When to Visit Southeast Asia
Climate guide & best times to travel
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Year-Round Essentials
Wetter Period (Nov-Feb)
Drier Period (Jun-Aug)
Inter-Monsoon (Mar-May)
Inter-Monsoon (Sep-Nov)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
You're in the thick of the Northeast Monsoon, which means this is typically one of the wetter months. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and occasional prolonged rainy spells, though the temperature remains consistently warm. The humidity can feel particularly heavy when combined with the rain.
February
The monsoon is starting to ease up, though rainfall is still fairly common. Chinese New Year usually falls in late January or February, bringing colorful festivities and a brief exodus of locals, which can make tourist areas surprisingly quiet mid-month. The weather remains warm and humid throughout.
March
This is an inter-monsoon period with slightly less predictable weather patterns—you might get hot, sunny days followed by sudden thunderstorms. The humidity tends to feel more oppressive as the rain becomes less frequent but the heat builds. It's actually a decent time for exploring if you don't mind the occasional downpour.
April
One of the warmer months with less frequent rainfall than the monsoon period, though afternoon thunderstorms are still common. The heat can feel intense, especially in the early afternoon, but mornings are generally pleasant for outdoor activities. This is shoulder season, so you'll find decent deals.
May
The heat peaks around this time, with temperatures feeling particularly intense combined with the humidity. Rainfall starts to decrease as you move toward the drier months, though you'll still get the occasional heavy afternoon shower. The haze from Indonesian forest fires can sometimes be an issue, though it's unpredictable.
June
This marks the beginning of the relatively drier Southwest Monsoon period. You'll still see rain, but it tends to be less frequent and intense than the winter months. School holidays in Singapore start mid-year, so local attractions can get busier, but international tourist numbers are moderate.
July
Typically the driest month, though "dry" in Singapore still means occasional rain. The Great Singapore Sale runs through this period, attracting shopping enthusiasts. It's peak summer holiday season for many countries, so expect higher tourist numbers and prices, particularly at popular attractions and hotels.
August
Continues the relatively drier pattern with warm, humid conditions. National Day celebrations on August 9th bring fireworks and festivities worth catching if you're around. The weather remains fairly consistent with brief afternoon showers being the main precipitation pattern.
September
Another inter-monsoon month with variable weather—you might experience the Sumatra squalls, which are sudden, intense thunderstorms that typically roll in during the early morning hours. The Formula 1 Grand Prix usually happens in September, which drives up hotel prices significantly if you're not careful with timing.
October
Rainfall starts to increase as you transition toward the wetter monsoon period. The weather can be unpredictable with heavy downpours becoming more frequent. Deepavali (Diwali) celebrations in Little India are worth experiencing, with the streets beautifully lit up for several weeks.
November
The Northeast Monsoon kicks in, bringing increased rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. This is shoulder season for tourism, which means better hotel deals if you don't mind carrying an umbrella. The rain tends to be heavier and more sustained than the brief afternoon showers of drier months.
December
One of the wettest months, with the monsoon in full swing. That said, the holiday season brings festive decorations along Orchard Road and year-end celebrations that give the city a special atmosphere. Tourist numbers pick up significantly from mid-month through New Year's, driving up prices despite the wet weather.