Singapore - the perfect holiday destination for many of us! And December - the most convenient time for many of us to go on a vacation, thanks to the Christmas and New Year holidays. If you are also planning to visit Singapore in December, then read this article to know how the weather usually is like in that month and what you can expect to see or do.
Lying extremely close to the equator in the tropical climatic belt, Singapore has an equatorial climate. So, there is no distinct summer and winter seasons and the maximum temperature mostly remains within 32 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature seldom drops below 23 degrees Celcius during any month. It can be quite humid, however, the island does not experience any dry season, so you can expect it to rain any time of the year.
Weather in Singapore in December
Although Singapore remains hot and humid throughout the year, one of the best times to visit is December, as the weather is comparatively cooler and the air is cleaner with little or no haze. However, the downside is that December is likely to be the wettest month of the year, with 318.6mm of average rainfall. It is the season of the north-east monsoon, so there are chances that it will rain for 18 days in a month. The mean temperature is likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 86.5%.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Singapore in December
Singapore in December witnesses many events and carnivals, the Christmas month as it is! Some of the places which you can visit to take part in the festivities are listed below.
With events like ZoukOut and 'A Universal Christmas' happening in December, Sentosa island is the place to be! FYI, ZoukOut is a beach-dance music festival and one of the most awaited events of the year in Singapore. Held at the Siloso Beach on Sentosa island for two days every December, the event sees world-famous DJs and musicians performing and visitors from all around the world coming to take part in the revelry.
A Universal Christmas, on the other hand, is the Christmas carnival held inside the Universal Studios Singapore on this island itself. Witness the theme park lit up with Christmas lights, enjoy live performances, binge on Christmas treats and let the little ones take part in Santa's workshop or visit Santa's Christmas Tree House. If you are staying till the end of the month, then usher in the new year by countdown at the Siloso Beach Party on New Year's Eve - think of fireworks, foam pool and rocking music churned out by the DJs all night.
The Universal Studios decorated for Christmas Source
Other than all the Christmas-y stuff, thanks to the pleasant Singapore weather in December, you can enjoy rides or swim with dolphins at Adventure Cove Waterpark, learn about marine creatures at the SEA Aquarium, enjoy a ride in the Singapore Cable Car to have stunning views of the islands, take selfies with celebrity wax statues at Madame Tussauds Singapore or learn historical facts at Fort Siloso.
Ever heard of a carnival that spans three months? Well, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival in Singapore lasts more than three months starting in December! Enjoy some cool games and thrilling rides - there are over forty different rides for different ages, take part in art & craft activities or munch on delectable food. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, it remains open for extended hours.
Take part in the countdown to the new year at Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. A fun-filled family event with spectacular laser shows and fireworks, musicals, wishing spheres, pop-up markets and food & beverage stalls to ensure that you have a memorable New Year's Eve.
Fireworks at Marina Bay Sands during the New Year Source
Another not to be missed event, if visiting Singapore in December, is Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay that attracts everyone from six to sixty. Expect to enjoy circus shows, skating under the stars, mouth-watering Christmas food items, artificial snowfall, games, rides, and get ready to be awestruck by the prime attractions - giant luminarie light sculptures and Asia's tallest Christmas tree.
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay Source
Apart from carnivals, there are lots of other fun things to do in December in Singapore. Go for kayaking or a river cruise at the Marina Bay, visit the world-famous Merlion Park, explore the Asian Civilisations Museum or the ArtScience Museum, watch the ongoing shows at Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, or try your luck at the Marina Bay Sands Casino. If the sky isn't cloudy, then you can take a ride at the Singapore Flyer - the highest Ferris wheel on earth!
Orchard Road is the shopping mecca of Singapore - it has numerous luxurious shopping malls like Plaza Singapura, Ngee Ann City, Forum The Shopping Mall, etc., to take care of your shopping needs and many restaurants and hotels where you can binge and stay. Staying at Orchard Road is particularly preferable in December as the place gets wholly transformed with Christmas decorations, some flea markets, stores, and rides pop up, and different kinds of events take place regularly throughout the month. Visit the Endless Wonder Christmas Village inside Ngee Ann City, party at the Christmas countdown party on Christmas Eve, or take a walk down the 'Walk of Wonder.' There's no need to go to a club - the street itself becomes a party hotspot!
