Singapore January — Chinatown alleyway hung with red and orange lanterns for the festive season

Singapore · Singapore

January

Northeast Monsoon peaks — heavy rain but Chinese New Year transforms Chinatown into something unmissable.

Strong option

#10 of 12 months

There are better months for Singapore — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

30°C

Low

24°C

Rain

243mm

Sun

5.9hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How January scores in Singapore

Weather
Above average
Value
Above average
Crowds
Above average
Events
Excellent
Atmosphere
Very good

What you gain in January

  • Chinese New Year (late January or February, date changes annually with the lunar calendar) fills Chinatown with lanterns, lion dances, and street markets — the most atmospheric event in the Singapore calendar
  • Rain is heavy but warm and brief; afternoon thunderstorms last 1–2 hours before clearing, rarely disrupting full days
  • Hotel rates are mid-range rather than peak — the CNY period aside, January offers reasonable value for a city that is never cheap

What you sacrifice

  • Northeast Monsoon: 243mm across the month is the second-wettest period of the year — outdoor plans need flexibility
  • Sunshine hours at their annual low (5.9 hours daily) — the famous Singapore skyline is often shrouded in grey
  • Chinese New Year week itself pushes hotel rates and restaurant demand sharply upward; book well ahead if visiting during the festival

How January compares to February (best month)

FactorJanuaryFebruary
Weather
5
7
Value
5
6
Crowds
5
6

January in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Singapore, not across destinations. Methodology →