Best Time to Visit Singapore

By Dom Bewley
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!
Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Girl, Teen, Face, Head,

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.

Image of Celebrating, Person, Adult, Female, Woman,

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!

Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, Office Building, High Rise, Condo, Housing, Skyscraper, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Apartment Building, Cityscape,

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.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Beach, Coast, Sea, Shoreline, Water, Shorts, Sun, Person, Child, Female, Girl, Photography, Summer, Adult, Male, Man, Sunset, Face, Head, Portrait, Fun, Vacation,

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.

Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, Water, Waterfront, Office Building, Boat, Vehicle, Person, Condo, Housing, High Rise, Handbag, Cityscape, Downtown, Watercraft,

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.

Image of Child, Female, Girl, Person, Coat, Rain, Car,

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

Continue reading

Traditional boat on the Singapore River near Clarke Quay
Blog

A guide to the Singapore River

Stop for a visit to Singapore and the first thing you’ll notice – after the skyscrapers and warm, humid air – is that there’s a lot of water. Rivers, harbors and canals are the lifeblood of this city, bringing trade, tourism, and tranquility to its many green and quiet spaces. At the heart of it all, snaking its way west to east from the Kim Seng Bridge the Singapore Strait, is the Singapore River. Now lined with vibrant shopping districts and dazzling sky scrapers organized around three main quays, this two-mile stretch of fresh water has been indelibly linked to Singapore’s history and livelihood from its days as a remote fishing village to the internationally recognizable metropolis it is today. Read on to find out more about: Its history Robertson Quay Clarke Quay Boat Quay The Marina Things to do History The history of the Singapore River dates back many centuries to when the ‘Lion City’ was a small fishing village inhabited at various points by traveling (or invading) fisherman from China, Malaysia, India, Java and other neighboring countries. It wasn’t until Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 that serious development began, and it grew into a large city with a well-connected trading port. The first quay was built in 1823 and large warehouses were built all along the Singapore River to house goods and merchandise being imported and exported by sea. Other industries – such as finance – thrived on this success, but it took its toll on the waterways. Pollution and congestion became so bad that in 1977 the Prime Minister launched an ambitious ten-year clean-up project. Hotels, green spaces and sewerage were installed, and most of the trade was moved out to Keppel Harbor to make way for the tide of tourism now flooding into the city. Nowadays, The Singapore River forms the backbone of social and commercial life in the city, with vibrant districts and glamorous promenades culminating in the spectacular vista of Marina Bay. Things to do Fortunately, the weather and daylight hours are pretty consistent throughout the year in Singapore, so it doesn’t really matter when you go. It’s always going to be humid, so undoubtedly the best way to experience the river is on it, where fresh breezes and water spray will cool you down. River Cruises in traditional bumboats will take you gently around the quays and the Marina for perfect waterfront pictures, or for something more adventurous try a Duck Tour in an amphibious vehicle. If you prefer two wheels, there are some great bike tours that take in all the river’s major attractions, or you could just hire a bike and do your own exploring. If you need some family fun, try a Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning, or if you need a rest and fancy some ‘high’ life, grab a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where you can look back and marvel over the entire length of the river and out to the sea. Cruise around Singapore with Go City Whether you prefer your views from rooftop bars, traditional boats or riverside restaurants, there’s always something to see on the Singapore River. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass handy, so you’ll save on all your favorite attractions as you go!
Karleen Stevens
Singapore skyline at night with colored lights
Blog

