The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. Although Singapore is—for the most part—a year-round destination, February to April falls within Singapore’s dry season. From my experience, we can expect less rainfall in these months than at other times of the year.
Like much of the Southeast Asia region, Singapore isn’t known for year-round perfect blue skies and endless sun. In fact, at certain times of the year, planning a trip here can get a tad complicated.
I’d recommend that travelers avoid the wet season, falling between September and January. As I heard from locals, May to September can also be an unpleasant time to travel to Singapore due to smoke from fires in nearby Sumatra.
Scratching your head on exactly when to go to Singapore? Let me help you finalize your ultimate travel plans with our complete Singapore weather guide, including a complete breakdown by season and by month…
Weather in Singapore: An overview
Already got some experience planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Then you won’t be surprised when I tell you that Singapore experiences hot & humid weather all year round.
Much like its Southeast Asian neighbours, the weather in Singapore can vary considerably. On my three trips here, I’ve experienced everything from pleasant, hot, and sunny days to torrential downpours that’ll make you second-guess your decision to travel to this rainy netherworld.
Unlike four-season destinations, we can split Singapore up between two main “seasons”: wet season and dry season. The city state’s climate is defined by the Northeast Monsoon and Southwest Monsoon moving through the region. The Northeast Monsoon generally passes through Singapore from December to early March, while the Southwest Monsoon rolls by from June to September.
For most travellers, the early dry season between February and April is, in my opinion, the ideal time of year to visit Singapore. The months fall within the “dry phase” of the Northeast Monsoon and the inter-monsoon period.
From my experience, I know you’re never quite in the clear here. But enjoying a higher chance of sunny days and lower precipitation can go a long way in letting you experience all my recommended things to do in Singapore with less hassle.
Weather by season
Wet Season
When is the wet season in Singapore? The wet season in Singapore is from September to January.
What to expect: As the name implies, you should expect a soakin’ on any given day during the wet season. As I learned the hard way on one of my visits, the wettest months of the year in Singapore generally fall between November and January.
Unlike in the dry season, the rains won’t just come in quick spurts but can last for extended periods of time. Traveling during this season can really put a damper on your Singapore itinerary. (Yeah, I can tell you it’s not always fun.)
It’s not all doom and gloom, either. Even in the wet season, I was able to experience days (or at least half-days) of pleasant weather.
What to wear: Even with all the extra rainfall, I’ve seen that Singapore still stays quite hot during the monsoon season. Like other times of the year, I’d suggest wearing lightweight clothing.
I’d also recommend splurging on high-performance, quick-drying gear rather than relying solely on your ordinary wardrobe. If you get caught in a flurry of rain in Singapore, you’ll thank me. Also, be sure to pack a lightweight & breathable waterproof jacket and a sturdy umbrella.
Dry Season
When is the dry season in Singapore? The dry season in Singapore is from February to August.
What to expect: Don’t expect to be on the hook for perfect weather just because it’s dry season. As I quickly discovered, even the dry season in Singapore is patently unpredictable, and we should still expect to catch some rain during this time.
The best weather generally falls between February and April. In my opinion, these months are the ideal time to travel to Singapore.
For sightseeing, I’d suggest avoiding the months between May and August when smoke blows in from clearing fires in Sumatra. During these months, air quality in Singapore can get low, and the haze could put a damper on your views.
What to wear: The heat and humidity, once again, mean that I’d recommend lightweight clothing. Avoid wearing thick clothing like jeans and stick to light materials and colours for comfort.
Oh, and don’t forget to add an ultralight rain jacket and an umbrella to your Singapore packing list; you’ll thank me when the inevitable bursts of afternoon rain dampen your travel plans!
Weather By Month
January
January is among the wettest months in Singapore as the Northeast Monsoon is still pushing through. Temperatures in Singapore are, as usual, quite hot, even if a tad cooler than other times of the year.
About every third year, Chinese New Year falls at the end of January. I’d recommend checking the Chinese lunar calendar before you book your trip to see the exact date.
As colorful as this time of year is in Singapore, it gets very busy in the city, and, in my experience planning my visits, accommodation prices shoot through the roof. If these are the only dates you’ve got, I’d recommend booking your rooms far in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
- High Temperature (Average): 30°C / 86°F
- Rainfall: 238 mm / 18 days
February
From my experience, February is a little hotter and quite a bit drier than January. February marks the start of better things to come. By February, the Northeast Monsoon should be on its way out. This month, we’ll often see the weather take a turn for the better.
The beginning of February often marks the start of the Chinese New Year in Singapore. I’d highly recommend booking your accommodations well ahead of time if you choose to visit during the festivities.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 165 mm / 13 days
March
Along with February, March is one of the best months of the year to travel to Singapore, in my experience. With “only” 17 days of rain, March delivers more sunshine to Singapore than normal.
