Samoa has no domestic flights. The two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, connect by ferry from Mulifanua wharf on Upolu's western coast to Salelologa on Savai'i's eastern coast. The ferry departs Mulifanua Monday through Saturday at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Sunday service runs at 8:00, 12:00, and 16:00. Crossing time is one hour and ten minutes. Adult fare is 10 tala each way. Vehicles cost 80 to 150 tala depending on size. The ferry company is Samoa Shipping Corporation.
Public buses in Samoa operate on both main islands. Buses have no fixed schedules. They run frequently between Apia and villages on Upolu from early morning until late afternoon, less frequently on Savai'i. Fares range from 2 to 10 tala depending on distance. Buses display destination signs. Passengers signal the driver to stop by pressing a buzzer or calling out. Most buses are brightly painted converted trucks with open sides and bench seating. Services reduce sharply after 16:00 on weekdays and nearly stop on Sundays.
The main road circling Upolu is 135 kilometers. The road circling Savai'i is 98 kilometers. Both roads are sealed but narrow with minimal shoulders. Speed limits are 56 kilometers per hour in villages and 72 kilometers per hour outside villages. Rental cars are available in Apia from companies including Avis, Budget, and local operators. Daily rates start at 100 tala for manual transmission vehicles. An international driving permit is required alongside a home country license. Samoa drives on the left. Fuel costs approximately 3.50 tala per liter as of 2024.
Taxis operate primarily in Apia. They lack meters. Fares within Apia range from 10 to 30 tala. A taxi from Faleolo International Airport to central Apia costs 60 to 80 tala for the 35-kilometer trip. Taxis are identifiable by TAXI signs on the roof. Negotiating the fare before departure is standard practice. Shared taxis operate on some routes but are uncommon.
Walking is practical within Apia. The city center spans approximately two kilometers from the fish market to the hospital. Sidewalks exist on main roads but are often broken or obstructed. Villages outside Apia have minimal pedestrian infrastructure. The tropical climate produces high humidity year-round with temperatures between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius. Rain can occur any day. Carrying water is necessary for walks exceeding one hour.
Bicycle rentals exist in Apia but are uncommon. No dedicated cycling infrastructure exists on any road. Traffic shares narrow roads with buses and trucks. The coastal road on both islands has steep sections, particularly between Apia and the southeast coast of Upolu. Rental bicycles where available cost approximately 40 tala per day.
Boat transport to Manono Island and Apolima Island departs from villages on Upolu's northwest coast. Manono boats leave from Manono-uta village. Crossing time is five minutes. Fare is 5 tala per person. Apolima boats are less frequent and require advance arrangement with village boat owners. No scheduled service exists. The crossing from Upolu takes twenty minutes. Fare is negotiable, typically 40 to 60 tala per boat.
Samoa has two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season runs May through October. The wet season runs November through April. Rainfall in Apia averages 80 millimeters per month during the dry season and 300 millimeters per month during the wet season. Rain falls throughout the year. Dry season rain typically occurs in brief afternoon showers. Wet season rain can persist for hours or days.
Cyclone season runs November through April with peak risk in January and February. Samoa lies in the South Pacific cyclone belt. Cyclone Evan hit in December 2012, killing 14 people and destroying infrastructure across both islands. Cyclone Gita passed south of Samoa in February 2018 causing flooding. Cyclone season brings higher winds, heavier rainfall, and rough ocean conditions. Ferry cancellations occur during storms. Coastal roads can flood.
Temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius overnight to 32 degrees Celsius during the day year-round. Humidity remains between 75 and 85 percent. Upolu and Savai'i experience identical weather patterns. Higher elevations like Mount Fito and Mount Silisili are cooler but receive more rain. Cloud cover increases at elevations above 800 meters.
Tourist numbers peak during the dry season, particularly June through September. Accommodation prices do not vary significantly by season. Most beach fale and hotels maintain consistent rates year-round. Availability tightens in July and August when New Zealand and Australian school holidays coincide. Booking one month in advance is advisable during these months.