January brings hot temperatures in American Samoa with plenty of rain. The days receive ample sunshine during the summer, even though it rains almost daily. Afternoons are particularly prone to thunderstorms with brief, intense periods of rain followed by bright sunshine. The average temperatures are in the 77°F (25°C) to 88°F (31.1°C) range, but tend to be slightly lower at high elevations on the volcanic islands. Pago Pago, the capital, receives an average of 14.4" (366mm) of precipitation in the space of 24 rainy days. Sea temperatures remain fairly steady above the 84°F (28.9°C) mark and the waters are warm enough for swimming. However, tropical cyclones pose a threat during the southern summer, and it is advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Tourist numbers remain impressive during the New Year. American Samoa is one of the favorite destinations to escape from the brutally cold northern hemisphere winters in January.