March is the second sunniest month in Singapore on average, next to February. I think it’s a fantastic time to check out some of the city’s top outdoor attractions, whether it’s marvelling at Gardens by the Bay or sipping cocktails at Clarke Quay.
(A cold Singapore Sling by the riverside? Sign me up!)
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 177 mm / 17 days
April
In April, the hot weather continues. Although rainfall is slightly lower than in March, I’d expect to see fewer sunny days in Singapore in April as thunderstorms are more frequent.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 166 mm / 20 days
May
Similar to March and April, May is expected to bring plenty of heat and humidity. The biggest change in the weather this month comes with the start of the fire season in nearby Sumatra.
Starting in May, Singapore can become infiltrated with smoke & haze from the Sumatran fires. Although I haven’t experienced it myself, I’ve been warned that visitors with pre-existing respiratory problems like asthma should avoid visiting Singapore at this time.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 25°C / 77°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 171 mm / 19 days
June
With the Southwest Monsoon sweeping in, June is a transition period for the weather in Singapore. Morning thunderstorms are frequent yet pass through quickly. Similar to May, the fires in Sumatra can create an unpleasant lingering haze over Singapore.
Despite the less desirable weather, June is one of the busiest months to go to Singapore, thanks to the Great Singapore Sale. The Singapore Food Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival also take place in June.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 163 mm / 19 days
July
Despite the Southwest Monsoon, July is the driest month in Singapore. Thunderstorms are commonplace, but from my experience, they stop as quickly as they start.
Even if the weather is among its best, the haze from Sumatra can still be a problem in Singapore at this time of year. Plus, with the Great Singapore Sale still kickin’, many of my favorite hotels in Singapore are at their fullest and priciest.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 150 mm / 19 days
August
Rolling into August, we see little change in temperature in Singapore, with a slight increase in rainfall. The Sumatran fires still pose a possible risk, and August can often be a difficult month for anyone with breathing problems. As with much of the year in Singapore, bursts of thunderstorms are common in August.
Singapore’s National Day, celebrating the city-state’s independence, falls on August 9th every year. If you can, I’d recommend trying to catch the huge parade and spectacle at Marina Bay to take part in all the fun!
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 171 mm / 20 days
September
Into the month of September, the Southwest Monsoon gives way to—surprise, surprise!—more heat and humidity. September in Singapore is slightly drier than August. With the haze from Sumatra finally dissipating, September is, in my opinion, an overall better month to travel to Singapore.
Keep in mind that the city hosts the famous Singapore Grand Prix in the middle of September. I’d highly recommend booking well ahead or otherwise avoiding these dates if you want to keep your budget in check.
The Mid-Autumn Festival and Hungry Ghost Festival are also celebrated in September.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 163 mm / 18 days
October
Although it’s technically between monsoon seasons, we see a sharp increase in rainfall in October compared to September. Average temperatures remain much the same, but afternoons can be slightly more tolerable than the “summer” months, thanks to a cool breeze from the straits.
I’d expect to see afternoon thunderstorms and will warn you: They can be quite heavy and off-putting!
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 191 mm / 21 days
November
Like October, November is wedged between the Southwest and Northeast Monsoon seasons. Even so, November is the second wettest month of the year in Singapore and, in my own experience, is far from the ideal time to travel to Singapore.
Traveling here in November a few years back, I was met with heavy afternoon and evening showers. As much of a bummer as that can be on vacation, it just meant spending more time chowing down in some of my favorite Singapore hawker centres.
(I know I talk about Singaporean food a lot here, but I really do love it!)
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 30°C / 86°F
- Rainfall: 250 mm / 25 days
December
By December, the Northeast Monsoon officially rolls into Singapore. December is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 269 mm falling over 25 days.
Needless to say (and especially after my November travel fiasco), I’d also recommend avoiding traveling to Singapore in December.
- Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
- High Temperature (Average): 29°C / 84°F
- Rainfall: 269 mm / 25 days
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Singapore is February or March.
Why visit in February or March?
Heat, humidity, and rainfall define the Singapore weather experience all year round. Although I was never able to fully escape the wrath of the typical Southeast Asian climate here, I think February and March are great months to visit. During either of these months, you’ll have the best chance of enjoying your vacation fully.
Both February and March fall in Singapore’s “dry” season, outside of the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons, when torrents of rain hammer down on the city-state. These two months have the lowest number of rainy days (13 and 17 days) in the year and among the lowest overall rainfalls.
Compared to other “dry” months like June and July, travelling to Singapore in February and March has other perks. During the summer months, there’s often a haze over the city from fires burning in nearby Sumatra. This can be a big problem for some travellers, particularly those with respiratory problems.
The summer months also fall within Singapore’s high tourism season. (I know, I don’t get it either.)
Whenever I’ve looked, accommodations in this season are both more difficult to find and more expensive. In the already pricey Singapore hotel market, this can put quite a strain on your budget—especially if you’re looking to stay in a mid-range hotel or one of the city’s epic 5-star luxury hotels..
