Singapore, the “Lion City,” is a unique mix of cultures, flavours, and experiences. With its captivating skyline, lush greenery, and luxurious paradise, it’s no surprise that this island city-state lures millions of visitors each year.
If you are planning a vacation to Singapore, but are confused, what is the best time to visit Singapore? To decide and come to a conclusion, let’s break it down by seasons, events, and travel preferences.
[Spoiler Alert: Visiting anytime throughout the year will give you enjoyable memories].
Singapore’s Climate
Before deciding which is the best time to visit Singapore, it’s essential to understand Singapore’s climate. Singapore is situated 1 degree north of the equator, and it has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and warm temperatures year-round.
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, Singapore sees significant rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being November to January. November to March): This season brings slightly cooler temperatures and more consistent rain, especially from December to February.
|
Month |
Temperature |
|
January |
24-31°C |
|
February |
24-31°C |
|
March |
25-32°C |
|
April |
25-32°C |
|
May |
26-32°C |
|
June |
26-31°C |
|
July |
25-31°C |
|
August |
25-31°C |
|
September |
25-32°C |
|
October |
25-31°C |
|
November |
25-31°C |
|
December |
24-30°C |
Different Seasons of Singapore
Singapore doesn’t have three distinct seasons, unlike India, like winter, summer and monsoon. It can be broadly categorised into two monsoon periods:
Northeast Monsoon (November to March)
During this period, people can experience cooler temperatures with slightly less humidity. Rainfall is more, especially from December to February. These months can be the best time to visit Singapore from India as it has a lively festive vibe with numerous celebrations.
If you are a culture vulture and want to immerse yourself in the local culture is your priority, then, festivals are a fantastic way to experience Singaporean hospitality at its best. If you’re travelling from India, visiting during the major festivities will let you participate in the vibrant culture and excitement of the city.
The best time to visit Singapore for these events is from November to early March. During this period, there’s so much to explore and enjoy during this lively season! Check out the list of events and festivals taking place during this period given below-
Special Events in November
- Singapore International Film Festival:
Just like India, Singapore too has its Film Festival i.e., The Singapore International Film Festival Ltd (SGIFF). It is the largest and longest-running film event that takes place in Singapore every year.
- Singapore River Busker’s Festival:
An annual event that evolved from the year it started in 1997. This festival includes a number and variety of busking acts and attracts more and more international acts from around the globe for voluntary donations. Each year, proceeds from the event were given to charities, such as the KK Outreach to Kids Fund and Autism Resource Centre.
Events you Should Know if your are visiting Singapore in December
- Christmas Celebrations:
Each corner of the world is dolled up at Christmas, and so is Singapore. It transforms into a festive wonderland, especially Orchard Road, where the beautiful streets are adorned with glittering lights and decorations. You’ll find Christmas markets featuring artisanal goods, delicious food stalls, and various entertainment options. Many shopping malls host events, performances, and festive sales, making it a great time to shop and celebrate.
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations:
Imagine, fireworks light up the sky at midnight, accompanied by live music and entertainment and the reflection of it falling on the water! The countdown to the New Year in Singapore is a spectacular event, particularly around Marina Bay. Popular places to enjoy the New Year in Singapore include the Marina Bay Sands waterfront and the Esplanade, where people gather to enjoy the festivities, parties, and celebrations.
Must Experience Events in January
- Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival:
Visualise the colourful Streets coming alive with lion dances, traditional performances, and colourful decorations. Chinatown Chinese New Year is a month-long celebration throughout January that features nightly merriments, including cultural performances, food stalls, and the famous Chinatown Night Market.
During this time, Chinatown particularly comes to life, with street markets providing festive treats and decorations. This is one of the most significant festivals in Singapore, celebrated with great enthusiasm. People share festive meals, and many visit temples to pray for good fortune. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sample traditional cuisine, shop for decorations, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as the community prepares for the new year.
Best Events in February
- Chingay Parade:
Generally held in early February, the Chingay Parade highlights the Chinese New Year festivities. It features colourful parades, performances by various cultural groups, and sensational displays of traditional dance and music (Taiwanese acrobats to salsa dance). The parade showcases Singapore’s multicultural heritage, making it a vibrant and lively event that draws large crowds.
- Thaipusam:
The annual Hindu festival celebrated in Singapore is Thaipusam. The Hindu community celebrates it to highlight the victory of good over evil. They exhibit their faith as devotees by piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers. They carry decorated kavadis for religious self-mortification in Hinduism, as acts of gratitude and penance. Indians consider it to be the best time to visit Singapore as they experience a homely feeling in a foreign land during this season.
- River Hong Bao Festival:
River Hong Bao Festival is a Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore that features lantern displays, carnival rides, performances, and fireworks. The best thing about this festival is that it uses the theme of the relevant Chinese zodiac symbol.
Must Attend Events in March
- Holi:
Holi is an Indian festival of colours. It is celebrated by the Indian community in Little India, Singapore which marks the arrival of spring season. This festival features colours, music, and dance. It’s a joyous occasion where locals and tourists come together to celebrate friendship and harmony.
- Marina Bay Carnival:
Marina Bay Carnival is the most joyful event that takes place from late December to March in Singapore. It comes with a variety of rides, games, and entertainment options.
With over 40 exciting rides and games, this vibrant event brings a taste of Europe right to Singapore, featuring attractions inspired by the best from the U.K., Germany, and Italy.
- The Star Flyer
- The Booster Maxx
- Log Flume
- the Das Fun Schiff pirate ship
- Apple Coaster
Families and friends can enjoy Singapore’s largest collection of more than 30 carnival game stalls, perfect for kids and adults. And if you’re feeling lucky, over 1,200,000 plush toys are waiting to be won! The carnival creates a festive atmosphere along the waterfront, making it a great place to enjoy a day out with friends or family.
