Sunset Time in Samoa Today

Samoa, Samoa

Forecast updated:

Cloud on the horizon does not move the astronomical sunset time — it can hide the sun a few minutes early, but it often produces the most dramatic colors.

Conditions can shift — arrive 30 minutes early for the best experience.

Pair with golden hour or moon visibility for complete planning.

Forecast accuracy is highest within the next 1–3 days.

Sunset & Daylight Patterns Specific to Samoa

Samoa sits at 13.8° S in the tropical zone. It is spring there now, and the sun currently spends 12.4 hours above the horizon each day.

Being in the southern hemisphere, Samoa's longest days fall in December and shortest in June — the opposite of cities in North America or Europe. Solstice sunsets in December can be 13 hours after sunrise. Samoa runs from 11.3 to 12.9 hours of daylight across the year, a 1.6-hour swing. Today's 12.4 hours set how much room you have to move plans around.

Golden hour in Samoa lasts about 42 minutes today, with civil twilight adding a further 22 minutes of usable blue-hour light after sunset.

The most photogenic sunset conditions in Samoa come in June, July, August, September, when the atmosphere is clearest and high-pressure systems push cloud layers away from the western horizon. Samoa was the last place on Earth to ring in each new day until 2011, when the country skipped December 30th entirely by jumping across the International Date Line — becoming one of the first instead.

Civil twilight at Samoa's latitude lasts approximately 22 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon — this is the "blue hour" window of soft, diffused light that photographers prize above all others. At 13.8°, this window is brief, making precise timing critical — the sky transitions from golden to dark in under half an hour.

City-specific facts for Samoa

  • •Latitude: 13.8° S — longest days in December, shortest in June
  • •Summer daylight: ~12.9h | Winter daylight: ~11.3h — a 1.6-hour annual swing
  • •Civil twilight (blue hour) duration: ~22 minutes post-sunset
  • •Prime sunset colour months: June, July, August, September
  • •Hemisphere: southern — sunset moves southward in summer, altering composition angles significantly
  • •Local season right now: spring (southern hemisphere)
  • •Daylight today: 12.4 h — annual range 11.3–12.9 h
  • •Solar regime today: normal sunrise/sunset cycle

Sun & Moon Times in Samoa

Sunset timing in Samoa is driven by latitude and season. We apply atmospheric refraction corrections for accuracy within one minute. Golden hour begins roughly 60 minutes before sunset — the most valuable window for photography, outdoor dining, and evening walks.

Sunset in Samoa shifts by several minutes each week. Summer evenings are longest, winter sunsets arrive earliest. Cloud cover near the horizon does not change the sunset time itself, though it can hide the sun a few minutes early and often produces the most dramatic color displays.

For the best sunset experience, arrive at your viewing spot 30 minutes before the listed time. Conditions can shift — check again on the day itself.

Sunrise & Sunset Guide for Samoa in October

Samoa's volcanic islands receive abundant rainfall year-round, but the dry season (May-October) is significantly more comfortable with lower humidity and fewer storms. Cyclone season runs November-April. Trade winds keep coastal areas breezy. The islands' mountainous interiors receive more rain than the coasts.

October offers moderate day lengths in Samoa, with sunset times that are comfortable for both early risers and evening planners. Temperatures range between 25-29°C and 27-31°C, making outdoor activities pleasant throughout the day. The mix of clear and partly cloudy skies during this transitional period creates varied and often spectacular sunset conditions.

☀️ Daylight & Day Length

Day length during October in Samoa provides a balanced schedule — not too long, not too short. This means sunrise and sunset occur at convenient times for most schedules. The sun's angle during transitional months creates particularly long golden hour windows, with warm light that rakes across the landscape and reveals texture in buildings and natural features.

📋 Planning Around Sunset

The moderate temperatures during October make Samoa ideal for all-day outdoor activities without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. You can comfortably be outside from sunrise to sunset without needing to retreat during midday. Layer your clothing — mornings and evenings are cooler, while midday warms up considerably.

