Singapore is a country, island, city and state all at the same time. Because of its geographical location close to the Equator, Singapore’s weather is hot and humid. Rainfall is almost a daily occurrence and it also sees thunderstorms 40% of the time.
No doubt, if you’re starting to plan a trip, you’ll want to find out the best time to visit Singapore.
Singapore is an incredibly popular destination for tourists. You can go anywhere from high rise buildings to stunningly beautiful gardens within minutes of each other. You can swim in the infinity pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or chill out with a cool beverage at Clarke Quay. Here’s your go to guide to fun things to do in Singapore for all types of traveller.
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Although it is a year round tourist destination, when is the best time to visit Singapore?
Best Time To Visit Singapore: Weather
Singapore weather can be hard to navigate. One minute you could be basking in the sun, the next running to find shelter from one of their famous downpours.
Interestingly, Singapore doesn’t have clear cut seasons like Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall) and Winter. And there also isn’t a clear cut dry season or rainy season in Singapore. Instead it has the Northeast Monsoon Season, the Southwest Monsoon Season and Inter-monsoon seasons.
Temperature
Singapore enjoys a tropical climate, being so close to the Equator, so you’ll find sunshine on any given day.
Temperatures range from 23 degrees Celsius in December (at night) to 33 degrees Celsius in March (during the day).
Humidity
Unfortunately, because of the high levels of humidity in Singapore, it may sometimes seem like the temperature is higher than it is. This is the ‘feels like’ temperature. Where the actual temperature could be 34 degrees Celsius, it could feel more like 40 degrees Celsius.
Tourists often find the humidity in Singapore to be unbearable. The reason Singapore is so humid is because of the high temperatures, proximity to the sea and the Equator and because it rains a lot.
Humidity levels typically range from 70% to 90%, sometimes even reaching 100%. But don’t worry, as the locals don’t like it too hot, there is adequate air conditioning everywhere you go in Singapore.
Northeast Monsoon Season
When: December to March
The Northeast Monsoon Season is split into two phases: the wet phase, from December to January, and the dry phase, from February to March.
The wet phase brings heavy winds from 25-30 km/h and rain showers in the afternoon and early evening.
The dry phase, while windy, is relatively dry with few showers.
Southwest Monsoon Season
When: June to September
Thunderstorms are common during the Southwest Monsoon Season. They usually occur pre-dawn to early afternoon with short showers.
‘Sumatra Squalls’ are common during the Southwest Monsoon Season, with wind gusts of 40-80 km/h.
This is the dryer of the monsoon seasons.
Inter-Monsoon Season
When: April to May and October to November
During both of these seasons you’ll experience thunderstorms, often severe in the mornings / early afternoon.
April to May sees hot, dry afternoons and evenings, while October to November is generally wetter.
Best Time To Visit Singapore: Shopping
If you have shopping on the brain, you won’t necessarily be looking for the best time to go Singapore in terms of weather. You’ll be looking for the best shopping experience and to shop till you drop!
The Great Singapore Sale is an annual event that takes place between June and August where you can find up to 70% discounts in the stores. Brave the crowds at Orchard Road or head there early to beat them! In 2020, due to the Corona-virus Pandemic, the Great Singapore Sale was moved to an online event.
You’ll also find some great bargains in the run up to Christmas and New Years in Singapore.
Year round, head over to Chinatown Street Market for shopping. Of course, just before the Chinese New Year is the best time to visit Singapore’s Chinatown.
Best Time To Visit Singapore: Festivals
Chinese Lunar New Year
The Chinese Lunar New Year is a celebration of the new year of the lunisolar Chinese calendar in Asian countries.
During the Chinese Lunar New Year is an exciting time to be in Singapore. You’ll find street festivals, parades, workshops, houses decorated, lantern festivals, light shows and competitions, to name a few.
Singapore Grand Prix
The Singapore Grand Pix takes place in September and for Formula 1 lovers is one of the best times to be in Singapore. Witnessing the night race under the lights of the Marina Bay Circuit is a once in a lifetime experience to add to your Bucket List.
