Winter in Singapore doesn’t bring cold winds or snow. Instead, you’ll get warm days, high humidity, and frequent showers thanks to the Northeast Monsoon.
Expect daily temperatures to stay somewhere between the mid-70s °F at night and the mid-80s °F during the day. Honestly, it’s probably the warmest “winter” you’ll ever experience.
Rainfall really stands out during this time. December usually brings the heaviest downpours of the year, with rain falling on lots of days and thick clouds limiting sunshine.
Still, daylight doesn’t change much, and you’ll find some clear spells for outdoor plans.
This mix of steady warmth, muggy air, and heavy rain affects everything—from what you wear to how you plan your days. If you want to explore cultural events, try local food, or just stay comfortable, it helps to know what winter weather in Singapore is like.
Overview of Winter in Singapore
Winter in Singapore stays warm and humid, with steady temperatures and frequent rain. Tropical conditions and the Northeast Monsoon shape the season, bringing wetter weather at first and then drier, breezier days later.
Climate Characteristics
Singapore sits just north of the equator, so you don’t get a traditional winter at all. The climate stays tropical, with high humidity and barely any changes in daylight.
Rain really defines the season. In December, showers happen often, mostly in the afternoon or evening. By February, the rain eases up and skies clear a bit.
Humidity stays high—almost 100% most days.
Daylight barely budges, averaging about 12 hours. Sunrise is close to 7:00 AM, and sunset lands near 7:00 PM, so you can count on predictable daylight for outdoor plans.
Key points:
- Humidity: ~100% year-round
- Daylight: ~12 hours daily
- Rainfall: Frequent in December, lighter by February
Monsoon Influence
The Northeast Monsoon shapes the winter weather. From December through early January, it brings heavy rain and strong winds. Showers can last longer, and you might even get overnight storms.
By late January and February, the monsoon shifts into its drier phase. Rain falls less often, skies clear up more, and winds pick up from the north and northeast. Average wind speeds go from about 7.6 mph in early December to over 9 mph by February.
So, you get two halves to the season—a wet start, then a breezier and less rainy finish. If you’re thinking about travel or outdoor stuff, late winter is usually better for clear skies and less rain.
Seasonal Temperature Range
Temperatures in Singapore don’t change much in winter. Daily highs usually sit between 85°F and 87°F (29°C–31°C). Lows are around 74°F to 76°F (23°C–24°C), and there’s barely any difference between day and night.
The warmest days rarely top 91°F, and the coolest nights almost never dip below 74°F. January is often the coolest month, with averages near 76°F at night and 85°F in the day.
Sea surface temperatures stay steady too, averaging about 83°F, so coastal and water activities are comfortable all season.
Typical winter range:
| Time of Day | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 85–87°F |
| Nighttime Low | 74–76°F |
| Sea Surface | ~83°F |
Average Winter Temperatures
Singapore’s winter temperatures stay warm and steady, with only minor changes between day and night. There’s hardly any seasonal variation, so the climate feels pretty predictable.
Daily Highs and Lows
During winter, high temperatures average 86–87°F (30°C). They rarely fall below 82°F (28°C) or climb above 91°F (33°C), so afternoons are almost always warm.
Nighttime lows average around 76–77°F (24–25°C). Even at night, the air stays humid and muggy, so you won’t get cool evenings. The lowest average low is about 75°F (24°C), which is still warm by most standards.
For a quick look:
| Time of Day | Average Temperature | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime High | 86–87°F (30°C) | 82–91°F (28–33°C) |
| Nighttime Low | 76–77°F (24–25°C) | 75–79°F (24–26°C) |
This stable pattern just shows how consistent Singapore’s tropical climate is, even in its so-called “coldest” season.
Hourly Temperature Patterns
Temperatures barely change throughout the day. Early mornings start near 76°F (24°C). By late morning, the heat climbs fast, reaching 85–87°F (29–30°C) in the afternoon.
You won’t see sharp drops in the evening like you do in temperate places. After sunset, the air cools just a bit, staying near 77–78°F (25–26°C) all night.
Humidity sticks around, making the warmth feel even stronger. Both day and night can feel equally muggy, and if you’re outside, you won’t get much relief after dark.
With such small differences, planning is simple. You can wear the same type of clothes all day—no need for extra layers.
Coldest Days on Record
Singapore doesn’t really get cold days, but there are slight dips in January. The coldest period usually happens in early January, when highs average 86°F (30°C) and lows average 76°F (24°C).
