Singapore is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. A tiny city-state, Singapore is a perfect blend of Asian culture and modern living. The city is lined with tall towers, skyscrapers, and constructions representing modern architecture and state-of-the-art technology. Still, Singapore stays close to nature by incorporating numerous green parks and gardens within the city limits. A trip to Singapore promises sightseeing, entertainment, and adventure in equal measure. Most people plan their holiday to Singapore in December, as it is holiday season worldwide. But is December a good time to visit Singapore? Let us find out everything you need to know about visiting Singapore in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Singapore?
December marks the beginning of tourist season in Singapore. As Singapore lies close to the equator, the city is hot and humid throughout the year. But Singapore temperature in December falls by a few degrees, making the weather cooler. Moreover, as tourists flock to the city in this month, the city hosts several festivals and live events throughout December. Then there are also the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, complete with epic parties, carnivals, and fireworks. Apart from all this, Singapore has numerous attractions, both outdoor and indoor, and hence December is the best time to visit Singapore.
Weather in Singapore in December
Singapore has a unique climate in December. It is the wettest month in the year, thanks to the Northeast monsoon winds. The month sees maximum rainfall, with frequent and heavy but short showers, especially in the afternoon and evenings. Due to this, the weather is cooler during this month, especially in the early morning and night. But the presence of northeast monsoon winds also contributes to the humidity. This is the reason you may feel warm during the day in December. While the Singapore weather in December is a mix of rain, humidity, and cool winds, the city comes alive with festivities and events, ensuring there is no dull moment.
- Temperature: Low: 24-degree Celsius, High: 29-degree Celsius
- Humidity: 86.5%
- Chance of Rain (%): 78%
- Daylight (Hrs): 12 hours
- Sunrise: 6:44 AM
- Sunset: 6:51 PM
Things to do in Singapore in December
Explore the Wildlife Attractions
Singapore is not just about swanky buildings. But there is a whole lot of wildlife to view and explore here. When you visit the city-state in December, you must visit all or at least a few of these attractions. One of the most popular is the Singapore Zoo, where you will get to see 300 species of wild animals, including lions. If a unique experience is what you are looking for, Singapore Night Safari is where you should head to, as you get to see and observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat here. Then there is River Wonders, a river-theme wildlife park that has numerous land and aquatic animals, including a giant panda. You must also visit Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve to see a huge variety of bird species.
Enjoy the Nightlife at Clarke Quay
While sightseeing during the day in Singapore can be tiring, you should not hole yourself in your hotel room after sundown. Because the city has an amazing nightlife that should be explored. The best place to explore the nightlife in the city is at Clarke Quay. Located on the banks of the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is home to restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and pubs. You can choose to spend your night in one of the bars or nightclubs or go bar and club hopping to get a glimpse of all the things the place has to offer. Chupitos, Pulse Singapore, Here Kitty Kitty, Phuture, etc., are some of the best nightclubs here, while RedTail Bar by Zouk, 28 HongKong Street, Yin Bar Singapore, and Chapters by Drinks&Co., are the best bars.
Enjoy Lunch on Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel that gives you aerial views of the city, along with the glimpse of the neighboring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia. But if you want to have a unique experience, lunch on the Singapore Flyer is something you must try. Some of the capsules of the observation wheel are transformed into restaurants where you can enjoy a private dining experience. Lasting an hour (two rounds of the observation wheel), the lunch here is a five-course Cantonese-style meal. The lunch begins with a dim sum platter followed by soup, two portions of main courses, and dessert along with tea. You also get to enjoy the beautiful sights of the city, including the gorgeous Marina Bay during your lunch.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Your trip to Singapore cannot be complete unless you go on a shopping spree, and the city has several options where you can indulge in retail therapy. One of the prime locations for shopping in Singapore is Orchard Road. It is a stretch of 2.2 km teeming with large shopping malls, boutiques, and shopping plazas, where you will find everything from designer brands to fast fashion. Then there are the ethnic pockets of Little India, Chinatown, and Haji Lane, where you will find products local to the regions they represent. These are the perfect places to buy trinkets, handicrafts, and souvenirs to take back home. VivoCity, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, and Bugis Street Market are few other places to enjoy retail therapy in Singapore.
Try Adrenaline Pumping Activities at Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett
Adventure enthusiasts should head down to Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett, a center that offers an array of adventurous activities in Singapore. Located on Sentosa Island, right on Siloso Beach, Skypark is best known for bungee jumping. The bungee jumping tower is located 50 meters above the ground. Apart from the high adrenaline, you also get to enjoy the view of the beach and Singapore city while jumping. You can choose from ten different styles of jumping here. Apart from bungee jumping, Skypark Sentosa also offers giant swing where you swing from 40 meters above the ground. If you are not keen on these extreme adventures, you can just walk on the SkyBridge here, which is an amazing experience, thanks to the glass floors that adorn it.
