Apia in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Apia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

221 mm (8.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-40% from peak July-August prices, with resort packages starting around WST$180-250 per night versus WST$300+ in peak season
Perfect swimming conditions with ocean temperatures at 26°C (79°F) and minimal wind - ideal for snorkeling at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve where visibility reaches 25 m (82 ft)
Fiafia night cultural shows resume full schedules after winter hiatus - authentic Samoan performances happen 4-5 nights weekly at major venues versus 2-3 nights in cooler months
Optimal whale watching season begins - humpback whales migrate through Samoan waters from late September through November, with sighting rates above 80% on morning tours

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days, typically 2-4pm lasting 30-45 minutes - outdoor hiking and waterfall visits best completed before 1pm
High humidity at 70% makes midday activities feel significantly hotter than actual temperature - what feels like 35°C (95°F) when it's actually 30°C (86°F)
Cyclone season officially begins November 1st - while October is generally safe, weather patterns become less predictable in the final week

Best Activities in October

Whale Watching Tours

October marks peak humpback whale migration through Samoan waters. Morning departures (7-9am) offer 80%+ sighting success rates before afternoon weather develops. Tours typically run 3-4 hours with hydrophone listening equipment. Sea conditions are calmest before 11am, crucial for comfortable viewing and photography.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified operators with marine mammal permits. Tours cost WST$120-180 per person. Choose morning departures and operators with guaranteed sighting policies. See current whale watching options in the booking section below.

Cultural Village Experiences

October's comfortable evening temperatures make traditional fiafia nights and village visits ideal. Authentic fire dancing and siva performances resume full schedules after cooler months. Village tours include traditional cooking demonstrations using October's abundant breadfruit and taro harvests.

Booking Tip: Half-day village experiences cost WST$80-120 per person. Book through cultural centers rather than hotel concierges for real feels. Evening fiafia shows run WST$45-65 including traditional feast. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

To Sua Ocean Trench Swimming

October's consistent warm weather makes this famous swimming hole perfect for extended visits. Water temperature stays at 25°C (77°F) year-round, but October's sunshine creates ideal lighting conditions for photography between 10am-2pm. Less crowded than peak tourist months with better photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry fee WST$30 per person. Visit mid-morning before afternoon storms. Combine with nearby coastal walks and traditional lunch stops. Transport tours including multiple swim spots cost WST$150-200 per person. Current tour packages available in booking section below.

Snorkeling at Marine Reserves

October offers peak underwater visibility at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and Namua Island. Calm morning conditions before 11am provide 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility. Coral spawning events in late October create unique underwater photography opportunities with increased marine life activity.

Booking Tip: Marine reserve fees WST$20-30 per site. Guided snorkeling tours WST$90-140 per person including equipment and boat transport. Book morning departures before 9am for best conditions. See current snorkeling tour options in booking section below.

Waterfall Hiking Adventures

October's regular rainfall keeps waterfalls at full flow while morning temperatures stay comfortable for hiking. Papapapaitai Falls and Sopoaga Falls offer spectacular photo opportunities. Start hikes by 8am to complete before afternoon storms - trails become slippery after rain.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost WST$10-20 entrance fees. Guided hiking tours WST$100-150 per person including multiple waterfalls and traditional lunch. Wear proper hiking shoes as trails are muddy in October. Current waterfall tour options available in booking section below.

Traditional Cooking Classes

October coincides with breadfruit and taro harvest season, making it ideal for authentic Samoan cooking experiences. Learn earth oven (umu) techniques using seasonal ingredients. Indoor activities perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans while still experiencing local culture.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes WST$85-125 per person including meal and recipes. Book through local cultural centers or family-run operations. Classes typically run 3-4 hours with market visits. See current cooking class options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Teuila Festival Week

Samoa's premier cultural festival typically runs second week of October, featuring traditional dance competitions, handicraft demonstrations, fire knife dancing championships, and authentic Samoan food stalls. Main events happen at Apia Park with evening performances showcasing villages from across both islands.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry board shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily with October's warm conditions and frequent swimming opportunities

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms are brief (30-45 min) but intense, and you'll want to continue outdoor activities afterward

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, and chemical sunscreens damage coral reefs

Water shoes with grip soles - essential for rocky coastlines, waterfall hikes, and ocean trench entries that become slippery in October's wet conditions

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and doesn't dry quickly after rain

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during boat tours, waterfall visits, and sudden afternoon downpours

Mosquito repellent with DEET - October's rainfall creates breeding sites, especially problematic during evening cultural shows and outdoor dining

Portable phone charger - power outages occasionally occur during October storms, and you'll use camera/GPS frequently for activities

Cash in small denominations - many local operators, village visits, and market vendors don't accept cards, entrance fees typically WST$10-30

Comfortable walking sandals - for village visits and cultural sites where shoes must be removed, plus quick transitions between wet and dry activities

Insider Knowledge

Local families harvest breadfruit and taro in October - visit Fugalei Market Saturday mornings for seasonal produce tasting and better prices on tropical fruits than resort shops

Afternoon storms follow predictable patterns - locals know to schedule boat activities before 1pm and indoor activities 2-4pm, then resume outdoor plans after 4pm

October is when Samoan students return to university overseas - book accommodations near airport areas early as families visit, and flight prices to New Zealand spike mid-month

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve experiences its annual coral spawning late October - underwater visibility can temporarily decrease but marine life activity increases dramatically for snorkeling

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling waterfall hikes or boat tours after 1pm - afternoon storms make trails dangerous and seas choppy, while morning conditions are ideal with calm waters and good lighting

Bringing only credit cards - village visits, local transport, and many authentic cultural experiences operate cash-only, especially outside Apia township

Packing heavy rain gear for brief tropical showers - lightweight quick-dry clothing and a simple rain jacket work better than bulky waterproof clothing in 30°C (86°F) heat