Orchard Road decked up during Christmas Photograph by Choo Yut Shing: Source
Apart from these, Singapore in December sees numerous other events too which vary year-wise. Check before making your plans.
4. Outdoor Activities in Singapore
The charming Singapore weather in December makes it the best time to visit the city if your heart is set on the beach and activities like swimming or snorkeling. Cyclones are more common during this time of the year, and it is hardly sunny to enjoy beach weather. However, there are a lot of other outdoor activities that you can opt for. Visit the Singapore Zoo,Botanical Gardens, or Jurong Bird Park. Though on a rainy day, these might seem impractical, you can always find shelter inside these places in case sudden showers come, and you will be visiting these places in the morning while it usually rains in the afternoons or evenings. Furthermore, Singapore, being in a tropical zone, can receive rain at any time of the year, irrespective of the month.
New Year’s Eve does not only get clubs and party pubs riled up, but the whole of Singapore fires up the night before the new year begins. Here are some of the best New Year countdown parties you could be at in Singapore:
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is an all-time favorite spot for a new-year countdown. The banks of Marina Beach light up with celebrations, fireworks, feasts, and joy on every New Year’s Eve. Along with spectacular elements on the beach, such as The Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, Esplanade, The Helix Bridge, and a dozen more, there are an array of restaurants, hotels, malls, and pubs. This extensive list of attractions in one place makes Marina Bay a great place to spend your New Year’s Countdown.
One of the hubs where you can witness explosively beautiful fireworks on New Year’s Eve is the Marina Bay Sands. This iconic triple-skyscraper and luxury hotel on Marina Bay tops most lists when it comes to living life lavishly. Marina Bay Sands Hotel accommodates a life-size rooftop pool that attracts tourists and visitors; however, ensure to be a hotel guest before you enjoy this sky pool!
This theatre by the Bay is a center for all performing arts. Esplanade hosts concerts and other events which bring together some of the most popular and top local and international artists. With performances stretched for hours, the theatre lights don’t go off on New Year’s eve without a blast for a countdown party!
Sentosa is one of the places in Singapore that exciting and happening throughout the year. Located across the Siliso Beach Walk, the Siliso Beach comes all the more to life after dark. The Siloso Beach Party is the perfect ritual on this hip island almost every new year’s eve. Head out to the Siloso Beach Party for a memorable countdown to the new year!
Car-free Countdown - Civic District
A countdown party at a monumental site is something unthinkable. Singapore bends the rules for us! The car-free countdown party at Civic District is yet another celebration that is most awaited for New Year’s Eve in Singapore. The Civil District extends usual working hours for almost all historical attractions within the district on New Year’s Eve, some of which are the National Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Fullerton Hotel. These monuments not only postpone sleep time but also host a variety of engaging and exciting events and activities, such as a 3D show at Fullerton Hotel, gym sessions at the National Gallery, flea markets, stalls, fireworks, and the list is endless!
Carry light summery clothes for the days and slightly warm clothes for the evenings and nights.
Don't forget to pack your party wear for all the Christmas and New Year parties.
It is recommended that you carry umbrellas as it can start to rain any time - raincoats might be uncomfortable due to the humid Singapore weather in December.
Carrying water-resistant footwear would also be a good idea - you would obviously not want to spoil your brand-new shoes in the muck!
General Guidelines:
Although some activities might not be feasible in the rainy December month, there are enough other events to make up for that.
Keep a check on the weather forecast and make plans accordingly - keep indoor areas like museums or malls for rainy days and always have secondary plans in case rain spoils your itinerary.
Do carry enough hard cash. It always comes in handy!
All in all, visit Singapore in December to soak in the Christmas vibe!
