Samoa in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Samoa

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with only 10 rain days and minimal precipitation - swimming and snorkeling conditions are optimal with clear waters and calm seas around both Upolu and Savai'i
White Sunday celebrations in October transition into family gathering season, creating authentic cultural experiences as extended families return from overseas for the holiday period
Sea temperatures reach 27-28°C (81-82°F) making it ideal for water activities without wetsuits, while trade winds provide natural cooling for hiking and cultural tours
Tourist shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation prices compared to December-January peak, with better availability at premium beachfront fales and resorts

Considerations

Afternoon humidity peaks at 85-90% between 1-4pm making midday cultural site visits uncomfortable - many locals take afternoon rest during these hours
Variable weather patterns mean sudden 20-30 minute tropical downpours can occur daily, requiring flexible outdoor activity planning
Limited evening entertainment options as many Samoan families observe strict Sunday protocols that extend into weekday evening social restrictions in traditional villages

Best Activities in November

Lalomanu Beach and To Sua Ocean Trench Tours

November's dry conditions make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) coastal walk to To Sua spectacular, with minimal mud on trails and crystal-clear swimming conditions. The ocean trench reaches 30m (98 ft) deep with ladder access that's safest during November's stable weather patterns. Water temperature averages 27°C (81°F) making extended swimming sessions comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book cultural and swimming packages 7-10 days ahead for WST 180-250 per person. Look for operators who include traditional Samoan lunch and cultural demonstrations. Best timing is 8am-12pm before afternoon humidity peaks.

Mount Vaea and Robert Louis Stevenson Museum Hiking

The 3.2 km (2 mile) trail to Stevenson's tomb is most comfortable in November with trade winds providing natural cooling. Early morning hikes (6:30-9am) avoid the peak humidity and offer clear views across Apia harbor. The museum provides air-conditioned respite and cultural context that many visitors miss.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free, but cultural guide packages cost WST 80-120 and provide historical context locals know. Start before 7am to complete the 2-hour round trip before temperature peaks. No advance booking needed for trail access.

Piula Cave Pool and Methodist Chapel Complex

November's low rainfall means cave pool water levels are perfect for swimming - not too high or murky from runoff. The natural spring-fed pools maintain 24°C (75°F) year-round, providing refreshing relief from November's heat. Chapel services on Sundays offer authentic Samoan spiritual experiences.

Booking Tip: Entry is by donation (WST 10-20 suggested). Combine with Falefa Falls visits for full-day cultural immersion packages averaging WST 150-200. Best visited midweek to avoid weekend family gatherings. No advance booking required.

Traditional Fiafia Cultural Evening Shows

November coincides with post-White Sunday cultural celebrations when extended families gather, making fiafia shows more authentic with genuine community participation rather than tourist-focused performances. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F) making outdoor cultural events enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Authentic village-based shows cost WST 120-180 including traditional feast. Book through accommodation or cultural centers 3-5 days ahead. Resort-based shows are pricier (WST 200-300) but more predictable timing. Look for shows including fire dancing and traditional tatau demonstrations.

Savai'i Ferry and Lava Field Exploration

Calm November seas make the 90-minute ferry crossing to Savai'i comfortable with minimal seasickness risk. The Saleaula lava fields are accessible without muddy conditions, and the preserved church ruins and virgin rainforest walks are at their most navigable before December rains begin.

Booking Tip: Ferry costs WST 25 each way for passengers, WST 90 for vehicles. Full-day Savai'i cultural tours range WST 280-350 including transport and guide. Book ferry tickets day-of, but guided tours need 5-7 days advance notice. Early morning departures (7am ferry) maximize exploration time.

Apia Fish Market and Traditional Cooking Classes

November brings seasonal fish varieties like mahi-mahi and wahoo to Apia markets, while breadfruit and coconut harvests peak. Cooking classes focus on umu (earth oven) techniques that work best in November's dry ground conditions. Morning market visits (6-9am) avoid afternoon heat and offer freshest selections.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but cooking classes cost WST 150-220 for 4-hour experiences including meal. Book through cultural centers or accommodations 2-3 days ahead. Classes typically run 9am-1pm to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Look for classes including traditional kava ceremony.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Post-White Sunday Family Gatherings

Extended family celebrations continue through November as overseas relatives visit after October's White Sunday. Village churches host special fellowship meals and cultural demonstrations that visitors can respectfully observe. This creates authentic cultural immersion opportunities often unavailable during other months.

Mid to Late November

Traditional Tatau Season

November marks traditional tatau (tattooing) season when families commission ceremonial tattoos for young men completing cultural milestones. Several master tattoo artists in Apia and traditional villages accept cultural observers during sessions, providing insight into this sacred Samoan tradition.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, occurring 60% of November days

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off white coral sand beaches

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70-85% humidity conditions

Water shoes or reef walkers - coral walking areas around Lalomanu and snorkeling sites have sharp surfaces

Quick-dry hiking pants - for temple and cultural site visits requiring covered legs, dry within 30 minutes

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - mosquito activity peaks during November's variable weather patterns

Waterproof phone case - essential for To Sua Ocean Trench swimming and unexpected downpours

Light day pack (20-25L) - for carrying water and dry clothes during inter-island ferry trips and hiking

Conservative clothing for church visits - long sleeves and pants required for Sunday services and cultural sites

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for market visits and short walks in Apia

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities between 7-11am when trade winds are strongest and humidity is lowest - locals avoid midday activities between 12-3pm when humidity exceeds 85%

November is ideal for ferry travel to Savai'i as rough seas (common December-February) are minimal, but book return tickets in advance as afternoon ferries often reach capacity with day-trippers

Many family-run accommodations offer 20-30% discounts for stays longer than 5 nights in November - negotiate directly with owners rather than booking through international platforms

Traditional Sunday restrictions (no swimming, loud activities, or commercial tourism) are more strictly observed in November due to post-White Sunday religious focus - plan cultural activities Monday-Saturday

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling beach activities during 1-4pm when afternoon showers are most likely and humidity makes sun exposure dangerous - locals take mandatory rest during these hours

Wearing inappropriate clothing to cultural sites and churches - tank tops and short pants prevent entry to many significant cultural locations including Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Assuming all accommodation includes air conditioning - many traditional fales rely on trade winds for cooling, which may be insufficient during November's variable weather patterns