Singapore holidays

Work out when you might take your next holiday to Singapore with our short guide on when to go…

Singapore is hot all year round, with an average daytime temperature of 30C. High heat is accompanied by high levels of humidity and rain is likely to fall at any time. If you despise the humidity, November-February is a more comfortable time, though December can be the wettest month.

Don’t let the rain put you off holidays in Singapore as a storm can disappear as quickly as it arrived and your waterproof jacket will be packed back in your bag as the sun breaks through. 

There is a cracking line up of annual events in Singapore and they are as diverse and exciting as the country itself…

Chinese New Year and Chingay Parade; February/March: The large Chinese population in Singapore makes sure this party goes with a swing. Expect to see floats, jugglers, dancers, whirling lions and dragons and much more. The venue is the Formula One Pit Building at the Marina Waterfront.

The Great Singapore Sale; May-July: While food is devoured with serious intent, shopping in Singapore is also a ritual for many locals. The city is packed with glittering shopping malls and this annual event guarantees big bargains. Orchard Road should be your first stop for the best shops.

Singapore Food Festival; June-July: The locals love their food and this culinary showcase does great justice to the amazing array of local dishes, which have been influenced by the local Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan communities who make Singapore so interesting. 

No matter what your age or what kind of holiday you crave, there’s something for you in Singapore. Here are a few ideas of things to do…

Kids and teens: Adults enjoy the lively bars and clubs of Singapore, but why should they have all the fun? For nightlife of a different kind, make a beeline for the Night Safari. This sprawling park houses many animals and they all come out at night. There are walking trails and trams for guests to make use of.

Grown-up families: The island resort of Sentosa is a pleasure playground for all ages. There are theme parks, golf courses, beaches, hotels and museums.

Romance: Ordering a Singapore Sling at Raffles is quintessential Singapore for many. The hotel’s Long Bar is home to this delicious cocktail. The bar itself is a glorious pub-style take on plantation cool. For an extra hit of opulence (and romance of course), move on to the Raffles Grill for dinner.

Free and cheap: Fort Canning Park is a glorious open space as well as an historical landmark in Singapore. You can delve into history, tour the zesty spice garden, and see sculptures (or just rest for a while) for no charge. Free monthly tours of the park are also available.

Shopping: Orchard Road is the cream of the shopping crop, though you’ll also find great shopping opportunities in Kampong Glam (Haji Lane is excellent) and Chinatown.