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Singapore Time, Climate & Weather Guide

5 min read|Last Updated: February 17, 2025|

The time in Singapore now is:

Before moving or starting a company in Singapore, understanding the time, climate, and weather are important considerations.

As a country close to the Equator, Singapore has tropical forest climates, thunderstorms, abundant rainfall, and constantly hot and humid conditions. There’s a lot of interesting bits of information about both Singapore’s time zone and its weather which we will share below!

What is Singapore’s Geographical Location & Time Zone?

Time zones are usually determined by their geographical location, but that’s not the case for Singapore. Singapore, according to its location, should be in the UTC+7 time zone, but the Singapore Time is calculated by using the UTC+8 time zone!

Letitia

The new time zone is beneficial for Singapore because:

  • More major business hubs are in the UTC+8 time zone as compared to the UTC+7 time zone, this includes:
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Hong Kong
    • Macau, among others
  • UTC+8 time zone is the world’s most populous with 24% of the world’s population living in this time zone, gaining greater access to the world’s largest market by time zone. This is one of the many reasons why investors are choosing Singapore as their place to set up a company.
Singapore Office Gif

Temperature & Seasons in Singapore

The temperature in Singapore typically ranges from 23 to 33 degrees Celsius, with day temperatures between 31 to 33 degrees and night temperatures between 23 to 25 degrees.

Letitia

Singapore does not have the usual 4 seasons-spring, autumn, summer, or winter, but there are distinctive seasons in Singapore which are:

  1. Dry Season-February to August
    • Less rainfall with occasional thunderstorms
    • Temperature seldom exceeds 31 degrees Celsius
  2. Rainy Season-October to November
    • More rainfall with periodic thunderstorms in the afternoon & early evening
    • Temperature is usually 31 degrees Celsius Marks the start of inter-monsoon periods
  3. Monsoon Seasons-June, September & October to November
    • Dry, hot, and humid weather with rainfall occurring in short durations and thunderstorms and strong winds are expected
    • Inter-monsoon periods are between late March and May and between October and November
  4. Windy Season
    • Eastern and southern parts of Singapore are usually the windiest
    • Winds are usually followed by thunderstorms and rainfall & stronger during monsoon periods and lighter during inter-monsoon periods
    • Wind speed of 10ms is the highest during the northeast monsoon period

While these patterns serve as general indicators of Singapore’s weather, climate change has led to shifts in the timing and intensity of these seasons. As a result, variations in rainfall, temperature, and wind conditions may occur outside of their usual timeframes.

Year-Round Tropical Climate

  • High humidity levels, usually between 70% and 90%, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature
  • Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 24°C

UV Index & Sun Exposure

  • Singapore has an extremely high UV index, often exceeding 10
  • Without protection, sunburn can occur in just 15 minutes
  • Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and use a hat or umbrella for shade

Rain & Thunderstorms Are Frequent

  • Singapore receives 2,300 mm of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest cities in the world
  • Rain can be intense but short-lived, usually lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours
  • Flash floods can happen in low-lying areas, and lightning is common

Air-Conditioning Everywhere

  • Indoor spaces like malls, offices, and public transport are kept at temperatures between 18-22°C
  • Some people experience discomfort due to the sharp temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments

Haze & Air Quality Concerns

  • During the Southwest Monsoon (June-September), Singapore can experience haze from regional forest fires
  • Haze can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation
  • The government issues PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) updates for air quality levels

Best Time to Visit Singapore

  • February to April offers less rain and pleasant temperatures
  • July to September features major festivals and events
  • December to January has the heaviest rainfall, while June to September may see haze conditions

Packing List for Singapore’s Weather

  • Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat
  • Umbrella and raincoat for sudden rain
  • Comfortable walking shoes (streets can be slippery after rain)
  • Portable fan or cooling wipes for hot days
  • N95 mask for haze season

Final Thoughts: Adjusting to Singapore’s Climate

Foreigners moving to or visiting Singapore should expect hot, humid, and rainy conditions year-round. Being prepared with the right clothing, sun protection, and knowledge of monsoon seasons will help make your stay much more comfortable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Always carry an umbrella and sunscreen
  • Expect sudden heavy rain and high humidity
  • Check PSI levels during haze season
  • Indoor places are cold due to air-conditioning

By understanding Singapore’s tropical weather, you can better plan activities, dress appropriately, and stay comfortable throughout your stay.

