When is the best Singapore time for traveling around?

Second busiest container port in the world, Singapore rose in popularity due to its strategic location between the Asiatic and Oceanic regions and the European continent. So much so that it has quickly become a major commercial and financial hub.

But Singapore isn’t all about trade and business. The city-state is also home to some architectural wonders and natural landmarks. What’s more, the multicultural city is home to countless nationalities with a strong Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern influence making it a melting pot of cultures and traditions. 

From Buddhist temples and impressive mosques to sprawling, lush parks and unique shopping malls, there are so many things to do in Singapore! 

So, to make your trip to Singapore memorable, here’s everything you need to know about the best Singapore time for traveling and some events and festivals you shouldn’t miss.

General weather in Singapore 

Located one degree north of the equator, Singapore time is represented by a hot and humid climate with temperatures oscillating, on average, between 20 to 30°C throughout the year. 

The dry season in Singapore time (the season with the least amount of rainfall) spans from May to September.

The Northeast Monsoon causes heavy showers between December and January and moderate showers between the end of January and March. This is considered the wet season or the monsoon season (the season with the highest amount of rainfall).

Singaporeans are also often exposed to “Sumatra squall” events, which can be defined as a sudden onset of winds reaching up to 80 km/h, followed by heavy rain for a couple of hours. They usually occur in the morning during the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. This can be quite impressive as the heavy rain can instantly turn shopping center esplanades into paddling pools.

Singapore weather by month

Singapore time during the dry season (March to August) 

The average low temperature during the dry season is about 25ºC or 26ºC, and the highest is 32ºC. There’s not a lot of variation from one month to the other.

The months with the least amount of rainfall in the entire year are March, April and May, which is also the hottest month. 

Singapore time during the wet season (October to February)

Singapore time in September and October

These months represent the start of the wet season. If you travel to Singapore in September or October, you can expect low temperatures of about 25ºC and highs of 31/32ºC. 

Don’t forget your umbrella and rain jacket! Otherwise you won’t be getting around Singapore with ease.

Weather in Singapore in November

In November the temperatures range from 25ºC to 31ºC. The weather in Singapore is quite stable, there’s not much variation between the seasons or months except in the amount of rainfall. In the case of November, the average amount of rainy days is 13. 

Weather in Singapore in December

The weather in Singapore in December is characterized by the presence of heavy showers (it’s one of the months in the rainy season). The average temperatures range from 24ºC to 30ºC, and it usually rains about half the days in the month, making it the wettest month. 

December marks the start of the Early Northeast Monsoon season.

Singapore weather in January

The Singapore time in January is at its coldest, marked by high temperatures of 30ºC and an average low of 24ºC. As part of the rainy season, if you travel during this time, you should prioritize making reservations for indoor activities. 

The end of January is the beginning of the Late Northeast Monsoon, a dry phase in Singapore time. It lasts till early March.

Weather in Singapore in February

February is both the driest and windiest month in Singapore (on average, climatic conditions could vary from one year to the other). The average temperatures range between 25ºC and 32ºC.

When is the best time to visit Singapore? 

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Singapore, the answer is that the city-state is a year-round destination, and you’ll find exciting things to do regardless of when you go.

November to March

The Northwest Monsoon typically starts in November, bringing a fair amount of rainfall, with January being the wettest month of the year. 

During this period, make sure you enjoy high-end shopping experiences in one of the city’s many malls, indulge in fine dining, and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural diversity through a plethora of events, including Deepawali, Christmas events, or Chinese New Year. 

Also, the temperatures rarely fall below 25 degrees, making it the ideal time to explore Santosa island and coastal trails. Keep in mind that February is the driest month in Singapore.

April to June

This is the inter-monsoon season. There’s less rain and the temperatures often reach 30 degrees and over. This makes it the ideal season to enjoy the outdoors, including the Singapore zoo, the Singapore botanic gardens, hit the beach, and cycle along the many cycle paths available.

July to October

In July, the Southwest Monsoon usually kicks in, leading to a fair amount of rainfall in the monsoon season. This explains why it’s considered the low season. Yet, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city during this time, including The Hungry Ghost Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival. We’d also recommend exploring the stunning Jurong Bird Park and eat in some of the best restaurants in town.

Best Festivals and Events

If you can plan your trip around some of the best events, you should! The country’s cultural and religious diversity transpires through its countless festivals and celebrations. 

Muslim, Chinese or Hindu holidays are aligned to the different lunar calendars and vary from year to year. This is the case for the Hari Raya Haji, which marks the end of the pilgrimage period to Mecca. Yet, other festivities and important dates, such as the National Day, occur every year on the same day. 

Here are some of the main festivals and events in Singapore:

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is the most important temple festival celebrated by Hindus of Tamil descent in Singapore. This incredible event takes place every year between January 14 and February 14. To seek forgiveness from the Gods, male Hindu devotees walk for 3 km between Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple wearing a Kavadi pierced through their bodies.

The Hungry Ghost Festival

This Chinese tradition aims at honoring the deceased. According to Chinese beliefs, every year, during the seventh month of the lunar calendar (usually in August), the souls of the dead roam the Earth.

To honor them and prevent their wrath, the living must make offerings. Dark-colored metal bins are displayed around houses and typically contain money, jewelry, and food for the deceased. 

The wandering spirit is also represented through the ‘‘getai,’’ including Chinese operas, stand-up comedy shows and dancing performances.

Mid-Autumn Festival

One of the most popular and impressive Chinese festivals in Singapore is the mid-autumn festival. During the end of the autumn harvest festivities, Chinese people celebrate the Moon Goddess. 

So, every year, in September, family and friends gather around a meal and watch the moon together. Children make paper lanterns in all shapes and forms. The streets come alive at dusk as street lantern light-up ceremonies, live performances, and workshops take place throughout the city.

Deepavali

Deepavali, the “festival of lights”, is one of the most important religious festivals in Hinduism. 

Typically held between the end of October and mid-November, Deepavali sees thousands of Indian families turn their homes into beautiful beacons of light. It’s also the opportunity to gather around friends and family and share typical meals such as a plethora of foods deep-fried in ghee and pudding, exchange gifts, and perform Pooja (prayers) for gods such as Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of health, fertility, and wealth.

Little India turns into a colorful Insta-worthy spot with its many streets decorated with lights, flower garlands, and other beautiful ornamental decorations. 

Make sure you don't miss any of these incredible festivities, which happen in August and November and are one of the many reasons to visit Singapore during the off-season.

What To Pack And Tips

• Wearing comfortable and loose-fitting clothing is a no-brainer when traveling to Singapore. The country is hot and humid all year round, so pack clothes that won’t stick as you sweat throughout the day.
• An umbrella and a rain jacket: while Singapore is hot, it experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, carrying a foldable umbrella and a light rain jacket in your bag at all times is highly recommended.
• Bug repellent: even though Singapore is a safe place to travel and the city has done a lot to eliminate mosquito-borne diseases, travelers can still contract Dengue Fever and the Zika Virus. Therefore, pack an EPA- approved (Environmental Protection Agency) repellent to protect yourself.
• Read all our Singapore travel tips to make your trip as comfortable as possible.