Solosolo Travel Guide

City Coastal village on Upolu island, Samoa

Solosolo sits on Upolu’s south coast, a linear village of fales and fishing boats where visitors join cultural shows, sample coconut-based dishes, and take short boat trips to reef snorkel sites. Community leaders sometimes welcome guided village tours.

Main image
Costs
Around $40-80 per day
Budget guesthouses, local food, occasional taxis.
Safety
Generally safe with normal precautions
Very low violent crime; watch for petty theft on beaches.
Best Time
May-October (avoid wet season Dec-Mar)
Drier months offer calmer seas and sunshine.
Time
Weather
Population
1,487
Infrastructure & Convenience
Limited buses, walkable village center, few tourist services.
Popularity
Rarely crowded; mostly domestic and curious travelers.
Known For
white-sand coastline, coral reefs, village fales, traditional Samoan culture, fishing, coconut groves, church life, local markets, swimming, community ceremonies
Solosolo sits on Upolu's southeast coast in Atua district, facing the Aleipata island group and easy local boat access to nearby reefs.

Why Visit Solosolo? #

Nestled on the Samoan coast, this village attracts travelers seeking an intimate look at island life and customary culture. Visitors witness communal umu feasts, the kava ceremony and traditional fale architecture, and can sample palusami and oka prepared by local families. The low-key beaches and coconut groves offer peaceful walks away from resort crowds. Expect warm village hospitality and chances to learn about matai chiefly customs, weaving and carving traditions.

Top Things to Do in Solosolo

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Apia Market - Bustling open-air market selling taro, fresh fish, handicrafts, and lively local scenes.
  • Robert Louis Stevenson Museum - Writer's colonial-era villa preserved with manuscripts, gardens, and historic Samoan artifacts.
  • Lalomanu Beach - Palm-fringed white-sand beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed seaside dining.
Hidden Gems
  • Palolo Deep Marine Reserve - Protected reef east of Apia, great for snorkeling vibrant coral and fish.
  • To Sua Ocean Trench - Iconic swimming hole set in a lush sinkhole with ladder access.
  • Togitogiga Waterfall - Short forest walk leads to cascading falls, shaded pools, and picnic spots.
Day Trips
  • Apia & Vailima - Capital and nearby Vailima offer cafes, markets, and Robert Louis Stevenson heritage.
  • Savai'i (Salelologa ferry) - Ferry link to Savai'i for lava fields, blowholes, and traditional villages.

Best Time to Visit Solosolo #

Visit during the dry season (May-October) for sunny, calmer seas and easier village-to-village travel. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rain and a higher cyclone risk, so pack accordingly.

Wet Season
November - April · 24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)
Heavy tropical rains, high humidity, and warm seas; landscape is lush but travel disruptions and mosquitoes increase-skip if you need guaranteed beach weather.
Dry Season
May - October · 23°C - 30°C (73°F - 86°F)
Sunny, breezy days and calmer seas make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and village visits-expect warm nights and fewer storms.
Cyclone Season
January - March · 25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)
Peak risk of tropical cyclones; plan with flexible bookings and keep an eye on advisories-don't travel expecting uninterrupted outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Solosolo #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3183 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (370 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

370 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (311 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

311 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (341 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

341 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

227 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (187 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

187 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (401 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

401 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (332 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

332 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

December

December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

317 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

How to Get to Solosolo

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Solosolo #

Solosolo is a compact coastal village and very walkable for day-to-day errands and beach access. The main road links it to nearby villages and Apia; local minibuses and shared taxis run the route for short fares (a few tala) while private taxis and car hire are available for longer trips. Bring cash for bus/taxi fares, expect irregular schedules, and allow extra time for connections - roads are narrow and stops are informal.

Where to Stay in Solosolo #

Budget
Apia - $25-90/night
Solosolo itself has no formal hotels; budget travelers stay in Apia (30-45 minutes). Expect guesthouses and basic hotels rather than village properties.
Mid-Range
Apia - $70-180/night
Mid-range options are concentrated in Apia; comfortable hotels and small resorts suitable for day trips to Solosolo and nearby beaches.
Luxury
Apia / South Upolu - $220+/night
Luxury stays require driving to larger resorts around Apia or the southeast coast. Fewer high-end choices close to the village; plan transfers in advance.

Where to Eat in Solosolo #

Nightlife in Solosolo #

Nightlife in Solosolo is very low-key. Evenings are mostly community and family-focused, with occasional village gatherings or church events. If you want bars or live music, plan a trip into Apia where there are more options.

Shopping in Solosolo #

Shopping in Solosolo is minimal: small village stores sell groceries, snacks and basic supplies, and occasional roadside vendors offer handmade items. For a wider selection of handicrafts, clothing and souvenir stalls you’ll need to travel into Apia.

Nearby Cities #