Upolu, Samoa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Upolu, Samoa? If you're planning to go to Upolu, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Upolu
- Important essentials for Upolu
- Activities for Upolu
- Upolu in January: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in February: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in March: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in April: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in May: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in June: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in July: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in August: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in September: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in October: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in November: weather and what to pack
- Upolu in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Upolu, Samoa
Based on the climate and weather in Upolu, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Upolu, Samoa
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Upolu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Upolu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Upolu, Samoa by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Upolu in January, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunglasses
-
Skirts
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Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
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Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
If you're going to the beach
February
If you go to Upolu in February, you will notice that it is hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
March
March is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
April
April is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
May
Traveling to Upolu in May, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
June
If you go to Upolu in June, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
July
July for Upolu is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
August
If you go to Upolu in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
September
If you go to Upolu in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
October
If you go to Upolu in October, you will notice that it is hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
November
November for Upolu is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
December
If you go to Upolu in December, you will notice that it is hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
Activities for Upolu, Samoa
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Upolu.
If you plan to visit Papapapai-Tai Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
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100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
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Ultralight day pack
to carry essentials.
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Binoculars
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Waterproof phone bag
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Swimsuits
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Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Going to Piula Cave Pool? You'll need:
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Fleece jacket
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Heavy, protective pants
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High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
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Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
Upolu has excellent beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Port Renfrew, British Columbia, Canada, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, United Kingdom, Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria, Mittagong, New South Wales, Australia, Upper Lusatia, Germany, Chandernagore, India, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Aurora, Illinois, United States of America, Saijo, Japan, Neston, Wales, United Kingdom, and Auburn, Alabama, United States of America.