Best night clubs in Singapore

Looking for somewhere to dance the night away in Singapore? You’re in luck! With its warm evenings and lively nightlife spots, this city is the perfect place to be nocturnal. From rooftops to resorts, house to hip-hop, there are clubs for all tastes here – and if you happen to stay out all night, there are plenty of picturesque spots for watching the sunrise. Our list of Singapore’s best night clubs includes: Zouk Ce La Vi Headquarters Marquee Tanjong Beach Club 1-Altitude Raffles Hotel Zouk One of the oldest and most famous clubs in Singapore, Zouk began life as a renovated warehouse complex in 1991. The first in the city to introduce house music, the club grew and expanded until it was relocated in 2016 to its current premises in Cannery Block in Clarke Quay, near Fort Canning Park. Past and future collide in this new, two-floor, five-bar compound, as it still has the feel of an industrial warehouse but with super-modern LED lights everywhere. Zouk always boasts an impressive list of resident and guest DJs – past artists to have led the rave here include Chemical Brothers, Avicii, Bjork, Louie Vega, Roger Sanchez and Primal Scream. And the DJs aren’t the only ones mixing things up here – there are karaoke rooms in the Red Tail Bar, and Spin classes available every day with Absolute Cycle X. Ce La Vi SkyBar If you’re going to scope out the night scene while you’re in Singapore, then you absolutely have to try the 57th floor Ce La Vi SkyBar at the Marina Bay Sands. Its lofty position attracts some of the best local and international DJs, so you can be sure you’ll be dancing to the best and freshest tunes. Enjoy unmatched views over the city, looking down on the Gardens by the Bay to the Marina and the river beyond. If you’re peckish, there’s a menu of tapas-inspired treats perfect for sharing, and their signature cocktails are inspired by classic favorites with a local twist. Party until the small hours with the stars overhead and the twinkling metropolis below. And the best part is, with your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass, the first drink is already paid for! HeadQuarters by the Council If underground vibes are more your thing, head for Headquarters on Boat Quay opposite the Asian Civilizations Museum. Run by local music agency The Council, Headquarters hosts parties every Wednesday to Sunday night, showcasing local and guest DJ’s playing the best and newest house, techno and disco music. Red laser lights and a giant cage set the scene here – but if you’re feeling a bit more mellow, head upstairs to find a cozy balcony with sweeping city views. ‘Chilled’ is the catchword here, and there’s no dress code – instead Headquarters recommends you wear your most comfy shoes (though they do politely note that ‘slippers are not encouraged’). Marquee Another offering from the Marina Bay Sands, this time indoors – not that you’d know it, because this epic adult playground boasts 70-foot-high ceilings and around half an acre of floor space. Accurately calling itself the biggest nightclub in Singapore, Marquee fills its ample space with massive LED screens and cutting-edge sounds from the latest DJ heavyweights (previous acts include Tiesto, Afrojack and Steve Aoki), so it’s a properly immersive experience. As if that wasn’t enough, there are three-storey-high slides to ride down and an 8-pod Ferris Wheel with individual photo booths and epic views over the whole club. You’ll probably have to queue at some point, but it's worth it because this mega-venue is genuinely mind-blowing. Tanjong Beach Club Since we’re talking about clubs in Singapore, we can’t not put a beach bar on the list. There are plenty, but Tanjong is the one to beat. Snuggled on the western edge of Sentosa Island (just down the beach from the Wings of Time light display, if you want to make a proper evening of it), the Tanjong Beach Club was launched in 2010 by two brothers from Australia who felt that party goers in this very by-the-book sort of city needed a place to let their hair down. Pop by during the day for chill out music, beach volleyball and awesome seafood, or turn up on the right night and you can join one of their famous ‘Smack my beach up’ celebrations, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for beer pong, cocktail buckets and whatever subsequent consequences might ensue. 1-Altitude Another one on Sentosa, this time a terrace bar taking up the entire roof of the Outpost Hotel. It’s easily recognizable thanks to its modern black and white exterior, and the entire hotel is adults-only so you can come here any time of the day or night to get your grown-up beach bar fix. It’s right in the center of the island, so if you’ve spent the day meeting your heroes at Madame Tussauds or pumping adrenaline at Universal Studios you can head here afterwards to sip a cocktail and enjoy 360 degree views of the sunset. Then get your dancing heels on (or kick them off, whatever suits) as this daytime oasis transforms into a trendy chill-out bar with sleek dance sounds and night sky views all around. Raffles Okay, this is not strictly a nightclub (unless you define night club as somewhere that serves drinks after sunset, in which case we’re good), so consider it our alternative suggestion for anyone who’s more into history than hangovers. Easily visited via the Red Line of the Big Bus Tour, this colonial-style villa is one of the oldest in the city and has a past-guests list brimming with celebrity and royalty. Raffles is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, invented in a time when it was considered impolite for ladies to consume alcohol in public. The bartender saw an opportunity and disguised it in a juice drink, and unsurprisingly it was a massive hit. You can try one in the historic Long Bar, or you might prefer the more sophisticated interior of the Writer’s Bar, named for the numerous literary greats who’ve stayed in the hotel over the years. Dance the night away with Go City In Singapore, you can sightsee all day and party all night with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass. You’ll save on all your favorite attractions and have a vacation that’s truly one to remember!
Karleen Stevens
Young family eating lunch together
Blog

