Pago Pago Weather in May

May weather in Pago Pago

May feels warm, damp and often cloudy. Days reach 28°C, and nights barely cool, dropping only to 27°C. Humidity sits around 80%, and you'll get about 4.8 hours of sun a day. Rain falls on 21 days, so showers will interrupt some plans, but most days won't be a write-off. That mix of rain and cloud is why May scores a fair 4.8 out of 10.

Because the rain comes and goes, it helps to plan around it. The Pago Pago harbor and the shops in Fagatogo are easy to enjoy between showers, and the Jean P. Haydon Museum is a good option when the weather turns. If you want to hike, keep your plans loose. Rain can leave the trails in the National Park of American Samoa muddy. May isn't the best pick if your heart is set on long, reliably sunny beach days.

Crowds and holidays

If you'd rather avoid the busiest stretch, May works in your favor. It falls outside the drier July and August peak, so the mood is usually calmer than in those months. Prices and visitor numbers can still shift, though, and weather data can't tell you what flights or rooms will cost, so check those separately.

Memorial Day falls in May and is observed in American Samoa. Some public offices may close, so check locally if you need to handle any paperwork. There's no major May festival that should shape your whole trip. If crowds are what put you off, May may suit you better than July or August, as long as you accept a little less sunshine in exchange for a quieter visit.

A useful local tip

If you plan to climb the Mount Alava Trail, ask about conditions before you set out. The route starts near the Vatia side of the national park, well away from central Pago Pago, and wet ground can make the climb slippery. A local taxi driver or your accommodation can help you judge whether it's a good day to go.

Keep a flexible backup plan close to town. A meal of palusami, taro leaves baked with coconut cream, at a local restaurant makes a good fallback. That way, a passing shower won't have to end your day.