Best Time to Visit Singapore

Published: July 18, 2024
Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore is one of the most diverse countries in Southeast Asia. With so many cultures and ideologies living peacefully in one place, it's no wonder it's such a popular tourist destination! However, planning a trip is another thing entirely. What will you do when you get there? Where will you stay? And, perhaps most importantly, what will the weather be like when you visit?

See, Singapore has predictably unpredictable weather throughout the year. Sadly, it's not always beaming sun and clear-blue skies. So let's talk about the best time for you to visit Singapore, season by season, and how to make the most of your trip!

Including:

  • How many days is enough to see Singapore?
  • Is Singapore expensive to visit?
  • What is the hottest month in Singapore?
  • Is spring the best time to visit Singapore?
  • Is summer the best time to visit Singapore?
  • and more!
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How many days is enough to see Singapore?

Three days is likely enough to tick off everything on your Singapore itinerary. However, five days should cover it if you want to add some downtime between your adventures or take your vacation a little easier.

Is Singapore expensive to visit?

It's ranked as the second most expensive place in the world, so yes, it can lean on the dearer side of things. But don't worry about that; Go City's got your back. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can book your spots way in advance and get the best prices around. Don't even worry about it.

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What is the hottest month in Singapore?

It's not one month, but two - lucky you. Both May and June hold the highest average monthly temperature at 82°F. That might sound reasonable, but considering the average high is closer to 90°F, it can be hotter than you'd expect.

So, let's go through the seasons and determine the best time for you to visit Singapore!

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Is spring the best time to visit Singapore?

Singapore's spring is at the backend of the wetter seasons, though you can expect some of that rain to splash over into March.

Temperature-wise, you're looking at average highs of 88-89°F and lows of 76-77°F. Therefore, make sure to pack plenty of light spring/summer wear, and maybe a light raincoat or umbrella just in case.

It's also one of the busiest times of the year for tourism, with plenty of people venturing the Singapore's shores in spring to get their fix.

Attraction-wise, you can look forward to a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities! If the sun is shining, dare to try the Giant Swing at Sentosa, or take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city's best bits. You can get off and explore any stop that piques your interest, and then hop back on the next bus to continue on. If you're experiencing some of that March rainfall, head inside and get some culture in you at the National Museum of Singapore. You'll learn all about Singapore's history, and the many cultures that have called it home over the centuries.

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Is summer the best time to visit Singapore?

Surprising nobody, summer is the peak heat season for Singapore. From June to August, you can expect peak temperatures of 90°F and lows of 76°F. So it's not a dramatic shift from spring's average temperatures, but every degree counts, right?

Even in Singapore's hottest months, you're still likely to experience some rainfall. Sadly, no season is safe from the dreaded pitter-patter of sky water. So as far as how to pack for your trip, take light clothing, lightweight waterproofs or an umbrella, and sunscreen, because even on overcast days, that shiny little beauty can still get you!

Surprisingly, summer is one of the quietest times for tourism in Singapore. That could be because it doesn't get hot enough for some sun-seeking vacationers, or because of the higher-than-usual amount of rainfall. But either way, traveling then will at least lead to smaller queues and fewer travelers, if that's your thing.

Attraction-wise, brave a biking tour of the city to get your sweat on and see the sights. And then, cool off with a trip to one of Singapore's most exclusive rooftop bars (and a free drink on us, of course). If rain's getting in the way, take your thrills indoors at Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, and then cool off at an indoor bar instead.

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Is fall the best time to visit Singapore?

Fall, or autumn to everyone else, is the beginning of the wet season in Singapore. Especially towards the back end of the season, you'll see a marked increase in rainfall - November is actually the second-wettest month of the year! However, a glance at the mercury can be deceiving, with average temperatures hitting highs of 87°F.

Whether you like it or not, the rains go hand in hand with the heat. So dress appropriately - light clothes, light jackets, and umbrellas. If we sound like a broken record, that's because temperatures stay pretty steady throughout the year in Singapore!

