When to Go

Climatic considerations shouldn't figure much when you're planning a visit to Singapore. There's very little year-round variation in weather patterns, though it does get rainier between November and January. The trees and flowers look their best at pretty much any time of the year. It's the social climate that waxes and wanes rather than the natural environment or the weather.

Shoppers thirsty for freebies, bargains, and promotions should come for the Great Singapore Sale from late May through early June. Those seeking some culture should time a visit with one of Singapore's annual arts festivals including the annual international Singapore Arts Festival in June, August's WOMAD in Ft. Canning Park, and the Singapore Film Festival in April. For dedicated foodies, there's the Singapore Food Festival in July.

With the equator only 129 km (80 mi) to the south, Singapore is typically either hot or very hot. The average daily temperature is 80°F (26.6°C); it usually reaches 87°F (30.7°C) in the afternoon and drops to a cool 75°F (23.8°C) just before dawn. The months from November through January, during the northeast monsoon, are generally the coolest. The average daily relative humidity is 84.5%, although it drops to 65%–70% on dry afternoons.

Rain falls year-round, but the wettest months are November through January. February is usually the sunniest month; December, the most inclement.