Places to See in Singapore in December
Gardens by the Bay
A futuristic garden, Gardens by the Bay is located right in the center of the city. It is a horticultural attraction that brings nature and modern technology together to create a one-of-a-kind attraction. The garden is home to several amazing attractions, the SuperTree Observatory being the best. The Supertree Grove is home to giant trees which are interconnected to give you a great view of the garden and the surrounding areas. Some other interesting attractions here are Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, Garden Pod, OCBC Skywalk, etc. The garden is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. You can explore the different sections and check out the art sculptures. Gardens by the Bay also hosts several events for the enjoyment of the guests.
National Gallery Singapore
As it can rain anytime in Singapore in December, you need to know about the indoor attractions to explore in the city, and National Gallery Singapore is one of them. This is the largest museum in the city-state and is housed inside the Former City Hall and Supreme Court of Singapore. Apart from the collections of the museum, you will also get to admire the iconic architecture of the building. The National Gallery Singapore is a museum dedicated to art and culture and is home to more than 8000 pieces of art belonging to Singapore and Southeast Asia. Visiting this museum is one of the best ways to know more about the history, culture, and art of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Merlion Park
A must-visit place in Singapore is the Merlion Park, one of the places that holds the emblem of the city-state. The Merlion at Merlion Park is special because it is the tallest in the city. The symbol of Merlion has a body of a fish and a head of a lion. The body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing city, and the lion represents its original name, Singapura, which means lion city in the Sanskrit language. The Merlion statue is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tonnes. The statue sits facing Marina Bay and spouts water from its mouth. Merlion Park is open 24×7 and is a great spot to take a walk and click some pictures. It is also one of the best romantic places in Singapore.
National Library of Singapore
If it is raining outside and you want to spend time with a good book, head to National Library of Singapore. The largest library in the country, the National Library of Singapore is spread around more than 11,000 square meters. Along with the amazing collection of books, this library also has numerous artefacts that will give you information about the history and culture of the city. The library has more than 600,000 items, which include collections from Singapore, Southeast Asia, Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and more. The library also has a separate section for kids that includes children’s books and a whole lot of interactive activities for the little ones.
Sentosa Island
Your trip to Singapore need not be only about sightseeing. To inject some fun into your holiday, a visit to Sentosa Island is a must. Sentosa Island is an island resort, a little away from mainland Singapore, which was developed completely for the purpose of entertainment. Sentosa Island has some of the best entertaining attractions, including Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Skyline Luge Sentosa, etc. Sentosa Island also has three of the best beaches in Singapore, Tanjong Beach, Palawan Beach, and Siloso Beach, where you can relax and enjoy beach sports. While there are several ways of reaching Sentosa Island from the mainland, the cable car ride is surely the best.
Singapore Festivals and Events in December
The December calendar is full of exciting festivals and events that both locals and tourists can enjoy. Here are some of the important festivals and events you can enjoy in the last month of the year in Singapore.
Festivals in Singapore in December
Christmas
December is a good time to visit Singapore, as several Christmas celebrations happen in the city throughout the month. One of the best Christmas celebrations here is Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, where you can enjoy Carnival Games, watch Christmas light and sound show, meet Santa Claus, eat various Christmas treats, and more. On Christmas Eve, you can attend the Orchard Road Street Party, which is lit with Christmas lights and hosts three Christmas villages, where you can enjoy Carnival rides, games, food stalls, and pop-up stores.
When: Throughout December
Location: Different venues in Singapore
Events
ZoukOut
If you want to attend the biggest party in Singapore, you must go for ZoukOut. Zouk is the best nightclub in Asia, and the event ZoukOut brings the club to the outdoors. This massive music and dance festival takes place on Sentosa’s Siloso Beach Resort and includes dancing and music from sunset to sunrise, i.e., close to 12 hours.
When: Dates yet to be announced
Location: Siloso Beach Resort
New Year Celebrations
Many people visit Singapore in December to celebrate the New Year. The city hosts numerous amazing New Year’s Eve celebrations. The countdown at the Marina Bay Singapore is the most popular, as it involves fireworks, lasers, lights, and music show. On the other hand, you can attend New Year parties happening at different hotels and nightclubs in the city. The New Year’s Eve Party at Universal Studios is the best one for families with kids. The Civic District is also a place where you can enjoy parties and fireworks.
When: December 31, 2024
Location: Different venues in Singapore
Singapore Comic Con
Fans of comics and pop culture can rejoice as Singapore is all set to host the Singapore Comic Con in December. During the two-day event, you get to celebrate Asian and Westen pop culture. You get to meet and interact with your favorite cartoon and animated characters and enjoy a whole lot of games, activities, and shows. The event is all about toys, comics, gaming, and cosplay. Of course, food is also an important part of the event. You also get to meet Rurusama, the Singapore Comic Con 2024 Princess.
