WHEN TO TRAVEL TO American Samoa

Location

Climate

American Samoa is an American territory in the South Pacific, made up of five volcanic islands and two atolls. Every year, this tropical paradise attracts many visitors in search of adventure and a change of scenery.

American Samoa's climate: between wet and dry seasons

Located close to the equator, American Samoa enjoys an exceptional climate. hot, humid tropical climate all year round. Temperatures vary little, generally fluctuating between 25 and 30°C. However, there are two main seasons:

• The rainy seasonThe summer season, from November to April, is characterized by abundant rainfall and high humidity. There may be fewer sunny days during this period, but the scenery is stunningly beautiful, with lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls.
• The dry seasonThe summer months, from May to October, offer a milder climate and more sunny days. Temperatures are slightly cooler, especially at night, and humidity is less of a burden.

It is important to note that tropical cyclones can affect American Samoa between January and March, although this remains relatively rare. The risk is there, however, and weather forecasts should be consulted before planning a trip during this period.

Major cultural events in American Samoa

American Samoa boasts a rich Polynesian culture and ancestral traditions, which are reflected in numerous events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the highlights you won't want to miss:

Flag Day

Celebrated every year on April 17, Flag Day is a public holiday marking the anniversary of American Samoa's incorporation into the United States in 1900. Official ceremonies take place on Tutuila, the main island, along with parades, traditional dances and sporting competitions.

The fautasi

The fautasi is a very popular outrigger canoe race in American Samoa. Several regattas are organized throughout the year, including Flag Day and Samoan Heritage Week in September. The competitions are spectacular and give rise to festivities on both land and sea.

Samoan arts and culture

Throughout the year, American Samoa organizes a variety of events to celebrate its cultural heritage, including traditional craft exhibitions, Samoan tattoo demonstrations and dance and music workshops. These events offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn more about ancestral customs and know-how.

Low and high season in American Samoa

It is also essential to take into account the low and high season periods before planning your trip to American Samoa :

• Low seasonThe rainy season generally offers more attractive rates for accommodation and flights. However, the weather can be fickle and some activities, especially those outdoors, can be compromised by the weather.
• High seasonThe holiday season, when the majority of cultural events and public holidays take place, attracts a greater number of visitors, which can lead to higher prices and increased crowds at certain tourist sites. It is therefore advisable to book your stay in advance to take full advantage of this period.

Visas and immigration: key figures

American Samoa issues different types of visas to meet the varied needs of immigrants and travelers wishing to discover or settle in this paradise territory. Among the most popular visas are :

• B1/B2 visa, for business travelers and tourists
• F1 visa, for students and trainees
• H1B visa, for specialized temporary workers
• K1 visa, for fiancés of U.S. citizens
• L1 visa, for intra-company transfers

According to data provided by the Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS), demand for visas to American Samoa has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2019, it is estimated that nearly 8,000 visas were issued, an increase of 15 % on the previous year.

Migration and population: demographic trends

American Samoa is home to a population of around 55,000, the majority of whom (around 95 %) are ethnic Samoans. However, the territory also attracts immigrants from various parts of the world, including :

• Immigrants from outside the region, such as Filipinos, Chinese and Koreans,
• Nationals from other Pacific islands, such as the Tongans and Fijians,
• American citizens from the continental United States.

According to data collected by the American Community Survey (ACS), the number of immigrants to American Samoa has risen by almost 20 % between 2010 and 2019. This population growth is mainly due to the economic appeal of the area, which offers job opportunities in tourism, fishing and natural resource management.

Immigrants by country of origin

The majority of immigrants arriving in American Samoa come from neighboring countries in the South Pacific region. According to ACS figures, here is the breakdown of immigrants by country of origin:

• Samoa : about 75 %
• Tonga : about 10 %
• Fiji: about 5 %
• Other Pacific countries : about 4 %
• Asia (mainly Philippines, China and Korea) : about 3 %
• Continental United States : about 2 %
• Rest of the world : less than 1 %

International tourism in American Samoa: a booming sector

American Samoa is an increasingly popular tourist destination, thanks in no small part to its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and numerous water sports activities. Tourism has thus become one of the territory's economic pillars, with a steady growth in the number of international arrivals.

Tourism statistics: trends in visitor numbers

According to Department of Commerce data files, the number of international visitors to American Samoa has risen significantly in recent years. In 2019, it is estimated that nearly 20,000 tourists set foot on this archipelago, an increase of almost 25 % compared with 2015.

Visitors by country of origin

American Samoa attracts tourists from all over the world, although the majority come from the South Pacific region and the continental USA. Here's a breakdown of international visitors by country of origin:

• Continental United States : about 45 %
• Australia and New Zealand : about 25 %
• Pacific countries (including Samoa, Tonga and Fiji) : about 15 %
• Asia (mainly Japan, South Korea And China) : about 10 %
• Europe : about 5 %

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