Must visit in April
- Singapore International Jazz Festival:
The greatest celebration of jazz music takes place at the Singapore International Jazz Festival attracts top artists and enthusiastic fans from around the world. But not just jazz, you find a diverse lineup of performances, ranging from classic jazz to contemporary fusion, showcasing both international legends and local talents. A diverse lineup of performances, ranging from classic jazz to contemporary fusion, showcasing both international legends and local talents.
- Qing Ming Festival:
Qing Ming Festival is celebrated mostly by the Chinese community in Singapore. It is also referred to as Ancestres’ Day, Tomb Sweeping Day or Memorial Day. on this day, families usually pay offerings such as traditional food, and burn incense sticks and papers in the name of their ancestors.
Southwest Monsoon (May to October)
This period is characterised by warm and humid climatic conditions with occasional showers. It also witnesses the occasional haze from regional forest fires. However, it’s the best time for outdoor activities and exploring Singapore’s attractions.
What to Expect in May
- Vesak Day:
Buddhists in Singapore celebrate Vesak. This auspicious day marks the birth, enlightenment, and demise of Gautama Buddha, all of which are believed to have occurred on the same day. On this day, animals and caged birds are released as a sign of freedom. Devotees visit temples and offer prayers with incense sticks.
- Singapore International Festival of Arts:
The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is a premier annual art festival that spans several weeks and showcases a diverse range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and visual arts from both local and international artists. It aims to foster creativity and celebrate artistic innovation, featuring renowned performers and groundbreaking works.
- AIA Glow Festival:
The AIA Glow Festival is a vibrant annual wellness festival to embrace a healthier lifestyle through a unique blend of fitness, wellness, and mindfulness activities. lineup of fitness classes, workshops, and wellness talks led by renowned instructors and experts, the festival encourages participants to explore various dimensions of well-being, from physical fitness to mental health.
Festivals in June
- Dragon Boat or Rice Dumpling Festival:
Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Rice Dumpling Festival or Duanwu Jie, is a traditional Chinese celebration which commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan, who is revered for his patriotism and integrity. The highlight of this festival is the thrilling dragon boat races, where teams paddle in unison to compete in colourful, ornately decorated boats, symbolising community spirit and teamwork.
The preparation and consumption of zongzi, glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with various ingredients such as meats, beans, or sweet fillings is another highlight of this festival.
July – Best Time to Visit for Food Lovers
- The Singapore Food Festival (SFF):
The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is typically held over several days in July and features a variety of activities, including food tastings, cooking workshops, and interactive experiences that highlight local cuisine and innovative culinary creations. The SFF also promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore’s food scene through themed events, allowing visitors to explore the city’s multicultural influences.
August – Best Time to Visit for Night Festivals
- Singapore Night Festival:
Light installations, live music, dance performances, theatrical displays, and interactive experiences are typically held over two weekends in August during the Singapore Night Festival. Iconic landmarks and streets in Singapore are illuminated with stunning light art, creating a magical atmosphere that encourages exploration and engagement for both locals and tourists alike.
- Festival of Hungry Ghost:
The Festival of Hungry Ghosts, or Zhong Yuan Jie, is a traditional Chinese celebration observed in Singapore and other Asian communities. This festival is rooted in the belief that during this time, the gates of the underworld open, allowing wandering spirits to return to the mortal realm.
Families honour their deceased ancestors by making offerings of food, incense, and paper goods to appease these spirits and ensure their well-being. Festivities often include street performances, such as Chinese opera and puppet shows, held in open spaces to entertain both the living and the dead.
September – Best Time to Visit Singapore for F1 Followers
- Singapore Grand Prix
For motorsport fanatics, this is the best time to visit Singapore, as the F1 Singapore Grand Prix takes place and is an electrifying experience. The Singapore Grand Prix is a premier Formula 1 race renowned for being the first night race in the history of the championship. The event attracts top international teams and drivers, contributing to a thrilling atmosphere filled with high-speed action and strategic competition.
Beyond the race, the Singapore Grand Prix offers a vibrant festival experience, complete with entertainment, concerts, and food options, making it a highlight on the global motorsport calendar and a celebration of Singapore’s dynamic culture.
October – Best Time to Visit Singapore for Fun and Spirituality
- The Nine Emperor Gods Festival:
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival, celebrated primarily by the Teochew and Hokkien communities, typically takes place over nine days. It honours the Nine Emperor Gods with various rituals, including vegetarian offerings, processions, and traditional performances. Temples come alive with colourful decorations and devotees often participate in vegetarian diets, making it a time for spiritual reflection and communal bonding.
- Halloween:
While Halloween has Western origins, Singapore’s multicultural landscape adds a unique twist, blending local traditions with spooky themes. It features themed parties, haunted houses, and costume events across the city, with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore hosting elaborate Halloween Horror Nights.
Conclusion
Singapore is a country which has festivals and events happening throughout the year and there is not much temperature difference. This is one of the reasons why tourists visit Singapore throughout the year.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Singapore depends on your preferences. Whether you’re after cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or food festivals, there’s always something happening in this lively city.
If you enjoy cooler weather and festive celebrations, aim for the end of the year. For a lively atmosphere with events and discounts, summer is ideal. And if you prefer to explore the outdoors, plan your trip during the milder months.
No matter when you choose to visit, Singapore promises a unique blend of experiences that will leave you captivated. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Lion City!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit Singapore
What is the best time to visit Singapore from India?
The best time to visit Singapore from India is between February and April. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures.