The Best Time to Visit Singapore

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• Locations to stay in Singapore

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

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Singapore is a great year-round destination, with mid-January through May, and especially April, seeing fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Hotel rates do not vary much, though booking early might help get small discounts.

• Best Time to Book Hotels for Singapore: The Best Hotels in Singapore and the Best Hotels for Families in Singapore receive full bookings early. Try to reserve accommodations at minimum 3 months in advance.
• Best Period for Sightseeing: Singapore has a unique characteristic. Unlike numerous destinations, there isn`t a specific season that`s superior for sightseeing in Singapore, even though certain occasions and vacations can swell the crowds and increase the already high hotel prices. Some of the top things to do in Singapore (and the climate) are great all year round, with high heat and humidity expected no matter when you travel. The winter months are the wetter months, yet you shouldn`t let the weather hinder you from planning a trip during that season as there truly isn`t that much of a contrast between the rainy period and the slightly drier summer season. For a more pleasant sightseeing experience; however, you may desire to avoid traveling between May and September (May and June specifically), as the heat is at its peak and the smoke and haze produced from clearing fires that scorch in Sumatra may cause eye and throat irritation; many inhabitants wear masks when particle levels escalate to dangerous levels. Regardless of which month you’re here, it’s best to get up quite early in the day to outpace the crowds and high afternoon temperatures. You may want to start by visiting outdoor attractions like the Singapore Zoo or Jurong Bird Park, and by afternoon when the heat gets to be too much, you can head to one of the extensive air-conditioned shopping centers like Ngee Ann City. By 5 or 6pm the temperature will be more comfortable and you can get back to outdoor activities.
• Ideal Moment for Shopping: While Singapore is renowned as a year-round shopping paradise, the best time to visit is during the annual Great Singapore Sale, when all kinds of discounts, as much as 70%, in addition to extended shopping hours, can be enjoyed at the shopping outlets across the island for eight weeks between late May and the end of July. If you miss it, the post-Christmas and New Year sales are also a great time for promotional offers and big savings. If you plan to shop the markets in Chinatown, going in the late afternoon/early evening hours is best. The time of year here makes a difference too, with the best time to visit in January or February, a month before the Chinese New Year, when the area is decorated with dazzling lights and ornaments, and streets are filled with stalls touting all sorts of wares from pottery, clothes and a variety of household items to a wide array of food.
• Prime Moment to Experience the Singapore Flyer: Singapore`s answer to the London Eye is one of the world`s tallest observation wheels, towering nearly 550 feet high. It provides 360-degree perspectives of the urban landscape from Marina Bay, and many visitors feel seeing the bird`s-eye view of the F1 circuit is a highlight. Head here at the start of your visit to gain an idea of the layout of Singapore, ideally just before dusk when the entire row of downtown skyscrapers is softly illuminated.

Singapore Travel Seasons

• Peak Periods in Singapore: Singapore does not have distinct high and low seasons, but crowds tend to reach their maximum during holiday durations due to a mixture of winter travelers, festive events and regular business movement. Accommodation rates are at their highest, and negotiating any sort of discount is improbable. Winter also brings somewhat more rain as it falls during the Northeast Monsoon season, though you won`t notice a meaningful difference in conditions no matter the time you arrive. The crowds peak again in June and July during the Great Singapore Sale, with hotels and other lodgings filling to full capacity. During this period, you may also encounter throat and eye irritation from smoke and haze produced from clearing fires.
• Shoulder Season (mid-January through May): There really isn’t what would be considered a “shoulder season” in Singapore; however, mid-January through May falls between the high and low “peaks.” April in particular is a good time to be in Singapore as there are no public holidays during this month and it doesn’t fall during monsoon season, though you can expect high heat and humidity year round.
• Period of Lesser Tourist Volume (August through October, aside from mid-September): During the later summer and early autumn months, excepting mid-September due to the Singapore Grand Prix, there is a slight fall-off in the numbers of visitors as tourism traffic lessens slightly. Though the Southwest Monsoon arrives around this time, it brings less severity than its Northeast counterpart. Temperatures also rise somewhat higher than throughout the rest of the year. While lodging rates do not exhibit noticeable divergences, this is potentially your best opportunity to negotiate a cost offering a slightly more beneficial terms.