Whether because of the increased rain, or the 'off-season' nature of fall, this is the quietest period for tourism. So, if you dare brave the monsoons, it could be the best time to be a tourist in the country!

Attraction-wise, we're going to dodge the rain with our suggestions. Experience outdoor fun in another, drier reality at Virtual Room Singapore - perfect for solo travelers and groups. History buffs will get a kick out of The Battlebox, where the US directed the Battle of Singapore in the Second World War. Or, have your mind boggled at Trickeye.

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Is winter the best time to visit Singapore?

Winter is a real tale of two cities in Singapore. On the one hand, December has the highest monthly rainfall of the year, beating November by a whopping 2 inches. On the other hand, February is the most visited month of the year!

Predictably, the temperature's not affected by the rains, either, with average highs of 85°F. So it's not coat weather, but if you don't bring some sort of waterproof with you, you're gonna have a bad time.

But why is February so popular? Well, firstly, it normally spells the end of the 'wet season', with rainfall nearly half of December's usual downfall. And because of the steady high temperatures, Singapore makes a great winter/early spring escape!

Attraction-wise, Christmas is amazing in Singapore, so if you're around for December, you'll find plenty to do. And, when the rain chills out, see Pulau Ubin on a kayak, or go on a night safari and see some exotic animals in the natural, sleepy habitat.

Now, it's up to you to decide when is the best time to visit Singapore! Whatever the weather, you'll have a blast.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Gardens of the Bay skyline
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Unmissable Singapore summer events

Don’t let the occasional midday thunderstorm put you offer exploring Singapore over the summer. The months of June, July and August are some of the least popular of the year. Yet, they are arguably the best when it comes to soaking up the city state’s culture thanks to a wide array of Singapore summer events. So why not take advantage of the great low season accommodation and flight deals on offer by travel companies and experience Singapore at its most alive? It would be foolish not to! Early summer events in Singapore Starting in May and continuing on into June, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is the first annual Singapore summer event of the season. A mixture of local and international acts, it’s an event no culture lover will want to miss. Theater shows, gallery exhibitions, music and dance are all part of the show, which features around 60 individual performances. Usually taking over the reins as SIFA comes to an end is the four-week Great Singapore Sale. An unabashed celebration of all things retail, head to participating stores for bargains galore. The obvious place to head is probably Orchard Road because of its huge number of malls. But even smaller stores in and around Chinatown and Little India get in on the action. There’s simply no excuse for failing to update your wardrobe after a Little India Puzzle Hunt. Alternatively, you can de-stress after the event with an authentic tea appreciation experience in Chinatown. Also developing out of Singapore’s Chinese heritage is June’s Dragon Boat Festival. Known for the ferocity and speed of these rowing races, they are entered by teams who train throughout the year. They battle it out on the Kallang River, whose banks are almost always packed with crowds. Look out for spectators throwing rice dumplings in silk or banana leaves into the water to appease the river gods. This links back to the race’s origins – an attempt to rescue a minister in ancient China who dived into a river to highlight corruption. August Singapore events Marina Bay has a whole host of year-round attractions, from the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest to night bicycle tours. In