Singapore sits about 140 km north of the equator, so it is warm and humid every day of the year. There is no cold season and no true dry season, only months that are a little wetter or a little drier. What changes more is how crowded and expensive the city gets around festivals and big events. Here is how each month feels, using the national weather service's long-term averages, plus the 2027 dates worth planning around.
When is the best time to visit Singapore?
For weather, February to April is the best time to visit Singapore. February is the driest month on average and, with March, gets the most sunshine, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). Late January to early March is the dry, windy phase of the Northeast Monsoon, when the tropical rain belt has moved south towards Java.
There are trade-offs. Chinese New Year falls on 6 and 7 February in 2027, and some shops and hawker stalls close for a few days around it. From late March, afternoons get hotter and thunderstorms return. If you would rather avoid both, late February and March are a strong pick.
In practice any month works. Rain usually comes as a short, heavy afternoon storm rather than a wet day, and most of the city's sights are indoors, under cover or a short walk from shelter.
What is the weather like in Singapore month by month?
These averages come from the Changi climate station for 1991 to 2020, as published by MSS. Temperatures barely change through the year. Rainfall and the number of rainy days change more.
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Avg rain | Rain days | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.6°C | 24.3°C | 222 mm | 13 | Wet start, drying out later in the month |
| February | 31.5°C | 24.6°C | 105 mm | 9 | Driest and sunniest; breezy |
| March | 32.2°C | 24.9°C | 152 mm | 12 | Sunny; afternoon storms begin |
| April | 32.4°C | 25.3°C | 164 mm | 15 | Hot afternoons, frequent thunderstorms |
| May | 32.3°C | 25.7°C | 164 mm | 15 | Warmest month (28.6°C mean) |
| June | 31.9°C | 25.7°C | 135 mm | 13 | Southwest Monsoon; drier spells |
| July | 31.4°C | 25.4°C | 147 mm | 14 | Early-morning squalls possible |
| August | 31.4°C | 25.3°C | 147 mm | 14 | National Day on 9 August |
| September | 31.6°C | 25.2°C | 125 mm | 13 | One of the drier months; haze risk |
| October | 31.8°C | 25.0°C | 168 mm | 15 | Storms return; Grand Prix weekend |
| November | 31.2°C | 24.6°C | 252 mm | 19 | Wet; frequent afternoon storms |
| December | 30.5°C | 24.3°C | 332 mm | 19 | Wettest month; longer spells of rain |
The long-term average is 2,113 mm of rain a year, falling on about 171 days. Rain is heavier over the centre and west of the island and lighter in the east, where Changi sits.
When is the rainy season in Singapore?
The wettest stretch is November to January. MSS says rainfall peaks then because the tropical rain belt, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, lies close to Singapore. In December and early January, "monsoon surges" can bring widespread, continuous moderate to heavy rain, sometimes with strong winds, for a day or more.
The rest of the year follows a pattern you can plan around:
- Northeast Monsoon (December to early March): wet at first, then windy and relatively dry from late January.
- Inter-monsoon (late March to May): hot afternoons, often above 32°C, with thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening.
- Southwest Monsoon (June to September): "Sumatra squalls", lines of storms that sweep in between the small hours and midday, plus short afternoon showers.
- Inter-monsoon (October to November): afternoon and evening thunderstorms, generally wetter than the spring inter-monsoon.
Because most rain falls in the afternoon, plan outdoor sights such as the Botanic Gardens or Southern Ridges for the morning, and keep museums, malls and Jewel Changi for later in the day.
How hot and humid does Singapore get?
Hot and sticky all year. Nights rarely drop below 23 to 25°C and days rarely go above 31 to 33°C. May is the warmest month, with a 24-hour mean of 28.6°C, and December and January are the coolest at 26.8°C.
Humidity averages about 82%. It is often above 90% just before sunrise and falls to around 60% on dry afternoons. Indoors, air-conditioning is strong, so carry a light layer for malls, cinemas and the MRT. Drink water often, and plan walks for early morning or after sunset.
Is there haze in Singapore, and when?
Sometimes. MSS says slight to moderate haze is common during the Southwest Monsoon and in light winds during the inter-monsoon months, which can cut visibility below 10 km. During severe episodes of smoke drifting from fires in the region, visibility has fallen below 1 km. Haze is most likely from about August to October, but it varies a lot from year to year and many years have little.
If you are travelling then, check the haze updates on the National Environment Agency and MSS websites in the days before you go.
What festivals and events are on in Singapore in 2027?
Singapore's calendar mixes Chinese, Malay, Indian and Christian holidays, and the festivals are a big part of the reason to visit. These are the 2027 public holidays announced by the Ministry of Manpower, plus the Formula 1 race weekend.
| Date | Holiday or event | What it means for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Fri) | New Year's Day | Fireworks over Marina Bay on New Year's Eve |
| 6–7 Feb (Sat–Sun) | Chinese New Year | Monday 8 Feb is also a holiday; Chinatown lights and markets beforehand; some stalls close |
| 10 Mar (Wed) | Hari Raya Puasa | End of Ramadan; evening bazaars in the weeks before |
| 26 Mar (Fri) | Good Friday | Long weekend |
| 1 May (Sat) | Labour Day | Public holiday |
| 17 May (Mon) | Hari Raya Haji | Long weekend |
| 20 May (Thu) | Vesak Day | Temples busy with ceremonies and lanterns |
| 9 Aug (Mon) | National Day | Parade, flypasts and fireworks; long weekend |
| 8–10 Oct | Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix | Night race around Marina Bay; hotel prices peak |
| 28 Oct (Thu) | Deepavali | Little India's street lights go up in the weeks before |
| 25 Dec (Sat) | Christmas Day | Orchard Road light-up through December |
Muslim holiday dates depend on the sighting of the moon and can shift by a day.
When is Singapore busiest and most expensive?
Hotel prices jump most around the Grand Prix weekend, when rooms near Marina Bay can sell out months ahead. The days around Chinese New Year are also busy, and many Singaporeans travel during the school holidays in June and from late November to December, which fills flights and attractions.
Long weekends in 2027 include 6 to 8 February, Good Friday, Hari Raya Haji on 17 May and National Day on 9 August. If your dates are flexible, a mid-week stay outside these windows is usually the cheapest and calmest.
What should you pack for Singapore?
- Light, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
- A compact umbrella, which doubles as shade from the sun.
- A light layer for air-conditioned buses, malls and cinemas.
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques.
- Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle; tap water is safe to drink.
Before you fly: submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days before you arrive, counting the day of arrival, through the ICA website or the MyICA app. Ignore sites that charge a fee for it.
For where to base yourself, see our guide to where to stay in Singapore, and for the MRT, buses and taxis read getting around Singapore.
Facts checked October 2026. Climate figures are 1991–2020 averages from the Changi climate station. Event dates can change, and Muslim holidays depend on the moon; check official sources before you book.