The lowest daily average high recorded is 86°F (30°C) on January 1. The lowest daily average low is 76°F (24°C) on January 12. Still, that’s warm by global standards.
Compared to the hottest day of the year in April, which can hit 89°F (32°C), the difference is just a few degrees.
Basically, even the “coldest” days in Singapore feel like summer in a lot of other countries.
Humidity and Dew Point
Humidity in Singapore stays high all year, even in the cooler winter months. The dew point remains elevated too, so the air often feels damp and heavy. These two things really shape how you experience the climate, whether you’re visiting or living here.
Typical Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in Singapore averages around 84% year-round. In winter months like December and January, it often climbs higher—usually 85% to 87%—mainly because of the increased rainfall from the northeast monsoon.
The difference between months isn’t huge, but mornings and evenings feel stickier than afternoons. Daytime heating drops the humidity slightly, but it rarely goes below 70%.
For comfort, you’ll want to plan for sticky conditions, especially if you’re outside. Lightweight, breathable clothes help a lot, and air conditioning is everywhere indoors.
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~87 | Wettest month, frequent rain |
| January | ~86 | Cooler but still very humid |
| February | ~83 | Slightly drier, still high |
Dew Point Trends During Winter
The dew point in Singapore almost never falls below 24°C, even in the coolest part of the year. This high dew point explains why the air feels muggy and sweat doesn’t evaporate easily.
In December and January, the dew point usually stays between 24°C and 25°C. With air temperatures near 29°C, you get a constant feeling of warmth.
So, you won’t find crisp or dry winter air here. Even when temperatures dip a bit, the high dew point keeps the air moist.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, you might find early mornings or late evenings a little more comfortable outside. Indoors, dehumidifiers and good ventilation can really help.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Singapore’s winter doesn’t bring cold or snow. Instead, you get steady rainfall and high humidity. There’s a lot of precipitation, frequent wet days, and changes in rainfall intensity as the season moves along.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall stays high during winter, especially in November, December, and January. December usually sees the heaviest totals, with around 280–300 mm (11–12 inches) of rain. November is also very wet, often above 250 mm (10 inches).
January brings a bit less rain than December but still averages about 230–250 mm (9–10 inches). By February, rainfall drops further, often down to 140–160 mm (5–6 inches), making it the driest winter month.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| November | 250–270 | 10–11 |
| December | 280–300 | 11–12 |
| January | 230–250 | 9–10 |
| February | 140–160 | 5–6 |
These high totals just come with Singapore’s spot near the equator, where rain spreads out more evenly than in temperate places.
Frequency of Wet Days
Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, not long drizzles. In December, you might get 18–20 rainy days in a month. November and January usually see 15–18 rainy days, while February drops to about 10–12 days.
Showers are intense but brief, often lasting just an hour or two. Afternoon and evening storms are common, thanks to convection and sea breezes. Even on sunny mornings, you should expect sudden downpours.
Because rain is so frequent, carrying an umbrella or light raincoat makes sense. Streets, parks, and outdoor spots can get soaked quickly, so having indoor backup plans helps.
Changes in Precipitation Through the Season
Rainfall patterns change as the Northeast Monsoon comes and goes. Early in the season, from November to December, strong monsoon winds bring widespread showers and sometimes thunderstorms. These months are the wettest, with lots of all-day rain.
By January, rain is still common but becomes more scattered. You’ll notice shorter showers and more breaks of sunshine. Storms aren’t as persistent as in December.
February brings a real shift. Rainfall drops, skies brighten, and there are fewer wet days. This change marks the end of the monsoon and the start of the drier inter-monsoon period.
So, December is the wettest month to prepare for, while February gives you more dry weather and better chances for outdoor activities.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
During Singapore’s winter months, skies are usually cloudy, but the amount of cloud cover slowly drops as the season goes on. Daylight hours barely change since Singapore is so close to the equator, but how much sunshine you get mostly depends on rain and clouds.
Cloud Cover Variation
Cloud cover peaks at the start of winter. In early December, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 90% of the time, making it the cloudiest period. By late February, that drops to around 75%, so you’ll see clearer skies.
The change is slow, so expect lots of gray days in December and January. By late February, there are more breaks in the clouds, with a better chance of partly cloudy or even clear conditions.