When: December 7 and 8, 2024
Location: Sand Expo & Convention Centre
Travel Tips to Visit Singapore in December
- As December is peak tourist season in Singapore, it is important to make your bookings early. This includes flight tickets and hotel accommodation as well. Booking early will ensure that you get to visit Singapore in December. Moreover, you may be able to save some money as well.
- Apart from hotels and flight tickets, it is important to do advanced online booking for the attractions you want to see. This will help you to save time and avoid queues.
- If you are planning to visit one of the observation decks in Singapore, make sure to check the weather forecast.
- This will ensure that you are not visiting on a cloudy or rainy day, when the visibility would be zero.
- As it is likely to rain most of the time, carrying an umbrella or a raincoat or both is extremely necessary.
- Don’t let the weather deter your outings. There are plenty to see and do in Singapore during December. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Things to Know Before Visiting Singapore in December
What to Pack for Singapore in December
- When it comes to clothes, it is best to carry lightweight, cotton clothes to be comfortable in the humid environment.
- As it rains often, the weather can be a bit chilly, and a light jacket or sweater would be necessary. You must pack your raincoat and umbrella for your holiday in Singapore in December.
- Although it is going to be cloudy in December, do not forget to pack your sunscreen for your outings.
- You must also carry a reusable water bottle so that you keep yourself hydrated at all times.
- Wet wipes, sanitizers, and tissues are a few other things you will need.
What to Wear in Singapore in December
Choose cotton fabric for your clothes for your trip to Singapore in December. T-shirts, shirts, short-sleeved blouses, loose-fitting pants, sun dresses, and knee-length shorts are all good for your Singapore holiday in December. While raincoats are necessary, go for a lightweight one instead of a thick one, to avoid feeling too hot due to the humid weather. A cardigan or light sweater is also important for the chills during early morning and night. As for footwear, a sturdy pair of walking shoes is a must. Make sure they are waterproof. If you are planning to visit fine dining restaurants or some formal events, you will have to wear a formal attire
Getting Around Singapore in December
Traveling withing Singapore is a breeze, as the public transportation here is efficient. You can commute within the city via taxi and bus. But the easiest and the most economical way of transportation in Singapore is MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). MRT stations are available near almost all the major attractions in the city. This way you can travel by MRT while sightseeing as well. As a visitor in Singapore, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass and can enjoy unlimited rides on buses and MRT for 2-3 days.
Where to Stay in Singapore in December
Where you want to stay in Singapore would entirely depend on your budget and requirements. You have multiple accommodation options to choose from in Singapore. One of the budget-friendly options is capsule hotels, where you get a pod-shaped room for yourself to sleep and store your belongings. Although small, these hotels come with air-conditioning, charging ports, television, communal washrooms, etc. The next cheap option would be hostels, which is most popular with solo travelers and backpackers who do not mind staying in a communal-style dorm room.
For more privacy, you can choose to stay at guesthouses that offer basic amenities and decent living arrangements at a lower price. Another option is fully furnished service apartments for those who are planning to stay in Singapore for a longer duration. For visits with family or your partner, the best option would be to choose a hotel. Singapore has low-budget, mid-budget, and high-budget hotels. But if luxury is what you are looking for, resorts are what you should opt for. Some of the best areas for staying in Singapore are Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, Chinatown, Little India, Geylang, Novena, etc.
What to Eat in Singapore in December
The Singapore cuisine is like a melting pot, as it is influenced by multiple cuisines. You will see Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences in the dishes here. Seafood is one of the main ingredients in most dishes here. Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most popular as well as the staple dish of the locals. Apart from this, there is Chili Crab, Laksa Soup, Murtabak, Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak, Kaya Toast, Roti Prata, and Hokkien Mee. Then there are the local drinks that you must try. Kopi or coffee tops the list followed by sugar cane juice, barley water, Teh Tarik, Bandung, Chendol, etc. You can choose to dine at the fine dining restaurants or at the hawker streets. The street food in Singapore is not just delicious but also cheap and safe.
FAQs Visiting Singapore in December
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Singapore in December.1. Is December a good time to swim in Singapore?
Yes, the highest temperature in Singapore in December is 29-degree C, making swimming a pleasant experience. However, you will have to check the forecast for rain before you make plans for swimming.
2. Is it expensive to visit Singapore in December?
Yes, December is peak tourist season in Singapore, and hence you will find it expensive.
3. Is Singapore a safe city?
Yes, Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate here is zero. You do not have to worry about petty crimes, pickpocketing, mugging, etc.
4. When should I visit Singapore in December?
While the entire month is great, the best time to visit Singapore in December is the last week of the month, starting from Christmas to New Year.
Conclusion
Visiting Singapore in December is a good idea as there are so many things to see and do here during this month. But it can get crowded during this month, especially during the last week. Still, it is the perfect month to experience the best of what the city-state has to offer.
