Did you know that Singapore is both a city and a country? This Southeast Asian city state is located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is a tiny country, covering an area of 734.3 square kilometers. Despite its size, the country is packed with numerous interesting attractions. It is also the reason why Singapore is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Tourists flock to Singapore throughout the year, but if you are planning to visit Singapore in August, this is a guide that will give you all the details.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Singapore?
Yes, August is considered a good time to visit Singapore. The country has a warm climate with rain throughout the year. But August is a month when there is more sunshine and less rain. This means it is possible to explore the outdoors more during this time of the month. Apart from this, Singapore has interesting festivals and celebrations in August, making it a great time to visit the place. One of the main things to look forward to here is the shopping festival. This is also the perfect month to relax on the beaches of Singapore’s Sentosa Island. Moreover, as there are no major holidays in this month, the tourist traffic is less. This means hotels and flights are more affordable in August.
Weather in Singapore in August
Singapore is a tropical country that is located close to the equator. Hence, the climate remains stable throughout the year, and the country does not experience extremely cold climate. The average temp in Singapore in August is 27-degree C. Rainfall is also quite common throughout the year. August sees less of rainfall and more of sunshine in Singapore. The climate in Singapore in August is hot and humid. Still, you can expect rainfall, especially during the afternoon. However, the rain does not last for a long time (not more than 20 minutes).
- Temperature: 24-degree C to 31-degree C
- Humidity: 82%
- Chance of Rain: 52%
- Daylight: 9 hours
- Sunrise: Around 7.04 AM
- Sunset: Around 7.13 PM
Things to do in Singapore in August
August is a good time to explore the outdoor attractions in Singapore, as the chances of rainfall are less. Here are the things to do in Singapore in August.
1. Explore the Wildlife Attractions of Singapore
Singapore is one of the most developed cities in the world. Still, the city is not just about its tall buildings and architecture. Singapore has been able to preserve its wildlife with the help of nature and wildlife reserves. These reserves are home to different species of animals, including a few endangered ones. Singapore Zoo is a favorite among tourists and locals and one of the best places to visit in Singapore. It is home to more than 300 wildlife mammals, reptiles, and birds. Then there is River Wonders (River Safari), which is a river-themed zoo and aquarium. There is also the Singapore Night Safari, a zoo for nocturnal animals. Going for the Night Safari is one of the best things to do in Singapore at night.
2. Go on a Singapore Cable Car Ride
The Singapore Cable Car ride is an efficient way of traveling from Singapore mainland to Sentosa Island. It was started in 1974 and is one of the world’s oldest cab car systems. Although you can travel to Sentosa Island by road, the cable car ride remains a popular way of traveling to the island. The main reason is the adventure of traveling in the cable car. During the ride, you will get to enjoy aerial and panoramic views of both Singapore mainland and Sentosa Island. You will get to see Universal Studios, Merlion Statue, Resorts World Sentosa, Palawan Beach, HarbourFront, Mount Faber Park, and more. Some cabins also come with dining facilities if you are looking for a unique place to dine in Singapore. Enjoying a date here is one of the best things to do in Singapore for couples.
3. Take a Singapore Walking Tour
Walking is the best way to explore any city. While walking, you get to know more about the little details that make a city unique. Most of the city tours available in Singapore are guided tours with local guides. There are heritage tours as well as urban tours, and you can choose either of them as per your interest. The heritage tours will take you to all the Singapore famous places like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Gelam. There are also Marina Bay and Singapore city walking tours that will give you a chance to explore the urban landscapes of the city. You can join a group tour or book a private walking tour as well.
4. Enjoy Singapore Street Food
Singapore is home to some amazing fine dining restaurants, many of them owned by celebrity chefs. But there is something amazing about the street food of the city. You will find some of the best food in the hawker streets of the city. Some dishes that you must try in Singapore are Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Fish Head Curry, Wok Fried Noodles, Laksa, Roti Prata, Satay, Wanton Mee, Bak Chor Mee, Bak Kut Teh, Ice Kachang, and more. If you are unsure which street food to visit and the dishes to try, you can go on one of the Singapore food tours available in the city.
5. Indulge in Adventurous Activities
If you are an adventure enthusiast, August is a good time to indulge in some thrilling activities in Singapore. Both indoor and outdoor adventures are available in Singapore. One of the most popular adventure activities to do in Singapore is indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore. Ziplining, bungee jumping, wakeboarding, mangrove kayaking, scuba diving, standup paddleboarding, cable skiing, and wakeboarding are a few adventures available in Singapore. Some other fun things to do in Singapore are shootout at night at the paintball arena, indoor surfing, reverse bungee jumping, forest obstacle, and snorkeling.
