Singapore in December
December is a month of real tradeoffs in Singapore. Peak rain meets peak festivity: Orchard Road's Christmas lights, holiday crowds, and higher rates. Pack for downpours and enjoy the indoors, which Singapore does better than anyone.
Weather
The wettest month, highs near 86F (30C)
Crowds
Prices
What's on in December
Mid November through December
Christmas on Orchard Road. One of Asia's great holiday light displays runs the length of the shopping district, rain or shine.
Things to do in Singapore
- 1
Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove light show runs nightly and is free; the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories are air-conditioned mid-day salvation. official site ↗
- 2
A hawker center crawl. Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road, Tiong Bahru: pick two per day, follow the longest local line, and share tables like everyone else.
- 3
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and the bay loop. The skyline walk around Marina Bay at dusk, capped with the light-and-water show, is the city's signature evening.
- 4
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Consistently ranked among the world's best zoos; the Night Safari is a genuinely different experience worth the second admission. official site ↗
- 5
Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India. Temple-hop the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sultan Mosque, and Sri Veeramakaliamman in one day; each district peaks during its own festival season.
- 6
Sentosa Island. Universal Studios, beaches, and the SkyHelix. Weekday mornings beat weekend crowds; regional school holidays fill it fast. official site ↗
- 7
The Botanic Gardens at dawn. UNESCO-listed, free, and coolest at opening. The National Orchid Garden is the paid, worthwhile centerpiece. official site ↗
- 8
Jewel Changi. The airport's indoor waterfall and forest valley justify arriving hours early for any flight, and locals visit with no flight at all. official site ↗
Beat the crowds
- →Structure every day around the equatorial clock: outdoor sights at morning opening, air-conditioned museums and malls through the afternoon storm window, and the bayfront after dark.
- →Visit Gardens by the Bay's conservatories at opening or after 6pm; midday brings both the tour groups and the heat.
- →Check the F1 race weekend in September before booking; hotel prices citywide can double for those dates.
Know before you go
- !Chinese New Year (late January or February) closes some family-run shops and hawker stalls for one to three days, especially in Chinatown; malls, attractions, and most restaurants carry on.
- !There is no seasonal closure anywhere: every attraction runs 365 days a year, which is exactly the point of Singapore. Public holidays bring crowds, not shutters.
- !The F1 weekend in September closes downtown roads around Marina Bay for the street circuit; getting around the affected zone takes longer for several days.
Singapore in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Singapore?
December is a month of real tradeoffs in Singapore. Peak rain meets peak festivity: Orchard Road's Christmas lights, holiday crowds, and higher rates. Pack for downpours and enjoy the indoors, which Singapore does better than anyone.
What is the weather like in Singapore in December?
The wettest month, highs near 86F (30C).
Is Singapore crowded in December?
Singapore is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Singapore in December?
Christmas on Orchard Road (mid november through december).