Singapore Weather by Month

• January is typically one of the wettest and windiest months in Singapore – unless the Northeast Monsoon makes an early exit, which it occasionally does. In that case, this month can be quite dry. But be ready for lots of rain along with hot temperatures by bringing a small, portable umbrella that you can take with you on the go. While temperatures may be slightly cooler now, because Singapore is just 85 miles from the equator, you can expect it to be hot year round. This month, high temperatures reach an average of 30°C, while 238mm of rain falls over 18 days. Loose, comfortable clothing that dries promptly is recommended. Due to its location near the equator, there isn’t much difference in the length of days either, with sunrise at around 7am and sunset around 7pm all year long. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 238mm.)
• Weather conditions in Singapore during February: Typically February marks one of the less rainy periods in Singapore, with average rainfall lowering to 165 millimeters spread over 13 days. Daily high temperatures inch upwards slightly to reach 31 degrees Celsius on average. Lows fall to a somewhat cooler 24 degrees Celsius at night, providing brief respite from the heat. Humidity levels and precipitation winds down towards the end of the Northeast Monsoon season. Opt for loose, breathable garments crafted from lightweight fabrics and don`t forget ample, broad-spectrum sun protection. Wide-brimmed hats shield from both sun and heat. Since air conditioning indoors tends to blast quite frosty, you may want a portable cardigan for temperature fluctuations between interior and exterior settings. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 165mm.)
• Singapore Weather in March: March remains one of Singapore`s sunniest months. The nation has transitioned out from the Northeast Monsoon season, and the climate becomes less breezy, though thunderstorms occur more regularly. Plan to carry a portable umbrella to help keep you dry, and as the average high is 31°C, you’ll need plenty of sun protection too. As you should do regardless of which month you visit, pack lightweight, comfortable clothing, along with a cardigan or two for those times when the air conditioning indoors gets to be too much. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 174mm.)
• Climate in Singapore for April: April in Singapore is characterized by warmth, light breezes, and frequent thunderstorms. The average high temperature stays steady at 31°C, and rainfall is not substantially different than March, with showers bringing about 166mm throughout 20 days that month. Carrying a small umbrella and a lightweight cardigan for indoor wear is still prudent, as is applying generous amounts of sunscreen and sporting a wide-brimmed hat. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Rainfall: 166mm.)
• Singapore Weather in May: While the temperatures and precipitation are largely identical to March and April, the month of May brings smoke and haze generated by clearing fires burning in Sumatra. Therefore, in addition to intense heat and humidity, travelers may experience throat and eye irritation. those with asthma or delicate respiratory systems, along with the elderly and small children, are recommended to carry face masks for protection. As usual, sunscreen, hats, lightweight clothing and a small umbrella continue to be wise choices. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 171mm.)
• Weather in Singapore in June: June marks the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon Season, a period when showers and thunderstorms frequently occur between dawn and midday, although thunderstorms typically last less than half an hour. Overall, there is marginally less rainfall than May, with a total of 163mm falling over 19 days during this month. In June, Singapore may also be blanketed in smoke haze, so you may wish to carry a face mask for protection in addition to shielding yourself from the sweltering heat and sunlight. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 163 mm.)
• Conditions in Singapore in July: As is typical in Singapore year-round, July will be hot yet marginally drier than other periods. Sudden downpours may occur unexpectedly but stop rapidly, transitioning back to heat and humidity. Carrying a portable umbrella allows remaining relatively dry. Consider anyone with breathing problems, as haze may persist through summer. The average high of 31°C continues, with around 150mm of rainfall dispersed over 19 days. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 150mm.)
• Singapore Weather in August: Similar to July, August will be hot with slightly less rainfall than other months. Smoke and haze may still occur, and sudden thunderstorms are common. Even the so-called “dry months” see around 171mm of average precipitation in August, so unpredictably wet weather is possible anytime. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 171mm.)
• The weather typically in Singapore in September marks the conclusion of the Southwest Monsoon Season. It will be hot and humid with marginally less rainfall compared to prior months, and mist is quite frequent. Strong winds are often present in the morning hours, with temperatures still commonly reaching 31°C. The enduring heat and dense urban humidity, specially away from coastal regions, frequently causes oppressive conditions on sunny afternoons, but relief can be found within air-conditioned cafes, shops, and buildings. Due to frequently cooler indoor temperatures, a lightweight jacket may be necessary. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 163mm.)
• Singapore Weather in October: October (as well as November) is considered the pre-Northeast Monsoon season. During this time, a refreshing coastal breeze aids in marginally reducing the afternoon heat, though average maximum temperatures stay steady at around 31°C. Storms commonly occur in the evening, bringing brief but often intense showers, while wind speeds tend to remain lowered. Having backup plans in the event heavy rain impacts activities on a given day is wise, but an umbrella usually does the job of keeping most rain off and allowing one to enjoy all things as usual. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 191mm.)
• Singapore Weather in November: November is fairly comparable to October in that this is prior to Northeast Monsoon season, a period when afternoon and evening rain showers are probable – and generally brief and intense, lasting only a short time. Carry a small umbrella, be cognizant of the weather predictions and be prepared to rearrange days for optimal effect. The average high temperature drops one degree this month to 30°C, but it`s not a notable difference, so you`ll need to plan for significant heat as well. (Average Max Temperature: 30°C. Average Precipitation: 250mm.)
• Weather patterns in Singapore during December: December marks the formal beginning of the Northeast Monsoon season across Singapore. This month sees cooler temperatures relative to the year`s hottest period, averaging around 29°C at maximum. December also sees the highest rainfall amounts on average, with 269mm falling during this month on average. Humidity levels and sunshine hours are also at their lowest. It is advisable to bring an umbrella, as well as loose, lightweight clothing and a sweater for indoor areas like malls, taxis and cinemas which utilize air conditioning. (Average Maximum Temperature: 29°C. Average Rainfall: 269mm.)