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore

What makes a restaurant family friendly? Ask most parents of small kids and they’ll likely say play areas and activity corners first, baby-changing facilities second and a decent kids’ menu third (or, better still, a kids-eat-free option). Good news: Singapore is a fab destination to visit as a family, boasting not only a world-class zoo, great theme parks, an aquarium and dozens of other kiddie-tastic attractions, but also a plethora of cafés and restaurants that are perfect for families and that raise the bar well above the usual soulless international fast food joints. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of those too! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly Singapore eateries, from toddler-pleasing cafés with playgrounds to rip-roaring restaurants for ravenous teenagers. Open Farm Community Let’s start as we (sort of) mean to go on with a healthy option that won’t have the kiddos turning their noses up in disgust. The Open Farm Community is a verdant urban oasis, just south of Singapore’s sprawling Botanic Gardens. Wander among beds of organic herbs and vegetables in the restaurant’s expansive grounds, the air heavy with the scent of basil and thyme. Pause for family selfies by the arty sculptures and challenge the kids to a game of bowls on the lawn. Appetite well and truly worked up, you’ll love the menu of garden-fresh crowd-pleasers that includes bolognese, fish and chips and flatbreads for the kids, and sharing platters of salmon, duck and eggplant for the grown-ups. Yum. Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Sticking with the green theme, Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari is pretty much next door to the Open Farm Community, so an ideal pitstop if you’re staying in the sassy Dempsey Hill neighborhood. Expect a range of breads and pastries and dine-in dishes including sourdough waffles and fresh garden salads. The safari theme includes plenty of lush tropical foliage around a large tent (for that outdoorsy eating vibe), as well as a fab playground and an edible garden for intrepid young jungle explorers to discover. It’s from right here that the ingredients for this eatery’s salads are plucked daily, though you can of course opt for a great big slab of carrot cake and a coffee instead. Find it: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 Bayswater Kitchen Lazy weekend brunches don’t get much more perfect than at Bayswater Kitchen, a breezy, informal diner overlooking Keppel Bay Marina. The Sunday menu, served 11AM–3PM (also public holidays), is particularly good. Parents can grab a table al fresco and gorge on freshly shucked oysters and whole grilled snapper with bottomless prosecco while watching the yachts bobbing gently in the turquoise waters. For kids: classics including burgers and fish and chips. Foosball and ping-pong tables and a playground should also keep them entertained long enough to justify just one more glass of prosecco... Find it: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382 Trapizza Just across the bay on the northern tip of sunny Sentosa Island, Trapizza is about as family-friendly as Singapore restaurants come. Close enough to the shore to dip your toes in the bay’s warm waters, this is a pizza joint par excellence, with a huge range of 16-inch sharing options with classic toppings from Siciliana to quattro formaggi and – love it or loathe it – Hawaiian. Kids can go solo with build your own bento lunches including a choice of pasta, sauce, veggies and juice, plus a slice of pizza on the side. Dedicated play zones and a coloring corner will also keep little uns busy while the grown-ups finish their Singapore Slings. Find it: Shangri-La Rasa Resort, 101 Siloso Road, Singapore 098970 SandBank You don’t need an excuse to visit Singapore’s East Coast Park with its white sands, swaying coconut palms, abundant wildlife and – critically – excellent play areas. But if you did, SandBank is it. A dedicated kids’ menu and a 15-meter plunge pool keep kids of all ages entertained, while parents tuck into chargrilled meat and seafood dishes, handmade pizzas and freshly baked treats from the on-site bakery. Find it: 920 East Coast Parkway, Parkland Green, Singapore 449875 Platform 1094 Singapore’s roster of themed restaurants ranges from Hello Kitty to Japanese animé. Harry Potter-inspired eatery Platform 1094 lies somewhere in between, with wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials and, naturally, oodles of Instagram opportunities. We’re talking cute owl-shaped cookies, wizardy tableware, cauldron-shaped serving plates, Quidditch-themed desserts, and magical dry smoke effects aplenty. There are brightly colored flaming cocktails for the grown-ups, too. For a treat, book the Enchanted Afternoon Tea which includes savory snacks and sweet treats such as chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Find it: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192 Baker & Cook Baker & Cook’s belly-busting brunches and foot-log sourdough pizza ‘planks’ are fast earning it a reputation as a Singapore institution. Hit up the Dempsey location for all of the above, plus a kids’ menu that includes irresistible Nutella sandwiches, truffle fries and mini cheeseburgers with fries. The airy glasshouse dining area overlooks a large leafy garden with a shaded play area, so the kids can let loose while adults enjoy some much-needed downtime accompanied by great pizza, healthy garden salads, grazing platters and a long list of excellent red and white wines from New Zealand. Find it: 30C Loewen Road, Singapore 248839 Waffle Place Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Muslim district, isn’t short on great places to eat, but for family-pleasing goodness, the Waffle Place is hard to beat. This eye-catching halal café serves up a kaleidoscope of waffle toppings with flavor combinations to satisfy every palate. Try crispy-skin salmon with spicy mentaiko mayo sauce or go for crispy chicken with fried egg, mayo and maple syrup. Kids will no doubt insist on sweeter options like strawberry cheese and classic apple pie flavors, or can have fun creating their own topping combos with fruit, marshmallows, chocolate flakes, whipped cream and more. Find it: 56 Kandahar St, Singapore 198904 Hawker Centers Singapore’s legendary hawker centers are a sensory explosion of steaming hot plates, heady spice-laden aromas and Instagrammable food stalls. Take the kids to any one of around 100 of these bustling foodie meccas across the city for maximum selfie opportunities and to give them as wide a choice of different cuisines as you’re likely to find under one roof. Sizzling BBQ pork, zingy fried noodles, fish head curry and lime-drenched chili crab might be at the more adventurous end for younger kids, but sticky peanut satay, melt-in-the mouth steamed bao buns and more takeaway desserts than you can shake a very large stick at should be enough to keep everyone happy. Check out the likes of the Old Airport Road Food Centre, Ghim Moh Market and Adam Road hawker center for some of the most mouthwatering snacks in the eastern hemisphere! Find them: everywhere! 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.