What to know before you go to Singapore in January

Traveloka Team
2 min read

Thinking about Singapore in January? Good move. It’s warm, festive, and a bit quieter than peak season. You’ll dodge the end-of-year crowds and score better deals on flights and hotels. There’s a good chance you’ll get caught in the rain, but in a city this well-connected, that’s never a drama. You’ll still be spoilt for choice with food, culture, and things to do, especially with Chinese New Year just around the corner.

Is January a good time to visit Singapore?

If you’re after fewer crowds, cooler deals, and culture in spades, January’s a top time to visit. It’s part of the wet season, so pack light, breathable clothes and an umbrella. But the rain usually shows up in short bursts, mostly in the afternoon.

There’s plenty happening around town, and if Chinese New Year falls in late Jan, the lead-up is full of colour and energy. Festive lights, market stalls, and street performances kick off early, especially around Chinatown and Marina Bay. Even if you’re not there for the big day, you’ll feel the buzz building.

Is January a cheap or expensive time to visit Singapore?

In general, January is kind to your wallet. Airfares and hotels drop after the December rush, and there’s plenty of room to find a bargain, especially if you book early or fly midweek.

The one exception? Chinese New Year. If it lands in late January, expect prices to spike a little. Locals travel, shops get busy, and hotel rates tend to creep up. But if you avoid that window or plan ahead, you’ll still find decent value. Bonus: the city doesn’t shut down like some places, so everything keeps ticking along.

Weather in Singapore in January

Warm. Humid. Wet. That’s Singapore in January. Temperatures hover between 24°C and 31°C, and humidity stays high, often over 80%. Rain shows up on more than half the days, with around 230 mm of rainfall for the month.

Showers usually roll in during the afternoon, but they don’t last long. Thunderstorms are still possible but less common than in December. Pack light clothes, wear comfy shoes, and carry something waterproof. You’ll still get sunshine between the showers, and when it clears, the city looks extra lush.

Where to go in Singapore in January

National Museum of Singapore: A solid indoor pick when it’s bucketing down, plus great for getting to know the city.

Festivals and events in Singapore in January

New Year’s Day: Fireworks, parties, and countdowns, especially around Marina Bay.
Pongal (mid-Jan): A Tamil harvest festival, best experienced in Little India with colourful displays and live cultural shows.
Thaipusam (late Jan/early Feb): A powerful Hindu procession that runs from Serangoon Road to Tank Road. It’s intense, moving, and something you won’t see anywhere else.
Chinese New Year (late Jan or early Feb): Expect lanterns, lion dances, and island-wide celebrations. Don’t miss the streets lit up in Chinatown.

Best things to do in Singapore in January

Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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