Singapore Events and Festivals

Singapore in January

• New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Singapore, and a reprieve from school and employment for most people. When it falls on a Sunday, January 2 will be a public holiday. Many people celebrate the day with kin by enjoying lavish meals, and sometimes champagne brunch or afternoon tea. While most shops and restaurants are open as standard, filled with tourists visiting for the holidays, some establishments may be closed or have shorter opening spans.
• Within the Thaipusam Hindu festival that happens during a two-day period, the first day known as the Eve of Thailpusam is significant. The primary activity on this day is a colorful chariot procession that begins from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and travels to the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple at Keong Siak Road. The ceremony commences in the early morning hours of January 24th, with some devotees carrying milk pots and intricately decorated wooden kavadis balanced on their shoulders while others bear spiked kavadis requiring careful preparations.
• Chinese (Lunar) New Year – Chinese New Year follows the lunisolar calendar, varying slightly each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. The 15-day festival is one of the most widely celebrated holidays globally. The new year is heralded with floats and performances, including stilt-walkers and lion dancers, at the Chingay parade in Marina Bay. Temples open their doors and stalls sell raw fish, while decorations glow under the lanterns of the night bazaar.

Singapore in February

• Singapore River Hong Bao – Usually occurring in early February, this major event is part of the Chinese New Year festivities. It includes performances by top local and regional artists with fireworks, food stalls and vendors.
• Valentine’s Day – Valentine’s Day isn’t a civic break, but it is celebrated much how it is in other nations, with the exchanging of chocolate hearts and the enjoyment of romantic, candlelit dinners. Many dining establishments offer distinct selections for couples in Singapore on February 14.