- Cloudiest period: Early December
- Clearest period: Late February
- Typical sky: Mostly cloudy
This pattern matches up with rainfall. The wettest weeks bring the thickest clouds, while drier weeks let more sunlight break through. If you visit in December, you’ll see plenty of overcast skies, but by February things should look a bit brighter.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Length
Daylight in Singapore barely changes throughout the year. You get about 12 hours of daylight daily, and the difference between the longest and shortest days is just a few minutes.
Sunrise happens around 7:00 AM, while sunset usually falls close to 7:00 PM.
Actual sunshine hours don’t always match total daylight because clouds often block the sun. In winter, you’ll see 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day on average.
December stands out as the gloomiest month, with just 4 hours of sunshine. February, on the other hand, can bring up to 6.5 hours of sun.
You can count on long days for outdoor plans, but the amount of direct sunlight really depends on how much it rains or how cloudy it gets. If you love bright, sunny days, February feels like the sweet spot.
Other Winter Weather Factors
Winter in Singapore isn’t just about temperature or rain. You’ll also notice changes in wind, air pressure, visibility, and even UV levels when you spend time outside.
Wind and Air Pressure
In December and January, the Northeast Monsoon shapes Singapore’s weather. Winds blow in from the northeast and usually stay steady, not wild.
You’ll feel breezes at 8 to 15 km/h, though storms sometimes kick up stronger gusts.
These winds push humid air over the island, and you might notice it feels cooler, especially in open spaces or along the coast.
Air pressure holds fairly steady during this season, often a bit higher than during the wetter inter-monsoon months. That stability means you don’t get too many wild weather swings, though a thunderstorm can still shake things up for a short while.
When you’re planning to be outside, the breeze can feel like a relief from the humidity. Still, you should keep an umbrella handy, since monsoon squalls might blow in with brief, gusty showers.
UV Index and Visibility
Even with all the clouds and rain, UV radiation in Singapore stays high all year. In winter, the UV index often lands between 8 and 11—that’s very high.
Sun protection is a must, even if the sky looks gray, especially around midday.
Most days, you’ll get visibility of 8 to 10 kilometers. Heavy rain or thunderstorms can cut that down fast, though, so if you’re driving or catching a ferry, keep an eye out for sudden drops in visibility.
You won’t really see fog here like you might in other places. Rain is what limits how far you can see.
After a downpour, the air usually clears up fast, and you get those wide-open views of the city skyline and the water.
Winter Events and Seasonal Activities
During the winter months, Singapore blends festive celebrations, cultural traditions, and a big mix of activities. You’ll find both huge public events and smaller seasonal happenings that really show off the city’s unique mix of heritage, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Major Festivals and Celebrations
Winter in Singapore brings a bunch of popular festivals. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay lights up the place with sculptures, markets, and performances. Those illuminated displays and family-friendly activities make it a favorite.
As December wraps up, you can join New Year’s Eve celebrations at Marina Bay. Fireworks, live music, and crowds along the waterfront make it one of the city’s biggest parties.
In late winter, Chinese New Year turns the city festive with parades, lion dances, and markets. The streets and malls go all out in red and gold, and you can snack on treats like pineapple tarts and rice cakes.
The Chingay Parade is another highlight, famous for its floats, stilt walkers, and vibrant performances. Singapore’s diversity really comes alive here, with people from all sorts of communities joining in.
If you’re into nightlife, ZoukOut on Sentosa Island throws a massive outdoor music festival with international DJs. It goes all night and draws crowds looking for a beach party vibe.
Outdoor and Indoor Activities
Winter brings cooler, wetter weather, so it’s honestly a great excuse to balance indoor and outdoor plans. You might wander through Gardens by the Bay—seasonal displays and the Cloud Forest conservatory give you a break from the rain.
If you’re in the mood to shop or just want some entertainment, Orchard Road lights up with decorations and stays open late. It’s perfect if you want the holiday vibe but still want to duck indoors when you need to.
Love art or culture? The National Gallery Singapore always has something going on, and it’s a solid pick for those rainy afternoons.
Families usually head to Universal Studios Singapore or the Singapore Zoo. The crowds thin out compared to the summer rush, which makes things a bit more relaxed.
Sentosa Island’s got the S.E.A. Aquarium and the cable car rides, and honestly, they’re still fun even if the weather’s not perfect.
Mixing up indoor spots with outdoor adventures lets you enjoy the season, even if a sudden shower tries to crash your plans.