What is the Best Time for a Family Getaway in Singapore

Although Singapore has long been considered a year-round holiday destination, those travelling to the Lion City with children can’t afford to visit during the wrong period. While there are a great many things to see and experience in this dynamic Asian island nation during most months of the year, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what each season brings in terms of tourist activities. Here are some weather and event-related insights to help families time their getaway.

Spring Time

With the intermittent showers of the winter months dissipating, spring is the perfect period to explore Singapore’s lush gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. Considered the best time to visit the iconic Gardens by the Bay and other botanical parks and wetlands around the country, spring is a time when most of the city is abloom with new buds and the infectious energy of fresh growth. The month of April, however, is renowned for its foggy conditions, although the low temperatures mean families hailing from colder climates can comfortably tour the city’s horticultural highlights. Clarke Quay and Singapore Zoo are other points of interest that truly come alive during the spring season.

Summers in Singapore

As the start of the peak travel season, the summer months see the travelling masses descend on the Lion City in great numbers. While the days are clearer and sunnier, the large crowds and the heat mean families will need to take extra precautions during their daytime outings. Tours of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and theme parks such as Universal Studios and Sentosa Island will require lathering on copious amounts of sunscreen and staying hydrated. As the driest time of the year, it is also a great time to visit Singapore’s water parks. Families based at Novotel Singapore on Kitchener or occupying any family rooms in Singapore can also find refuge from the elements in the air-conditioned confines of Orchard Road’s famous malls and stylish boutiques while enjoying a shopping spree. The summer season is also deemed the best time to head to Chinatown and Little India, cultural capitals in the Lion City that are renowned for their culinary attractions and big bargains.

Autumn Season Highlights

Autumn is a muggy and rainy time of year that families might want to avoid, if only due to the high humidity that’s characteristic of this season. Heavy rains are not unusual, with humidity levels rising throughout the day only to plateau towards the evening. Families who are intending to visit Singapore during this off-peak season will find that the fall season coincides with the city’s Formula One season. In fact, September is when the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix takes place each year. The lack of tourists and large crowds does make September and November an ideal time to visit for families on a budget. The cost of accommodation and tickets to popular attractions hits an all-time low during autumn.

Winter Escapes

The winter months coincide with Singapore’s official monsoon season, which means torrential downpours are part and parcel of holidays during this time of year. It is best to avoid riding the Singapore Flyer or looking out over Marina Bay during the foggy morning hours, as families are likely to have a better experience if they head to these locations after sundown. Singapore’s high humidity winters are also ideal for splashing around on Sentosa Island’s manmade beaches and spending time shopping in the city’s luxury department stores. Those who are visiting the island towards the end of the winter season can also witness the island come alive with Chinese New Year decorations and festivities.

The Optimal Travel Period

The best time for a family holiday in Singapore, according to most travel experts, is between March and August, as this time of year provides temperate conditions with low humidity and fewer rain showers. While it may prove difficult to avoid the heat and sultry conditions of Singapore altogether, families that plan their visit during this period are likely to enjoy a wider variety of activities and outdoor expeditions thanks to the pleasant weather patterns prevalent from March to August.