August, it becomes the center of attention for the celebrate of National Day on the ninth. It marks Singapore’s independence – not from the UK but from its short-lived federation with Malaysia. Beyond an address by the prime minister, big events include the National Day Parade. The parade sees the great and the good descend on The Float@Marina Bay. Before it even begins spectators can expect a variety of performances, ranging from songs by local school choirs to parachute jumps. Meanwhile, the parade itself sees military units and community groups like the scouts proudly marching to the sound of band music. This is followed by a 45-minute live show which culminates in a spectacular firework display over the bay. Elsewhere, National Day provides a rare chance (there’s only five each year) for a guided tour of the Istana – the official residence of the president of Singapore. A couple of weeks later it’s the turn of Singapore Food Festival. Over its three decades, this festival has brought the country’s diverse cuisine front and center. Whether its traditional nyonya cookery (to name just one), contemporary creations or culinary innovation you’re after, your tastebuds are going to have one hell of a party. There are normally 70 experiences to pick between, from Singapore’s famed chili crab and kopi coffee, to special dishes created just for the event. Food also plays are part in August’s Hungry Ghost Festival. Originating with the country’s Buddhist and Taoist populations, the festival honors the dead. Families leave food and gifts at the graves of their ancestors, whilst communities hold concerts to appease the other worldly. If you attend one, be sure not to sit in the front row, which is left empty for the ghosts to get a prime viewing position. Nighttime summer events in Singapore You’ll have to wait until the start of autumn for Formula One’s night race in Singapore. However, night owls still have more than enough to entertain them after dark in Singapore in summer. For one thing, there’s Singapore Night Festival. Singapore’s version of the ‘white night’ festivities which take place across the globe, the festival’s focal point is downtown’s Bras Basah Bugis district. Incorporating a mix of free summer events and paid performances, highlights include the area’s iconic buildings being lit up by light shows aiming to dazzle both young and old. Join the crowds on Armenian Street, Fort Canning Park or Capitol to be at the heart of the action. If you miss it, don’t forget that many of Singapore’s big attractions welcome evening visits, including Night Safari. The first after dark zoo in the world, it’s home to almost one thousand animals from over 100 species. Tigers, Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and a magnitude of other animals can all be admired in open-air enclosures. They are lit with lights mimicking moonlight, so visitors are able to see just how these animals behave after hours. Nightfall is also integral to our last highlighted Singapore summer event – i Light Singapore. Taking place back in Marina Bay, this sustainable light festival showcases the work of light artists from right around the world. And whilst it aims to promote sustainable energy habits, no one can deny that it’s a phenomenal spectacle. Save on your trip to Singapore this summer Singapore is known for its exquisite hotels (hello Raffles!), billionaire worthy penthouse apartments and top-notch cuisine. But there are also plenty of ways to save. Travel with Go City and you can save big on admission to many of the country’s top attractions. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes make it astonishingly easy to visit everything from museums and galleries to tea houses and zoos without worrying about how much you’re spending. And that means more cash to devote to the myriad of Singapore summer events which take place each year!
Alex Birungi
The iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
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The Best Singapore Landmarks and Must Dos