Singapore in March

• Singapore International Jazz Festival – This more recent annual event occurs in early March at Marina Bay Sands offering three nights of jazz and jazz-inspired music featuring world-renowned artists.
• Singapore Design Week – Taking place over around two weeks in mid-March, this occasion highlights international and local trade shows, meetings, workshops and displays focused on design.
• The Chancery Pavilion – Worth the 700m walk via Richmond Circle, this stylish hotel provides: ITHACA (pleasant café with all-day dining), Alchemy (excellent bistro/bar on the rooftop), and Amnesia (trendy bar/lounge with hip DJs).
• Good Friday and Easter – Singapore’s overall population doesn’t celebrate Easter, though there are numerous Christians who do. Good Friday, which falls March or April, is a public holiday, though all of the shops, shopping centers, and restaurants are open as typical.

Singapore in April

• The Qingming Festival – This early April festival, also known by names like “Ching Ming Festival” or “Tomb Sweeping Day,” is a Chinese tradition where deceased ancestors are honored. In Singapore, visitors can see paper money and other offerings tossed in the air at Chinese cemeteries as a sign of remembrance for loved ones who have passed away.
• World Gourmet Summit – Hosted yearly throughout much of the month of April, this event is organized by some of the world’s most renowned head chefs, along with Singapore’s own culinary talents and visiting industry experts. This is Southeast Asia’s premier haute cuisine festival, providing consecutive epicurean experiences ranging from themed and celebrity meals to vintner dinners.

Singapore in May

• Vesak Day – This important Buddhist holiday, which commonly falls in May around the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, celebrates the life of Buddha. The liberation of caged birds symbolizes the release of captive souls. Festivities are held at all Buddhist temples, with excellent spots to observe the events including the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple in Toa Payoh and the Buddhist Lodge in River Valley Road.
• Singapore Spring Fashion Week – Singapore Spring Fashion Week/Asia Fashion Exchange is a one-week extravaganza held in mid-May that places Singapore on the map as Asia’s fashion capital. It covers all aspects of the industry, such as educational talks to trade shows and public events.
• The Singapore International Festival of Arts – Held yearly throughout the month of May, this nationwide celebration of the arts offers excellent free and ticketed outdoor performances in theatre, dance, music and visual art from global regions.
• Mother’s Day – In Singapore, Mother’s Day is honored on the second Sunday of May. The day is marked by individuals with flowers and tokens of appreciation for the mother’s role, but not recognized as a public holiday. Numerous restaurants offer special menus for brunch, lunch or dinner for mom’s unique day.

Singapore in June

• The Great Singapore Sale, an annual shopping extravaganza held each June, means shoppers can find discounts of up to 70% at retailers across the island nation.

In the eastern section of the Oltrarno, discover pieces of jewelry and a museum by Alessandro Dari, perfumery including Lorenzo Villoresi, and innovative street artwork at Clet)

• Ramadan – Ramadan is a month-long commemoration in the Muslim community that is enthusiastically celebrated in Singapore. It includes night markets and the Geylang Serai neighborhood is beautifully illuminated. During the day, food stalls typically serve only snacks, but at night there is a wide range of offerings at the Ramadan Bazaars.
• Father’s Day – Father’s Day is commemorated on the third Sunday of June, acknowledging fathers for their part. Comparable to Mother’s Day, numerous restaurants in Singapore offer unique menus for brunch, lunch, or evening meal.

Singapore in July

• Singapore Food Festival – This month-long festival in July takes place across different locations, showcasing tasty cuisine from China, India, Malaysia and beyond in a melting pot experience.
• Race Relations Day – Annually on July 21 in Singapore, this date is commemorated to memorialize the 1964 Race Riots, which took place on July 21, 1964. Across Singapore, students are encouraged to wear ethnic outfits, and style parades are commonly held to showcase the diversity of attire.
• Hari Raya Puasa – This significant spiritual event held by Singapore`s Muslims denotes the ending of Ramadan. On this date, Muslims attend mosques for prayers in the early early morning hours just before visiting final resting places of their loved ones. Oil lamps at homes and in mosques are lit from the 20th day of Ramadan and carry on lighting bright until the end of the gathering.

