Just right off of southern Malaysia lies a sovereign state, the island of Singapore. This vibrant and multi-textural centre is home to tropical weather, culture, and many beautiful places to visit. While planning a trip to Singapore, the most daunting question to ask yourself is this: when do I want to go? Each time of year will offer you different weather, activities, and events to take part in. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! This article will help you to find the best time to visit Singapore, so that you can make the most out of your trip!
JANUARY TO MARCH
The beginning of the calendar year means big weather changes for Singapore! This time of year signals the shift from the wet to the dry season. Even though January is still quite hot (around 26C/79F), you can expect rain almost every day while the Northeast Monsoon is still passing through. Once February hits, temperatures rise to approximately 29C/84F, and the rain starts to dwindle. In March, temperatures are similar to February, with a small decrease in rain. Accommodations and flights will be a lot cheaper during this time of year as opposed to the high-tourist season of the summer months.
EVENTS:
January 15-18: Pongal - This traditional Indian festival celebrates the harvest. Each of the three days honours a different integral part of the harvest. The first day is to honour the Ruler of the Clouds and Giver of the Rains, Lord Indra. The second day honours Surya, the Sun God. The third day is reserved to honour the cattle, as they are sacred animals in the Hindu faith. This event has lots of performances, workshops, and a massive Light-Up Ceremony!
January 28 - February 28: I Light Singapore - This month-long festival celebrates sustainability in the city. Marina Bay, the Civic District and along the Singapore River is illuminated by some of the most amazing light displays you’ve ever seen. All the lights are green-energy, and the festival gives opportunities for both veteran and up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent!
End of January/ Early February: Chinese New Year - This energetic holiday boasts bright colours, lion dances, markets, and beautifully designed lanterns. Singapore’s Chinatown will become adorned with red and gold, the colours of luck and prosperity! This celebration is a time for family gatherings when you share a good meal, connect, share stories, and wish everyone good fortune for the year to come.
March 14-24: Singapore Festival of Fun - The name says it all! This family-friendly festival lasts for 10 days in mid-March. A favourite of the festival is the Nickelodeon Fiesta. Meet all your favourite characters, watch live performances, and collect limited-edition toys. The Nickelodeon Fiesta also encourages children to learn about traditional Singaporean culture. There are also tons of street and circus performers, as well as family-friendly comedians. This event should noy be missed!
APRIL TO JUNE
These months are the peak dry season, and slowly the crowds will start to pick up as the tourists begin to arrive for the summer. Although April has temperatures similar to March, you may have the occasional thunderstorms, but they usually don’t last very long. In May, the heat and humidity will begin to pick up. Be careful travelling during this month if you have asthma or any other breathing conditions, as the nearby Indonesian island of Sumatra is entering fire season. Depending on the wind direction, Singapore might get covered in some of the smoke and haze. June is a transitional month for Singapore. With the Southwest Monsoon passing through, you’ll get the occasional thunderstorm. You might still have smoke from Sumatra, but the temperature will be nice and warm!
EVENTS:
April: HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens - Sports lovers unite! For 2 days in April, Singapore will be taken over by rugby matches between nations from all over the world at the National Stadium for the Southeast Asian stop on the HSBC Sevens tour. Among the fun, there will also be plenty of performances, and family-friendly activities to take part in!
May 16 - June 2: Singapore International Festival of Arts - The second half of May in Singapore will be filled with stunning exhibitions, plays, and dance performances. This festival showcases the amazing talents of local Singaporean artists, directors, and performers. Make sure to look ahead of your visit to find what the main events of that year will be!
mid-June: Ultra Singapore - For those who want to party all night, this is the event for you! For one amazing weekend in June, Singapore turns into a massive rave, filled with world-class DJs and performers. For anyone who loves EDM music, or just wants to spend the whole night dancing, don’t miss Ultra!
JULY TO SEPTEMBER
Singapore really starts to dry up during these months, which is why this is peak tourist season. July is the driest month of the year, with temperatures that can get up to 31C/88F. Like May, August can be another tough month for those with breathing conditions with smoke blowing in from Sumatra. September is an incredibly busy month for Singapore. With warm weather, Sumatra’s fire season finally passing, and many events, it is highly recommended to book in advance if you want to visit during this month!
EVENTS:
July: GSS: Experience Singapore - Get your wallets out! GSS, or the Great Singapore Sale, is filled with amazing deals and bargains across the whole island. Both shops and local street vendors participate. You’ll find some great pieces locally curated for reasonable prices! This is an awesome event for locals and tourists to participate in.
August 9: National Day - The streets of Singapore are filled with celebrations, parades, and activities to celebrate the state’s rise to independence. Despite the small size of the island, Singapore gained its independence as a sovereign state in 1965. Since then, locals take a lot of pride when August 9th comes around! All the different cultural neighbourhood of the island are brought to life!
September: Grand Prix Season Singapore - The second half of September is completely taken over by the Grand Prix. This event draws in many visitors. You will have the opportunity to watch one of the many races, or can participate in any of the other race-themed activities. There will be concerts, parties, parades, and so much more to see!
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER
During the final months of the year, Singapore makes its shift back to the wet season. While October still has the warm temperatures of the summer, you’ll be able to escape the sweltering heat of the afternoon thanks to light breezes coming in from the straits. You’ll also get a sharp spike in rainfall compared to September. In November, it will begin to cool off a bit. Expect heavy showers in the afternoons and evenings. By the time December comes, it’ll be raining almost every day, and temperatures will drop to about 26C/79F. Most tourists avoid visiting during these months, which means great rates on flight and accommodations!
EVENTS:
October 27: Deepavali - The streets of Singapore’s Little India will become filled with colours, the light of countless oil lamps, and amazing food. Also known as Diwali, this Hindu Festival of Lights features a Silver Chariot procession to honour goddess Sri Drowpathai Amman, bazaars, and women each wearing their own uniquely-embroidered sari. This is an amazing event to be a part of, but please be respectful of the religious elements of Deepavali.
November 30 - December 26: Christmas Wonderland - For a whole month, Singapore’s Garden by the Bay fills with the spirit of Christmas. Wander through the stunning light displays, take a ride on the carousel, go ice skating, or visit the jolly man in red himself! Santa Claus makes a special visit to take pictures, and to make sure you’re keeping on the Nice List!
December 31: Marina Bay Singapore Countdown - Experience New Year’s Eve; Singapore-style! The entire marina will be lit up with a massive fireworks display. To add to the fun, an entire carnival takes over the streets along the water, with rides, games, and so many food trucks to choose from! Ring in the new year in the most lively and fun-spirited way possible!
Do you know when you want to plan your trip to Singapore? Did you know that Acanela Expeditions offers trip to Singapore year-round? On an expedition to Singapore, you’ll spend your days exploring the city, discovering the local culture, and you’ll even have an opportunity to participate in orangutan wildlife-viewing (at a distance for both the animal’s safety and yours) on the neighbouring island of Sumatra. Book a trip with Acanela today!
Post Written By Demitria Rounis