Photography at Sunrise & Sunset

Transitional weather in Samoa is a photographer's dream. The mix of sun and clouds creates constantly changing light conditions, offering multiple different looks within a single golden hour. The lower sun angle compared to midsummer produces longer shadows and more dramatic compositions. This is often considered the best time for landscape and cityscape photography.

Seasonal Sun Patterns in Samoa

☀️ Longest Days

June, July, August, September — these months bring the latest sunsets and longest daylight hours in Samoa. Expect extended evenings perfect for outdoor dining, sunset walks, and golden hour photography. The warmest temperatures (27-31°C) coincide with the longest days.

🌙 Shortest Days

December, January, February, March — earlier sunsets and shorter daylight hours define this period in Samoa. Temperatures drop to around 25-29°C. Plan outdoor activities around midday when the sun is highest. The dramatic low-angle light creates stunning photography opportunities despite the shorter window.

📍 Local Weather Insight

Samoa was the last place on Earth to ring in each new day until 2011, when the country skipped December 30th entirely by jumping across the International Date Line — becoming one of the first instead.

Local Tips for Samoa

To Sua Ocean Trench photographs best with midday overhead sun illuminating the water

Sunday is sacred — most businesses close; plan beach and nature activities instead

Lalomanu Beach on Upolu's south coast is sheltered from prevailing trade winds

When Sunset Viewing Is Not Worth It in Samoa

  • •Fully overcast skies — thick cloud cover blocks the sun entirely, producing a flat grey horizon with no color variation.
  • •Heavy rain or thunderstorms — unsafe conditions and zero visibility of the sun. Check the rain forecast for Samoa.
  • •Dense smog or haze — obscures the horizon line and reduces color saturation, making sunset appear washed out.
  • •West-blocked viewpoints — buildings, mountains, or trees blocking the western horizon will cut off sunset 10–30 minutes early.

What Determines Sunset Time?

Sunset time in Samoa is determined by the city's latitude, longitude, and the time of year. During summer, the Earth's axial tilt causes the sun to take a longer path across the sky, resulting in later sunsets. In winter, the opposite occurs — shorter days mean earlier sunsets. Near the equinoxes (March and September), sunset times change most rapidly, shifting by 2–3 minutes per day. At Samoa's latitude, the difference between the earliest and latest sunset can be several hours across the year. Our daily calculations use precise astronomical data to give you the exact sunset time accurate to the minute.

Did you know? Sunset in Samoa shifts by up to 3 minutes per day near the equinoxes — timing matters more than you think.

Planning to watch the sunset in Samoa?

Local Astronomy Profile · Samoa

Tropical latitude (13.8°) — sun passes nearly overhead twice a year.

13.8333° S, 171.7500° W🌐 southern hemisphereComputed from NOAA solar position formulas
Longest day
11 h 11 min

Latest possible sunset of the year (June solstice).

Shortest day
12 h 49 min

Earliest possible sunset of the year (December solstice).

Sunset shifts by
-0.3 min/day on average

Average daily sunset drift between the two solstices — peaks near the equinoxes.

Civil twilight extends
roughly 25–35 min after sunset

Civil twilight is the usable shooting window after the sun is gone.

Data: Open-Meteo

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is sunset in Samoa today?

Today's sunset time for Samoa is shown above and updates daily. Sunset times shift throughout the year based on Samoa's latitude and the Earth's axial tilt. Summer sunsets are later, winter sunsets are earlier.

When is golden hour in Samoa?

Golden hour in Samoa begins approximately 1 hour before sunset and ends at sunset. The exact timing is displayed above. Morning golden hour starts at sunrise and lasts about 1 hour.

How long is the day in Samoa?

Day length in Samoa varies by season. Today's exact day length is shown above. At mid-latitudes, this ranges from about 8 hours in winter to 16+ hours in summer.

Is the moon visible tonight in Samoa?

Moon visibility depends on the current phase and cloud cover. Tonight's moon phase and illumination percentage for Samoa are shown above. A higher illumination percentage means a brighter, more visible moon.

Precipitation radar

Sunset tonight in other destinations

More Weather Tools for Samoa