Most people pack for Singapore's heat and forget about the inside. You'll walk out of 31°C (88°F) humidity into malls, MRT trains and cinemas with the air-con cranked, then back out into a downpour. Pack light clothes, one thin layer and real rain gear, because it rains on 20 to 29 days every single month.
Singapore weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F |
| Rain days | 28 | 20 | 26 | 29 | 27 | 22 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 27 | 27 |
Season by season
Monsoon
December–MarchThe northeast monsoon brings some of the wettest weeks, with 28 rain days in January and 27 in December. Highs sit at 29°C (84°F) to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F), so it's never cool, just wet. Storms come in heavy bursts, and a packable shell beats juggling an umbrella on Orchard Road.
Shoulder season
April–MayThe gap between monsoons is the stickiest part of the year. Highs hit 31°C (88°F), lows climb to 24°C (75°F) and 25°C (77°F), and April logs 29 rain days, the most of any month. Do Gardens by the Bay and the Southern Ridges walk in the morning, before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Monsoon
June–SeptemberThe southwest monsoon is a little drier, with 22 to 26 rain days a month. Highs stay at 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F) and nights don't drop below 24°C (75°F). It's a good stretch for Sentosa and East Coast Park, but keep your phone in something waterproof on beach days.
Shoulder season
October–NovemberAnother inter-monsoon spell, with 31°C (88°F) highs and lows of 23°C (73°F) to 24°C (75°F). Rain days rise from 24 in October to 27 in November, and late-day storms are common. Same kit as April. Light clothes, a shell and a layer for the air-con.
What to bring to Singapore
0 of 23 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Singapore runs on UK-style type G sockets, and this adapter's UK plug plus five USB ports means your phone, watch and laptop all charge off one hotel outlet.
It packs into its own pocket and lives in your day bag, so the afternoon storm over Marina Bay costs you five minutes, not a soaked shirt.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Singapore's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing around the main compartment and zippers keeps your laptop dry in a city where it rains on at least 20 days every month.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Hawker center queues and walks between MRT stations at 31°C (88°F) are exactly where a handheld fan earns its spot, just charge it nightly because high speed drains it in a few hours.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps water cold for 24 hours, which you'll appreciate when you're refilling all day in 31°C (88°F) heat.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin won't damage your camera gear or synthetic clothes, and you'll want it for the MacRitchie trails and evenings outdoors, so decant it if you fly carry-on only.
Clothing
- Light linen or cotton shirts · 5Highs of 29–31°C all year with heavy humidity
- Shorts · 3Normal day to day
- Thin cardigan or light jacket · 1Malls, offices and the MRT are kept cold
- Lightweight trousers or long skirt · 1Cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- SwimwearSentosa and hotel pools
Footwear
- Breathable shoes that cope with water · 1 pairWet sneakers won't dry overnight; skip leather and canvas
- Sandals · 1 pairHawker centers and Sentosa
Gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenDo outdoor walks in the morning before storms
- Anti-chafe balmConstant humidity, lows never below 23°C
- Medical gum only, if you need itImporting chewing gum is banned
Documents and money
- Passport
- SG Arrival CardCheck entry rules and submit before you arrive
Tech
- Waterproof phone pouchBeach days at Sentosa and East Coast Park
- Portable power bank
What shoes should you pack for Singapore?
Skip leather and canvas. Pavements around Chinatown and Marina Bay get slick in a downpour, and wet sneakers won't dry overnight in this humidity. Go for breathable shoes that cope with water, plus sandals for hawker centers and Sentosa.
What do people wear in Singapore?
Locals dress light and casual, with shorts, linen and short sleeves everywhere. Most people carry a cardigan or thin jacket because offices, malls and the MRT are kept cold. Temples and mosques, such as Sri Mariamman Temple and the Sultan Mosque, expect covered shoulders and knees.
What plugs does Singapore use?
Singapore uses type G plugs, the same three-pin plug as the UK, at 230V. US visitors need an adapter, and anything that isn't dual voltage needs a converter too. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always fine at 230V, but check the label.
Tours and things to do in Singapore
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Singapore.
What should you leave at home for Singapore?
Leave the jeans and heavy fabrics at home. They'll never feel comfortable here. Skip the big umbrella too, since covered walkways link much of the city and a packable shell weighs less. Don't pack chewing gum either, because importing it into Singapore is banned, apart from medical gum.
Around Singapore
Packing for Singapore: questions people ask
What should I wear in Singapore?
Light, breathable clothes and shorts for the 29°C (84°F) to 31°C (88°F) highs, plus a thin layer for cold malls and the MRT. Add a packable rain shell, since every month has at least 20 rain days.
When is the rainy season in Singapore?
It rains a lot all year. April is the wettest month with 29 rain days and January is close behind with 28, while February is the driest at 20.
Do I need a jacket in Singapore?
Not for the weather, since average lows never go below 23°C (73°F). A light layer is still worth packing for air-conditioned malls, cinemas and buses.
What plug adapter do I need for Singapore?
Singapore uses the UK-style type G plug at 230V. A universal adapter with a UK plug covers it.
Can I wear shorts in Singapore?
Yes, shorts are normal day to day. Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit temples and mosques.
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