Places to Visit in Singapore in August
Sightseeing is a must when you are in Singapore, as the city has many interesting places to see and explore. Here are few of the places you must visit for Singapore sightseeing.
Gardens by the Bay
Spanning an area of 260 acres, Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic nature park right in the center of Singapore city and one of the best Singapore attractions. The garden is home to several interesting sections, but the Supertree Observatory is one of the most important. The Supertree Observatory gives you the chance to see a panoramic view of the entire place and the opportunity to see the giant super trees, which are manmade sustainable vertical gardens. Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skywalk, and Floral Fantasy are some other attractions to check out here.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is an island made purely for the reason for entertainment and is located a little away from mainland Singapore. This island is home to resorts, hotels, beaches, theme parks, water parks, and various other attractions that will keep you engaged and entertained. One of the main Singapore tourist spots on Sentosa Island is Universal Studios. There are three beaches on Sentosa Island, and August is a great time to visit them, as you can enjoy parties and movie nights on the beach during this month. Other popular Sentosa attractions are Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium, DinoVenture, Axe Factor, HydroDash, Fort Siloso, and more.
Kiztopia
While the chances of rain in August are less, it is still possible. In such situations, being cooped up inside, especially if you have kids, is difficult. There are numerous indoor attractions for kids here, but Kiztopia is the most popular. Kiztopia Singapore is an indoor playground that offers endless fun and entertainment and at the same time the chance for kids to imagine, create, innovate, and learn. This playground is meant for kids between the ages of 12 months and 12 years and has 18 play areas. You will find trampolines, obstacle courses, cross bridges, balancing acts, slides, swinging bridges, monkey bars, AR games, and more. There are also puzzles, trains, interactive toys and games here. In short, your kids can spend an entire day here without getting bored.
Merlion Park
If you want to enjoy a relaxing evening without any major activities or sightseeing, head to Merlion Park. This is one of the few places to visit in Singapore for free. Yes, you do not have to pay any entry fee to visit Merlion Park. Moreover, the place is open throughout the day and night. The main highlight of the park is the Merlion Statue, the national symbol of Singapore. The merlion has the head of the lion (representing the name of Singapore) and the body of a fish (representing Singapore’s past as the fishing village). There are two statues of the merlion at this park, one is 28.6-foot in height and the other is 6.6-foot tall. Apart from taking pictures with the Merlion in the background, you get a good view of the ArtScience Museum, Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay Sands here. There are several cafes and eateries around too.
Singapore Flyer
If you are in the mood of seeing Singapore without going sightseeing, a ride of the Singapore Flyer would be the best. Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel, standing at the height of 165 meters. During your ride of the flyer, you will get to see 360-degree views of the entire city, especially Marina Bay area, Singapore River, Merlion Park, and more. If the weather in August Singapore is clear, you can also catch the glimpse of Sentosa Island and parts of the neighboring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, two of the best countries to visit near Singapore.
Events & Festivals in Singapore in August
August is considered the best time to visit Singapore, as it is the month with some interesting festivals and events in the country. Here are some festivals and events you will get to attend if you are in Singapore in August.
Festivals in Singapore in August
If you are in Singapore in August, here are the grand and interesting festivals that you will get to enjoy in the city-state.
Singapore National Day
August is the month when Singapore celebrates its independence from Malaysia. The Singapore National Day falls on August 9 and you will find the entire city celebrating with people wearing red and white clothes, the national flags lining all the buildings, and patriotic songs being played perpetually in the background. You also get to see parades, multicultural performances, and fireworks on this day.
- Date: August 9
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a Chinese festival, celebrated in the honor of the dead. It usually falls on the 7th month of the lunar calendar. The festival usually runs for a month, with 2-3 days being the most important. It is believed that ghosts and evil spirits roam around the earth during this month. To appease the ghosts, people burn incense candles, joss sticks, paper money, effigies of material goods, etc., during this month.
- Date: 7th month of the Lunar calendar (dates change every year)
Events in Singapore in August
August is the month when Singapore hosts some cool and happening events. From music and art to tech and shopping, there is plenty to look forward to this month.