Singapore is one enormous playground, with stacks of fun things to do for all ages, from wild theme park rides to formal garden; down’n’dirty street food to Michelin-starred dining. And, while there’s no such thing as an exhaustive list of all the best Singapore landmarks and must dos, we’ve compiled a short guide to some of the city’s absolute must-sees. Dive in to discover what made our list, including: Merlion Park Singapore Zoo The Sentosa cable car Raffles Hotel Kampong Glam Gardens by the Bay The Marina Bay Sands laser show Merlion Park Can you even say you’ve been to Singapore without grabbing a selfie by the island’s massive mythical mascot? With the body of a fish and water-spouting head of a lion, the 8.6-meter, 70-tonne Merlion statue is truly a sight to behold. You’ll find it in Merlion Park with its diminutive two- meter, three-tonne ‘Merlion Cub’ nearby, and fine views out across the bay. Singapore Botanic Gardens To describe this sprawling 200-acre oasis of vibrant tropical flora as ‘mature gardens’ would be something of an understatement. Here since 1859, it's the only tropical garden on the planet to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To understand why, simply breathe in the heady scents of the Ginger Garden, enjoy a moment of quiet reflection on the shores of Swan Lake or take a stroll to the picture-postcard bandstand. Don’t miss the park’s star attraction: the National Orchid Garden with its thousands of powerfully scented and eye-poppingly gorgeous blooms. Spectra at Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands Resort, one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks, is pretty spectacular in its own right, with its trio of soaring skyscrapers topped with a space-age observation deck and vast infinity pool. The Spectra light and water show really puts on the ritz though, with visual projections, mist effects, lasers and a rousing orchestral symphony that dazzle audiences nightly. Experience it from the plaza, or get a stunning bird’s eye view from the resort’s SkyPark observation platform, a knee-knocking 57 floors up. Lau Pa Sat No visit to Singapore would be complete without hitting up a hawker center to sample some of the finest street food in Asia. And Lau Pa Sat in the Central Business District is among the very best. One of the finest historical landmarks in Singapore, this beautifully restored octagonal Victorian market building oozes old-world Singapore charm, with a decorative internal cast-iron frame that’s filled with the heady scents of zingy chili crab, fragrant Hainanese chicken and, of course, the mother of all Singapore street-food snacks: delectable skewers of chargrilled pork smothered in sticky peanut satay sauce. Unmissable. Singapore Zoo Frequently cited as one of the best things to do in Singapore (and certainly one of the most popular), Singapore Zoo is well worth the day trip. Zones here include a rainforest inside a massive biodome, home to thousands of critters including cute golden lion tamarin monkeys, two-toed sloths and all manner of colorful amphibians and birdlife. Head to the plains of Wild Africa where you might spot a shy white rhino or inquisitive giraffe, and meet regal horned lizards, king cobras, panther chameleons and electric blue geckos in the epic RepTopia reptile house. Sentosa Cable Car There are a few ways to reach Sentosa, the tiny tropical island just off Singapore’s south coast, but none quite as fun as the cable car. Soaring 200 feet above sea level, this 15-minute journey is a Singapore must-do, with views of Sentosa’s beaches and lush foliage as you cross. This is a thrill ride with a gentle pace that limbers you up for the somewhat more high octane entertainments – rollercoasters, bungee ropes, sky-high swings – that you’ll encounter on arrival. You can even have dinner and drinks on board a private cable car as you and your partner take in the sunset views over three courses. Fear not: two round-trip rotations of the circuit ensure there’s no need to rush dessert. Raffles Hotel They don’t come much more iconic than this 19th-century grande dame hotel, one of the most historical landmarks in Singapore. Stop by the Raffles Hotel to admire its pristine colonial-style architecture and, perhaps more importantly, to sample a Singapore Sling, the fruity tropical cocktail that was invented right here more than a century ago. You’ll be in good company, too: Raffles has hosted a who’s who of ultra-glam stars down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop just a few. Chin chin! Punggol Waterway Park Punggol Waterway Park in the northeast of the island is an Instagram addict’s dream come true, all weird, wonderful and outright wacky bridges, spanning wetlands that teem with native wildlife. Seek out the Sunrise Bridge for its photogenic pillarbox-red railings and long, snaking walkway and grab your perfect sunset selfie on the Jewel Bridge with its distinctive dome. Add to this some incredible waterfront views, a sand-and-water play zone for the kids and a peaceful therapeutic garden and you’ve got everything you need for a divine day out. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Discover the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth at the pagoda-style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in downtown Singapore. Whether the main event here – a 7.5cm-long tooth displayed in a huge golden stupa – actually originated from the mouth of the Buddha is a matter we'll leave to your discretion, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the intricate and colorful architecture here, even for non-believers. Henderson Waves Bridge Not to be outdone by the funky bridges in Punggol Park Waterway, the Southern Ridges trail on the island’s south coast features the highest – and quite possibly most extraordinary – pedestrianized bridge in Singapore. We’re talking of course about Henderson Waves, a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway, creating a quite stunning work of art to connect Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park over the busy Henderson Road 36 meters below. Look out for colorful tropical critters including red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos and orange-bellied flowerpeckers along the way. Kampong Glam Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, where the glorious golden dome of the Sultan Mosque rises like a shining beacon over the surrounding labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Arab Street is a must-visit for its seemingly timeless antique stores. These great cavernous treasure troves heave with Turkish handicrafts and goods including intricate textiles, ceramics and mosaic lanterns. Head to Sifr Aromatics’ fabulous Arab Street perfume emporium to design your own unique scents and take them home in delicate colored-glass bottles. Gardens by the Bay Last but certainly not least, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are recognized the world over for their magnificent glass hothouses (designed to look but thankfully not smell like overgrown durian fruits), and the futuristic Supertree Grove with its towering structures that are festooned with plantlife. Get up close to these supersized trees on a stroll around the elevated walkway that connects them, and come back after dark to see them lit up in all their glory at the hugely entertaining light and music show. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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