Photos featured may have been taken before COVID-19.

It’s summer all year round in Singapore so you don’t have to worry about what clothes to pack when visiting our sunny island.

What you should take into consideration instead is the host of exciting events and celebrations that you’ll get to experience, depending on the time of year that you visit.

Our island’s multi-ethnic culture is on full display with an array of festivals all through the year, allowing you to immerse yourself in local traditions. 

The SG Clean Initiative—a nation-wide campaign to safeguard health and hygiene—includes a range of rigorous safety measures that have been implemented island-wide, so that you travel with peace of mind no matter where you visit in Singapore.

Shot of Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and ArtScience Museum during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix season

Start with a bang (January to March)
Chinese New Year decoration at Chinatown junction aerial view

Start the year off with a bang when you visit Singapore in the months of January-March, a period that’s abuzz with activities from ethnic celebrations.

The most celebrated festival of the Lunar calendar, Chinese New Year, usually takes place in January or February, with seasonal markets, lion dances and festive feasting.

Celebrations tend to centre on Singapore’s Chinatown district, and various safe-distancing measures and precautions like mask-wearing will be in place so that visitors can enjoy the joyous proceedings while staying safe.

You can also check out the annual Chinese New Year Chingay Parade, where performers take to the streets to honour Chinese deities like Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. 

Then, immerse yourself in the most colourful Hindu festival of the year, Holi (also known as the “festival of colours” or the “festival of sharing love”). Join the revellers as they shower themselves in coloured powder and spread joy on the streets with music and dance. Multiple events abound across Singapore, but we recommend visiting Rang de Holi, which tends to take place on the sunny island resort of Sentosa.

 

Shop and savour this summer (April to July)

The middle of the year boasts a variety of events, with opportunities to shop, feast and immerse yourself in local culture. 

One of Singapore’s major cultural festivals, Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as the “Eid” or “Hari Raya Puasa”) is a joyous time for Muslims. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and marks the end of the month-long fasting that accompanies this period.

Muslim families don vibrantly coloured traditional clothing and visit their family and friends to enjoy home-cooked feasts together. The Geylang Serai Bazaar—one of the most anticipated events associated with the celebrations— has evolved into a digital celebration in recent years, so be sure to check for updates before planning your trip.

When in Singapore, do as the locals do—shop until you drop.  The Great Singapore Sale is a fixture on local calendars, with great deals at bespoke boutiques, world-class malls and artisanal stores around Singapore. Be sure to visit Orchard Road—Singapore’s premier shopping belt—and check out modern malls like ION Orchard and 313@somerset.

Another favourite Singaporean hobby is indulging in food. Join the festivities of Singapore’s extraordinary culinary scene at the Singapore Food Festival, where you can sample the diverse flavours that our country has to offer. 

Since 2020, the festival has evolved into a hybrid format—featuring a host of virtual and physical events, masterclasses and activities that you can enjoy both locally and from abroad.

Close up shot of Hari Raya light up decorations
STREAT—the Singapore Food Festival’s signature event
Play it cool (August to October)

This time of the year is known for cooler weather with occasional sprinkles, so bring an umbrella when you’re out and about.

On the 9th of August, the Lion City gets into full patriotic gear at the annual National Day Parade, where Singapore celebrates its independence. The proceedings are topped off with spectacular firework displays, which you should be able to catch with the help of our handy guide

This season is also when the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place. Taste delicious mooncakes and light a lantern or two during this traditional Asian holiday, held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Lunar calendar.

In September, support your favourite FORMULA ONE racer at the Grand Prix Season Singapore. This adrenaline-pumping weekend will also see some popular international music acts hitting our shores for the F1® track-side performances.

Racecars turn the first corner at the FORMULA ONE Singapore Grand Prix
Fireworks at Marina Bay, viewed from the Esplanade rooftop
‘Lion City’ of lights (November to December)

‘Illumination’ is the word that best describes the end of the year in Singapore, with festivals like Deepavali and Christmas lighting up the city.

Celebrate Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. There are plenty of bazaars set up in Little India during the festival, where you can savour Indian delicacies, enjoy the themed festive light-up that illuminates district and peruse racks of colourful traditional outfits.

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is a yuletide event for the whole family. Be enthralled by stunning Luminarie light sculptures and enjoy a quintessential Christmas experience at the Christmas market. Orchard Road also dresses up for the occasion—the Christmas on A Great Street celebration features light-ups, festive decorations and bazaars along the shopping belt.

For those looking to celebrate ‘til dawn to usher in the New Year, parties such as the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown abound across the island—  There’s no better place to celebrate new beginnings than in Singapore.

A scene at the central gazebo being lit up with fake snow at Christmas wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
Siloso Beach Party

Visiting Singapore in the near future? Check out our travel requirements guide to have a smooth journey.