Singapore Night Festival
Singapore Night Festival is like a midsummer celebration where the entire city comes alive. The festival has a different theme every year, although light installations and projection mapping on the city’s heritage buildings are something that you will see every year. Apart from this, you will also get to enjoy live performances, games, shows, shopping, and even food during this festival. If you are looking for things to do in Singapore this weekend in August, you must attend the Singapore Night Festival.
Singapore Garden Festival
Horticulturists and lovers of nature will enjoy being a part of the Singapore Garden Festival. This is a place where all the award-winning floral and garden designers come together to put up floral displays like no other. You will get to admire award-winning gardens, floral windows, and balcony gardens from around the world. Garden workshops are also a part of this event.
Travel Tips to Visit Singapore in August
If you are visiting Singapore in August, here are some of the things to keep in mind:
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat as the rain, although short, can happen anytime during the day.
- Humidity is at the highest in August, and it is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Cotton attire is the best for your outdoor visits in Singapore in August.
- Book your tickets to popular attractions, especially the important festivals happening during August, online to avoid long queues at the venue.
- Research well before booking tours, hotels, and flights. As this is not peak tourist season in Singapore, you are likely to find good deals and discounts in the city.
- Whichever month you visit, a crucial thing to remember is never to litter in Singapore. Littering is an offence in the city and can lead to heavy fines.
- Similarly, chewing gum is banned in Singapore. You cannot carry chewing gum with you anywhere in the country.
Things to Know Before Visiting Singapore in August
What to Wear in Singapore in August?
Cotton and linen clothing are best for visiting Singapore in August. Go for loose, airy clothing that will keep you cool in the humid climate of Singapore during this month. Maxi dresses, skirts, shorts, tanks, tunics, cropped pants, harem pants, etc., are perfect for August. Men can go for shorts and pants along with shirts or t-shirts.
What to pack for Singapore in August?
Along with your regular cotton clothes, pack some evening dresses and semi-formal clothes if you are planning to visit a fine dining restaurant or enjoy the nightlife of Singapore. As most indoor attractions in the city are air-conditioned, you may need a cardigan or jacket to keep yourselves cool if you are spending the day indoors. For footwear, carry sturdy walking shoes, a pair of flipflops, and waterproof boots. Caps, hats, sunglasses, water bottles, essential medicines, etc., are some other things you should have in your luggage.
How to Get Around Singapore in August?
Getting around Singapore in any month of the year is extremely easy and stress-free, thanks to its efficient and robust public transportation system. The MRT or Mass Rapid Transit is the easiest as well as the cheapest way of traveling anywhere in the city. There are also plenty of buses and taxis to travel anywhere you want in Singapore.
Where to Stay in Singapore in August?
You can choose an accommodation in Singapore as per your budget. Moreover, several hotels and resorts offer discounts and deals during this time of the year. So, you can check that before booking your hotel room. Singapore has budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and luxury hotels. Luxury hotels in Singapore are St. Regis Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, The Ritz Carlton, W Singapore, Mandarin Oriental, etc. Some of the mid-range hotels are Studio M Hotel, Days Hotel, Hotel Mi, etc., while the budget hotels are Dream Lodge, The 11Room, New Orchid Hotel, and more.
FAQs About Singapore in August
Q. Is August a good time to explore outdoor attractions in Singapore?
Yes, although it may rain occasionally, it is mostly sunny in August, making it perfect to explore outdoor attractions. It is the best time to spend time on the beaches of Singapore.
Q. Do I need a Singapore visa to visit the country?
You will need to get a Singapore visa if you do not belong to one of the visa-waiver countries. Most countries who require a visa for Singapore can apply for a Singapore evisa.
Q. What are the experiences that I must not miss in Singapore?
Visiting the ethnic pockets of Singapore like Chinatown, Arab Street, and Little India is something you should not miss. Going on a limousine tour in Singapore, swimming in the infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands, visiting the Buddhist and Hindu temples, etc., are some of the experiences you must try.
Q. Do I need to take any precautions during my Singapore holiday in August?
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, Zika virus, etc., are common in Singapore. Hence, using insect repellant spray whenever you are stepping outside would be a good idea.
Q. What are the rules I need to know about visiting Singapore?
- Import and sale of chewing gum is banned. Strict penalties are laid if you are found chewing gum.
- Smoking in public is banned.
- Public display of affection should be limited to holding hands.
- Jaywalking, littering, and vandalism are punished with harsh penalties.
Conclusion
With so much to see and experience, August is a great time to explore Singapore. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to experience Singapore in August today.
