dramatic volcanic landscape.

Booking Tip: Ferry runs 4 times daily, costs WST 55 (US$20) per person each way. Book vehicle transport in advance for July peak season. Lava field tours cost WST 60-90 (US$22-33) with local guides. Combine with overnight stays for best value.

Lalomanu Beach and Snorkeling

July's trade winds create perfect conditions on Upolu's southeast coast. The consistent breeze keeps temperatures comfortable while the dry season ensures 15-20 m (49-66 ft) underwater visibility. Coral spawning events in July attract diverse marine life including reef sharks and rays.

Booking Tip: Day access to beach fales costs WST 20-30 (US$7-11) per person. Snorkel gear rental WST 25-35 (US$9-13) per day. Book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead for July stays. Look for fales with direct reef access and gear included.

July Events & Festivals

Late July

Teuila Festival

Samoa's premier cultural festival showcasing traditional dance, music, food, and crafts. Features daily performances, traditional tatau (tattooing) demonstrations, fire dancing competitions, and authentic Samoan cuisine. The week-long celebration attracts performers from across Polynesia.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off white coral sand beaches

Lightweight long-sleeved UV protection shirt - essential for 10am-3pm outdoor activities when shade is limited

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily with high humidity

Grip-soled water shoes - essential for lava rock coastlines, sliding rocks, and coral beach entries

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief tropical showers still occur on 10 days despite minimal rainfall totals

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active in rainforest areas and around freshwater swimming spots

Dry bag for electronics - protect phones and cameras during water activities and unexpected rain

Cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity conditions

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds can be strong enough to blow off loose hats

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and constant sun exposure increases dehydration risk even with ocean breezes

Insider Knowledge

Tala currency (WST) ATMs are limited outside Apia - bring US dollars or NZ dollars for rural areas and small islands, most fales accept cash only

Sunday is sacred in Samoa (sa po aso) - all tourism activities, shops, and restaurants close from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, plan accordingly

Cruise ships dock in Apia on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July bringing 2,000+ day visitors - avoid popular attractions like To Sua on these days between 9am-3pm

Local buses (colorful aiga buses) run on 'Samoa time' - departing when full rather than on schedule, but cost only WST 5-10 (US$2-4) compared to WST 100+ (US$35+) taxi rides

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - July is peak season and beach fales sell out completely, leaving only expensive resorts

Planning activities for Sundays - Samoa observes strict Sunday rest (sa po aso) when all commercial activities cease from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday

Underestimating sun exposure - many visitors get severe burns on their first day despite feeling cool due to trade winds masking the intense UV