Singapore is a small island city-state in Southeast Asia. It is known to be a global hub for finance and boasts of a diverse cultural population. The country basically has something for everybody and is unique in its own way and can be visited all year round! Conditions like being a family-friendly country, relatively economical compared to the EU & USA counterparts, proximity to India and not so extreme climatic conditions are conducive for travellers to plan a trip to Singapore and soak in the diverse experiences it has to offer.
The country lies just 137 kilometres north of the equator and has tropical climatic conditions. There are no defined seasons in Singapore, but broadly speaking there is a season when the monsoons get wetter which starts from November and goes on till January. The Singapore climate being equatorial, the temperature year-round ranges between 25-35 degrees Celsius.
The country lies just 137 kilometres north of the equator and has tropical climatic conditions. There are no defined seasons in Singapore, but broadly speaking there is a season when the monsoons get wetter which starts from November and goes on till January. The Singapore climate being equatorial, the temperature year-round ranges between 25-35 degrees Celsius.
Weather in Singapore in November
The month of November marks just the beginning of the peak season in Singapore. The average temperature ranges around 30 degrees Celcius and the tourists who plan their vacation to Singapore in November need to keep in mind that November is the pre-Northeast monsoon time. There are bound to be showers in the afternoon and evening hours.
November in Singapore will mostly see the weather alternating between high heat and mild showers. So, ensuring that the preparations are done likewise is extremely important.
November in Singapore will mostly see the weather alternating between high heat and mild showers. So, ensuring that the preparations are done likewise is extremely important.
Places to Visit in Singapore in November
Singapore is a favourite when it comes to planning an international trip! According to data, it is the fifth most visited country in the world having attracted almost 19 million international inward bound tourists as of 2018. Given below is a list of places which absolutely need to be featured in your must-visit list:
1. Universal Studios
Universal Studios, located on the Sentosa Islands is a great place to spend a day while travelling to Singapore in November. The place is ideal to spend time with the entire family. It is popular owing to the fact that it is a perfect theme park with a variety of restaurants and cafes, shopping arenas besides the fun-filled and exciting rides and interactive shows.
Timings: Weekdays- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Weekend- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
2. Singapore Zoo
The famous Singapore Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best-managed zoos on the continent housing almost 300 species of animals including the endangered species in its premises. The highlight of this zoo is that it is divided into different zones like Frozen Tundra region, primate kingdom, fragile forests, etc where animals belonging to the individual habitats are housed. Other attractions at the zoo include shows and offerings like orangutan exhibit and safari splash.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM every day
3. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a tourist hotspot often featuring in most of the itineraries of travellers heading to Singapore. Located in the heart of the city, this place will transport you to a different imaginative world altogether. Within the area is a gamut of attractions like the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest etc. Lastly, this place offers some spectacular views of Marina Bay.
Timings: Outdoor Gardens: 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM, Conservatories & OCBC Skyway: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM,
Garden Cruiser: Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
4. Merlion Park
Situated near the Central Business District, the Merlion is a famous landmark (overlooking the Marina Bay), worth visiting in Singapore. The place is open for all 24 hours a day without any entry fees. The best thing one can do here is to take a stroll around the premises, pose for photos in front of the statue and just marvel at the scene around.
Timings: 24 hours
5. Orchard Road
A typical street with continuous hustle and bustle of people, vehicles, and shops make Orchard Road a must-visit attraction if travelling to Singapore in November. There are 22 malls and 4 movie theatres at this place and clearly passes off as a city centre hub for shopping and entertainment activities. The street is dotted with numerous cafes and restaurants you can take a pit stop at to satiate your hunger pangs or just take shelter from the sudden showers.
Owing to the unpredictable weather in Singapore in November, you can always opt for some lesser-known, but equally fun indoor attractions to beat the sudden showers or the scorching heat at these places-
Owing to the unpredictable weather in Singapore in November, you can always opt for some lesser-known, but equally fun indoor attractions to beat the sudden showers or the scorching heat at these places-
6. SEA Aquarium
The South-East Asian (S.E.A) Aquarium is sure to leave you gaping at over 800 + species of aquatic animals, as they are seen in their own natural habitats. Similar to Singapore Zoo, the aquarium too have region-specific zones like the Red Sea, South China Sea, Eastern Africa etc and having unique animals housed in it.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7. Wave House Sentosa
A unique concept wherein people who wish to try surfing without venturing into the seas can do so by getting onto either of the two artificially created (having perfectly safe non-curling continuous waves) rides - Double Flow Rider & Flow Barrel. There will be instructors around and the space is also safe for you to show off some of your newly learnt surfing tricks! Head here if you want to have a relaxed day with good food, chilled drinks and perfect waves.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM every day
8. Singapore Flyer
Experience the feeling of witnessing surreal views of Singapore by taking a ride in the world’s second tallest (165 meters) Ferris wheel. It is Singapore’s answer to The London Eye and offers spectacular views of the city-state. It was originally Asia’s largest giant observation wheel which was eventually thrown open to the public.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Events in Singapore in November
1. Deepavali
The major Indian festival Deepavali is of utmost importance to the Indian community in Singapore. Every Singaporean looks forward to this Hindu holiday which generally falls during the initial week of November. Embraced with lights and garlands, Little India's streets and temples are filled with the happiness and the barefoot Hindu devotees walking across red-hot embers without even flinching at Sri Mariamman Temple. The festival comes with a lot for visitors including the walking tours that point out the best henna artists in the town and witnessing shrines garlanded in the temples. One can even visit the sweetmeat shops to check out the delicious variety. So, this pleasant weather of Singapore in November, celebrate the festival of lights.
2. Singapore Writers Festival
Held every November, this 10-day long literary event which was incepted in 1986, help opening the doors for emerging and new Singaporean and Asian authors to the global writers and vice versa. The Singapore Writers Festival is known in the world to be multilingual as it promotes work by various writers in the four official languages of Singapore - English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay.
3. Singapore International Film Festival
It is the longest-running film festival held annually in Singapore in November since 1987. Tickets to the festival are sought after - screening the films which are still on board for commercial release. Popular amongst film students, the festival provides a stream of knowledge in the areas like camera work, prop making, screenwriting, makeup and visual effects through workshops, seminars and talks. Not only the screening but award ceremonies are also held honouring the celebrated films with awards in several different categories.
Things to Keep in Mind if Travelling to Singapore in November
- Pack light cotton clothes for the daytime because of the humid climate that would persist for the most part of the day
- Do not forget to carry foldable umbrellas and raincoats to protect you from the showers which are prevalent during November in Singapore
- Wear waterproof, yet comfortable footwear as Singapore has a lot of walking to do, and you don’t want your good looking pair of shoes to get soiled and damaged in the rains!
- Preferably, keep your hands free of any bags and luggage. Always carry a backpack along which would store your essentials for the day and keep you stress-free
- Expect showers in November while you travel to Singapore, so it is advised to come prepared to avoid any last-minute hubbub
- Keep your itinerary flexible as your visits will depend on the intensity of showers
- Cluster the places to visit on the basis of their proximity to each other as well as basis if they are predominantly indoors or outdoors
Summing up, Singapore is a great place to visit in November if you are okay to endure the humidity and rains alternating. The places make up for the not so favourable climate, but yes this is probably the best time to grab some great deals with November being the onset of peak tourist influx.