The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. Although Singapore is—for the most part—a year-round destination, the months of February to April fall within Singapore’s dry season and experience (at least a tad) less rainfall than 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. Most travellers will want to avoid the wet season, falling between September and January. May to September can also be an unpleasant time to travel here due to smoke from fires in nearby Sumatra.
Scratching your head on exactly when to go to Singapore? Finalize your ultimate travel plans with this complete Singapore weather by month and by season!
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Weather in Singapore: An overview
If you’ve already got some experience planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you won’t be surprised to find out that Singapore experiences hot & humid weather all year round. Much like its Southeast Asian neighbours, the weather in Singapore can range between anything 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, Singapore is split between two main “seasons”: wet season and dry season. The 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 the ideal time of year to visit Singapore. The months fall within the “dry phase” of the Northeast Monsoon and the inter-monsoon period. While you’re never quite in the clear here, a higher chance of sunny days and lower precipitation can go a long way in letting you experience all the top things to do in Singapore with less hassle.
Weather By Season
Wet Season
When is the wet season in Singapore? Wet season in Singapore is from September until January.
What to expect: As the name implies, you should expect a soakin’ on any given day during the wet season. The wettest months of the year in Singapore generally fall between November and January.
Unlike in the dry season, rains won’t just come in quick spurts but can last for extended periods of time. Travelling during this season can really put a damper on your Singapore itinerary. It’s not all doom and gloom, either. Even in the wet season, you can experience pleasant weather.
What to wear: Even with all the extra rainfall, Singapore stays quite hot during the monsoon season. Like other times of the year, you’ll want to wear lightweight clothing.
I’d 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 until August.
What to expect: Don’t expect to be on the hook for perfect weather just because it’s dry season. Even the dry season in Singapore is patently unpredictable, and you should still expect to catch some rains during this time. The best weather generally falls between February and April, making these months the ideal time to travel to Singapore.
For sightseeing, you’ll likely want to avoid the months between May and August when smoke blows in from clearing fires in Sumatra. During these months, air quality in Singapore can be quite low, and the haze can put a damper on your views.
What to wear: The heat and humidity, once again, necessitate lightweight clothing. You’ll want to avoid wearing thick clothing like jeans and stick to light materials and colours for comfort. Don’t forget to add an ultralight rain jacket and an umbrella to your Singapore packing list for the inevitable bursts of afternoon rain.
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.
- Average Temperature: 26ºC / 79ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 23ºC / 73ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 30ºC / 86ºF
- Rainfall: 238 mm / 18 days
February
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, allowing the weather to take a turn for the better.
The beginning of February often marks the start of the Chinese New Year in Singapore. You’ll want to book your accommodations well ahead of time if you choose to visit during the festivities.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 165 mm / 13 days
March
Along with February, March is one of the best months of the year to travel to Singapore. 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, and it is a great 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.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 177 mm / 17 days
April
In April, the hot weather continues. Although rainfall is slightly lower than in March, there are fewer sunny days in Singapore in April as thunderstorms are more frequent.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 166 mm / 20 days
May
Like March and April, you should expect heat and humidity into the month of May. The biggest change in weather 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. Visitors with pre-existing respiratory problems like asthma should avoid visiting Singapore at this time.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 25ºC / 77ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 171 mm / 19 days
June
With the Southwest Monsoon sweeping in, June is a transition period for the weather here. Morning thunderstorms are frequent yet pass through quickly. Like during May, the fires from 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: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 163 mm / 19 days
July
Despite the Southwest Monsoon, July is the driest month in Singapore. Thunderstorms are commonplace but stop as quickly as they start.
Even if the weather is among its best, the haze from Sumatra is still a problem in Singapore at this time of year. Plus, with the Great Singapore Sale still kickin’, the best hotels in Singapore are among their fullest and priciest.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 150 mm / 19 days
August
Into August, there’s 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. Catch the huge parade and spectacle at Marina Bay to take part in all the fun!
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- 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 overall a better month to travel to Singapore.
Keep in mind that the city hosts the famous Singapore Grand Prix towards the middle of September. Book well ahead or otherwise avoid 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: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- Rainfall: 163 mm / 18 days
October
Although it’s technically between monsoon seasons, October sees a sharp increase in rainfall in Singapore 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.
Afternoon thunderstorms are expected and can be quite heavy and off-putting.
- Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
- 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 is far from the ideal time to travel to Singapore. Expect plenty of heavy afternoon & evening showers.
- Average Temperature: 26ºC / 79ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 24ºC / 75ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 30ºC / 86ºF
- 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, this is a month that should be avoided for travellers if at all possible.
- Average Temperature: 26ºC / 79ºF
- Low Temperature (Average): 23ºC / 73ºF
- High Temperature (Average): 29ºC / 84ºF
- 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 you’ll never fully escape the wrath of the typical Southeast Asian climate here, 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 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, surprisingly, within Singapore’s high tourism season. Accommodations will not only be more difficult to find but will be 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 in one of the best Singapore luxury hotels.
