Best time to visit Singapore

Question 1

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The driest stretch runs from late January to early March, and February is the driest month, though there's no distinct wet or dry season. Temperatures stay between about 23°C and 33°C all year. We'd go in February for the driest weather, or in March or September for smaller crowds, since Universal Studios prices both as non-peak. Rain, heat and weather covers the showers.

Question 2

Is December too wet to visit Singapore?

Accepted Answer

December isn't too wet to enjoy, but monsoon surges from December to early January can bring widespread, steady rain, and November to January is the wetter stretch. December and January are also the coolest months, averaging about 26.8°C. We'd keep a wet-weather plan ready, such as Singapore in the Rain, and book ahead, since school holidays usually run from late November to the end of December.

Question 3

What is there to do in Singapore in January and February?

Accepted Answer

Chinese New Year is the big draw, falling between late January and mid-February, with Chinatown's street light-up, River Hongbao and the Chingay Parade among the events. The weather helps too: January stays wet until the dry phase begins in late January, and February is the driest month. We'd spend one evening under the lights in Chinatown and another at River Hongbao.

Question 4

Is June to August a good time to visit Singapore?

Accepted Answer

It's good for weather but busy: the Southwest Monsoon brings short afternoon showers, and July is the busiest month for visitors and hotel rooms. School holidays fill most of June, and Universal Studios charges its peak rate in June and its super-peak rate in July and August. Haze can arrive from August to October, so we'd check the PSI on NEA's site if the sky turns grey.

Question 5

Will shops and attractions close on public holidays in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the place: the Night Safari lists daily hours, but the National Library shuts on every public holiday. The Former Ford Factory shuts on public holidays that fall on a Monday and on the first day of Chinese New Year. We'd check a place's own page before a holiday and plan museums and libraries for another day.

Question 6

Should I avoid Chinese New Year in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

We'd come for it rather than avoid it: Chinatown lights up, River Hongbao and the Chingay Parade run, and the public holiday lasts two days. The catch is closures: the Former Ford Factory shuts on the first day, and the National Library closes at 5pm on the eve. Keep museums and libraries for another day and spend the evenings in Chinatown.

Question 7

Are Singapore's school holidays crowded for visitors?

Accepted Answer

The long breaks in June and December are the busy ones, and the short breaks in March and September are typically quieter. Singapore's schools close for about four weeks from late May to June and about six weeks from late November to December, and Universal Studios charges its peak rate in June and its super-peak rate in December. It prices March and September as non-peak.

Question 8

Is Deepavali too crowded to visit Little India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it gets busy, and that's the draw: Little India fills with a street light-up, bazaars and the Deepavali Festival Village along Campbell Lane. Deepavali falls in October or November. We'd go on a weekday evening, eat at Tekka Centre and dress modestly if you step into a temple.

Question 9

When are the Hari Raya bazaars in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The bazaars run through Ramadan, the fasting month that ends in Hari Raya Puasa, and Geylang Serai's festive lights go up for the same month. Hari Raya Puasa falls about 10 days earlier each year, so check the Ministry of Manpower's public holiday list before you book flights. We'd come by train, since the lights are near Paya Lebar and Eunos MRT stations.

Question 10

Are weekdays quieter than weekends at Singapore attractions?

Accepted Answer

Usually: Mandai's parks, including the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise, charge their regular rate from Monday to Friday and a peak rate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Night Safari shifts a day earlier, with Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of a public holiday priced as peak. Operators tend to price busier days higher, so we'd book the Night Safari for Sunday to Thursday.

Question 11

What is the worst time to visit Singapore?

Accepted Answer

We'd say no month is bad, but Universal Studios charges its top rate in July, August and December, and July brings the most visitors to Singapore. December sits in the wetter stretch, May is the hottest month at 28.6°C on average, and haze can drift in from August to October. If your dates are fixed in a busy month, put the Zoo on a weekday.