Singapore in August

• National Day – This day celebrated annually on August 9 is Singapore’s birthday, commemorating the country’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. It promises packed festivities that include fireworks and cultural dances. The National Day Parade is usually held at the Padang or National Stadium.
• Hungry Ghost Festival – This commemorative event happens on the fifteenth dark night of the seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar, typically in August. Observed by Taoists, Buddhists, and Chinese folk religion supporters, the festival is believed to be the period when the entrances to the underworld open, generating a combined environment of living and deceased. The key festivities revolve around preventing the departed spirits, which is done through burning incense, fake banknotes, candles and commemorative papers. Performances are conducted in which the front row is left vacant for the dead.”

Singapore in September

• Festival of Lanterns – Also referred to as the Mid-Autumn Festival, in this celebration lion dances provide entertainment for locals who go to Chinatown to stock up on seasonal mooncake pastries. The towers and bridges of Jurong’s Chinese Garden are covered with novel and animal lanterns. The highlight is the Children’s Lantern Parade with hundreds of children marching down the streets of Chinatown with their colorful lanterns. It occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is completely full.
• Singapore Grand Prix – One of the biggest yearly events in Singapore, the Grand Prix is held in mid-September. Considered the “jewel in the Formula One crown”. In addition to racing, it features award-winning bands and five-star cuisine.

Singapore in October

• Deepavali – This meaningful Hindu occasion occurs in October, with Little India’s roadways and temples adorned with lights and floral arrangements. Crowds pack Sri Mariamman Temple to watch barefoot devotees traverse blazing embers without harm. Visitors can join guided tours to see top henna artists and confectioners, or shrines ornamented in temples.
• Singapore Fall Fashion Week – Singapore Fall Fashion Week/Asia Fashion Exchange is a one-week celebration held in mid-May that puts Singapore on the map as Asia’s fashion capital. It covers all aspects of the industry, including everything from industry dedicated talks to trade shows and consumer events.
• Nine Emperor Gods Festival – Observed over the first nine days of the ninth lunar month among Chinese communities in Singapore (usually mid-October), this celebration opens by welcoming deities into a temple for worship throughout the period. It concludes on the ninth day when the gods depart. Visitors can enjoy processions displaying images of the nine gods, each borne by eight male carriers in ornamented sedans through the festivities
• Halloween – Halloween has grown in popularity in Singapore, though trick-or-treating is generally not a tradition. It’s celebrated by dressing in costumes, experiencing frightening haunted houses and attending parties.

Singapore in November

• Singapore Writer’s Festival – This annual festival typically happens around the first 10 days of November as a celebration of literature recognized for including all four of Singapore’s main languages: Chinese, Malay, Tamil and English, rendering it one of the few multi-lingual festivals globally. International authors often participate, and talks, readings and workshops are held in an assortment of venues across the city.
• Singapore River Busker’s Festival – This one-of-a-kind festival is hosted for 10 days in November each year and features a diversity of activities, like some of the best street performers, including magicians, comedians, sword-swallowers, jugglers and additional, who take over the walkways of Orchard Road.
• Singapore Annual Film Exhibition – The largest cinematic display in Singapore and one of the top film festivals in Asia, the SAFF is held every November where over 200 international movies from all genres are screened, with a focus on groundbreaking Asian cinema. Additional to film showings, workshops, displays and seminars centered around film-making are also highlighted.

Singapore in December

ZoukOut – This mega beach club on Sentosa Island hosts a massive weekend party, commonly on Siloso or Tanjong Beaches. Local and overseas performers entertain crowds under tents and outdoors with various music genres
• Orchard Road Christmas Markets – This shopping avenue is transformed into a tropical winter wonderland for Christmas in December, highlighting gigantic snow scenes, trees, candy canes and toys along with dazzling light displays.
• Christmas Day – Christmas Day is an official public holiday and a parade is held on Orchard Road, even though the city does not entirely shut down as many Singaporeans do not celebrate Christmas. A parade is held on Orchard Road.
• New Year`s Eve is celebrated extensively in Singapore, beginning with performances by local celebrities during the nationally televised countdown. This is followed by large public parties across the city. A magnificent fireworks display over Marina Bay provides a scenic finale as wishes are floated in the Bay of Hope and Light. Bars, restaurants, and popular entertainment areas like Esplanade and Clarke Quay also host festive gatherings through the night.