Best Time to Visit Singapore

One of Asia’s most modern cities, Singapore is only a little over 200 years old, but it offers everything from magnificent architecture to a famously diverse and mouthwatering food scene. As with any destination, when planning your trip, knowing the best time to visit can help ensure the most memorable trip. Find out the best time to visit Singapore.

Singapore is somewhat unique as unlike most places, there really isn’t a season that’s considered better than another with the weather fairly consistent throughout the year. While winter is considered the “wet” season, there isn’t much difference between it and the only slightly drier summer season. The heat will be at its peak from May to September, and smoke and haze produced from clearing fires burning in Sumatra can cause some eye and throat irritation, so many feel a visit between October and April is best. There isn’t really a high or low season when it comes to crowds and sightseeing, although special events and holidays may increase the number of tourists here and raise accommodation prices. No matter when you plan to come, it’s best to rise early in the morning to avoid long ques and the highest temperatures of the day. A good plan is to start by visiting outdoor attractions like Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo or Singapore Botanic Gardens, and then head indoors, perhaps an air-conditioned mall such as Ngee Ann City, until temperatures are more tolerable.

October through April

Singapore’s weather will be humid and warm like it is year-round, and there is likely to be a little rainfall due to the north-eastern monsoon. In October, a cool sea breeze helps to reduce the afternoon heat a bit, although average high temperatures remain a constant 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The chance of rain increases a bit in December and January, with about 6.5 to 10.2 inches on average, while the average high dips slightly to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that around Easter and Christmas you can expect higher prices and more tourists, but it can be a wonderful time to visit Singapore with the Orchard Road Christmas Markets. This shopping street becomes a tropical winter wonderland in December, featuring beautiful decorated trees, massive snow scenes, candy canes and toys along with sparkling light displays. If you’re here on New Year’s Eve you can enjoy the big fireworks display over Marina Bay, set against the impressive skyline of the city. Afterward, “wishing spheres” are set afloat in the Bay of Hope and Light. This period hosts some great festivals too, including the Chinese New Year, a 15-day festival that usually falls in February, based on the lunisolar calendar. It’s ushered in with floats, lion dancers, stilt-walkers and other performers at the Chingay Parade in Marina Bay.

May through September

May typically brings the haze produced from Sumatra’s clearing fires which means there may be a dip in visibility and air quality, although the temperatures remain the same with afternoon highs around 88 degrees Fahrenheit. In June, the Southwest Monsoon Season begins which brings showers and thunderstorms, but they’re generally short lived. There is a slight break in tourist traffic in September, with the exception of the Singapore Grand Prix, held around mid-month.

Some exciting events are held during this time. The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the 5^th day of the 5^th month of the traditional lunar calendar, which typically falls in June. The main celebration is at Bedok Reservoir where Dragon Boats from across the globe come to race. Shopping enthusiasts who visit Singapore in June, July or August, can take advantage of great bargains thanks to the Great Singapore Sale.