People often ask us when the best time to visit Singapore is, and we always say any time is a good time to visit! After all, Singapore has year-round warm weather and there are always exciting events happening like fun festivals, pop-up restaurant events, art exhibitions, and island-wide sales. When it comes down to it, the best time to go to Singapore really depends on what your expectations are in terms of weather, crowds, and festivities.
Singapore Weather
Singapore has a tropical climate with average temperatures hovering around 26-degrees Celsius year round. Typically the dry season runs from February to August and the rainy season from November to February. However, it does rain occasionally in the dry season as well. It can also be quite humid year round.
During the dry season, Singapore can experience heavy haze from agricultural fires burning in neighbouring Sumatra. This usually happens in the summer months of June, July and August. Most of the time the haze is not a safety issue, however people with respiratory problems may find it irritating.
Peak Season
Singapore doesn’t really have a clearly defined high tourist season, but if we had to choose one it would be the holiday season between November and March when people flock to the island for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the Lunar New Year. Many hotels raise their rates during the holiday season and restaurants can be booked out well in advance. On the other hand, you’ll find tons of holiday specials and festive events going on.
Singapore by the Season
December to March
The holiday season in Singapore kicks off in December. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are big events, so there are plenty of parties and specials around town. Next up is Chinese New Year, which usually falls at the end of January or beginning of February. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year include spectacular street parades, dining specials, and fireworks. Holi is another one not to miss. Usually taking place in March, this Hindu festival ushers in the spring and is celebrated by throwing vast amounts of coloured powder.
May to August
Spring is when things start to dry out in Singapore, so the days are typically sunny and hot. Some say that this is the best season to visit Singapore. Events not to miss include the Great Singapore Sale with discounts in stores around the island from June to August, the Singapore Food Festival in July, and the Singapore Night Festival in August. National Day on August 9 is another big one, as Singaporeans celebrate independence with colourful parades, dramatic fireworks displays, rooftop BBQs, and huge parties.
September to November
The autumn in Singapore starts out cool and slowly gets more humid the closer it gets to the rainy season. One of the biggest events of the season is the Singapore Grand Prix in September. Besides exhilarating races, there are nightly concerts and glitzy after parties. The Mid-autumn Festival in September is a great time to sample traditional Chinese treats, and Deepavali lights up Little India every October or November with twinkling lights in shop windows and homes. November is when the rainy season in Singapore usually starts, so be sure to bring an umbrella.