During Grand Prix Season, the city puts on other fun events, such as concerts, festivals, parties and race themed activities.
Singapore Food Festival
Did someone say food? The Singapore Food Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience Singapore’s diverse food scene.
For foodies, this is definitely the best time to visit Singapore as you’ll be able to join food tours, theatre dining experiences and private chef dinners. There is also a street food fair set up at Marina Bay.
In 2020, the Food Festival went virtual for the first time ever with life masterclasses and virtual tours.
Singapore International Festival of Arts
An annual event at the top of Singapore’s art and culture calendar, the Singapore International Festival of Arts runs in May. The festival celebrates local arts from the diverse communities of Singapore across theatre, music, visual arts, film and dance.
Best Time To Visit Singapore: Month By Month
Singapore has a unique blend of cultures and people and they embrace this by holding year round holidays and celebrations for everyone to enjoy. Find out below, month by month, when the best time to visit Singapore is for your taste.
*Note:some of these events vary slightly month by month, depending on the calendar the event goes by
Read also: Fun things to do in Singapore for all types of traveller
January
Weather: January sees average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (highs) and 23 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 85% and it rains for approximately 15 days of the month.
Events:
- New Years Day
- St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
- Art Stage Singapore
- Singapore Fringe Festival
February
Weather: Much like January, February sees average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 23 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is still pretty high at 84% and it rains for approximately 11 days of the month.
Events:
- Chinese New Year (*date changes according to calendar)
- Chingay
- Thaipusam
February may be considered the best time to visit Singapore with all the events happening over Chinese New Year, and taking the weather into consideration,
March
Weather: March weather is still a tropical one, with temperatures rising to an average of 32 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 84% and it rains for approximately 14 days of the month.
Events:
- World Gourmet Summit
- Singapore Fashion Festival
April
Weather: Beginning the first inter-monsoon season, April sees average temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 84% and it rains for approximately 15 days of the month.
Events:
- Rugby Sevens
- Singapore International Jazz Festival
- Singapore International Film Fair
May
Weather: May weather mirrors that of April, with temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 84% and it rains for approximately 15 days of the month.
Events:
- Vesak Day
- Singapore International Festival of Arts
June
Weather: June, the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon Season, sees average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 83% and it rains for approximately 13 days of the month.
Events:
- Hari Raya Puasa (*date changes according to calendar)
- Great Singapore Sale
- Dragon Boat Festival
July
Weather: July sees the same weather as June, with average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 83% and it rains for approximately 13 days of the month.
Events:
- Singapore Food Festival
- Singapore Heritage Fest
- Pink Dot
August
Weather: August sees average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24.5 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 83% and it rains for approximately 14 days of the month.
Events:
- National Day
- Singapore Night Festival
- Beerfest Asia
- Hungry Ghost Festival
September
Weather: Very similar to that of August, September sees average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 83% and it rains for approximately 14 days of the month.
Events:
- Singapore F1 Grand Prix
- Mid Autumn Festival
- Navarathiri
September is arguably the best time to visit Singapore because of the incredible once in a lifetime Grand Prix experience.
October
Weather: Now coming into the start of the second inter-monsoon season, October has average temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (highs) and 24 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity is 84% and it rains for approximately 16 days of the month.
Events:
- Thimithi Fire Walking Ceremony
- Deepavali
November
Weather: November has average temperatures of 30.5 degrees Celsius (highs) and 23.5 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity increases to 86.5% and it rains for approximately 19 days of the month.
Events:
- Singapore River Buskers Festival
December
Weather: December sees the beginning of the Northeast Monsoon Season, with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (highs) and 23 degrees Celsius (lows). The average humidity increases to 87% and it rains for approximately 20 days of the month.
Events:
- Christmas
- New Years Eve
If crowds aren’t your thing, then December may not be the best time to visit Singapore for you. December sees large crowds either returning to the city for Christmas or wanting a vacation for the festive period.
Conclusion
That concludes the run down of the best time to visit Singapore. In the end, it mostly comes down to what events you’re interested in and if you don’t mind a few rain showers and humidity, then you’ll definitely be able to find the right time to visit.