Letitia

Working & Living in Singapore

Singapore’s weather and time zone make it a very liveable destination. If you’re considering working in Singapore, contact us to know the steps to get your Employment Pass! For those who are interested in moving to Singapore or setting up a new company, let us help with your company incorporation process!

START WORKING AND LIVING IN SINGAPORE TODAY

Come to our office or get in touch virtually for a consultation on your company incorporation with employment pass, and other corporate services.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Singapore?2021-08-21T22:23:19+08:00

The best time to visit Singapore is during the months from December to February. This time around in Singapore is quite festive as the country celebrates Christmas and Chinese New Year. The whole of the city is surrounded by spectacular light-ups and various stalls that sell food, ornaments, pottery, and decorative items. We suggest refraining from coming to Singapore in May and June as the heat and smoke are at their peak during this time. 

Does Singapore have any cold seasons?2021-08-21T22:22:56+08:00

December and January are the coldest months in Singapore, however, Singapore do not have the typical 4 seasons.  

Which parts of Singapore rains the most?2021-08-21T22:22:34+08:00

Northern and western parts of Singapore have the highest rainfalls in the whole nation. 

Is Singapore humid?2021-08-21T22:22:01+08:00

Yes, being very close to the equator, Singapore is humid because it is close to the sea and it rains frequently.

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30 Petain Road Singapore 208099

A company is deemed exempt from audits in Singapore, which means these companies will not need to appoint an auditor to have their accounts audited. However, they need to qualify to be a ‘small’ company based on at least 2 of these 3 criteria:

  1. Revenue not exceeding SGD 10 million for the financial year.
  2. Total assets not exceeding SGD 10 million at the end of the financial year.
  3. Number of employees not exceeding 50.

Despite such small companies are exempt from auditing, they still need to prepare accurate financial statements that comply with the standards in Singapore.

Auditing Practices in Singapore

  1. Enhances Credibility And Trust
    By providing independent assurance of the accuracy and reliability of a company’s financial statements, auditing helps to build credibility and trust with investors, creditors, and other stakeholders. This can lead to increased confidence in the company’s financial position and ultimately support its long-term success.
  2. Improves Financial Management
    Auditing provides valuable insights into a company’s financial health, which can help your managers make better decisions and improve financial management practices. This in turn leads to improved efficiency, better use of resources, and ultimately better financial results.
  3. Ensures Compliance With Regulations
    Auditing helps to ensure that a company complies with regulatory requirements and industry standards. By ensuring compliance with regulations, your company will be able to avoid legal and financial penalties and operate in a responsible and ethical manner.
  4. Helps Detect And Prevent Fraud
    Auditors are trained to identify and investigate fraud and other irregularities, which will definitely help you avoid any fraudulent activities in a company. This is especially important for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting and ensuring that stakeholders have accurate information to make informed decisio

ACRA
ACRA is Singapore’s business regulator. It ensures a trusted business environment by overseeing companies, accountants, and corporate service providers. Its functions include registration, financial reporting, auditing, governance, and disclosure. ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+, simplifies business processes.

IRAS
IRAS is Singapore’s tax authority. It assesses, collects, and refunds taxes. IRAS also educates taxpayers and investigates non-compliance. The MyIRAS portal offers online tax services.

Auditing in Singapore
In essence, ACRA sets the rules, and IRAS enforces them. Both agencies work together to maintain the integrity of financial reporting and ensure that companies are operating within the law. This is essential for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders who rely on accurate financial information.

certified audit partner logo

Paul Hype Page provides you with strategic business expansion and business compliance services for over 2 decades, servicing the best of the South East Asia region. We make your entrepreneurial experience seamless for both locals and foreign expats.

We can issue an IRAS-approved audit report that meets both the Singapore government’s requirements and your company’s needs. The audit function of your company is in good hands with our professional Singapore-certified auditors.

Our audit services in Singapore consist of a vast variety to cater to the specific needs of your organization.

  1. Annual Financial Audit
  2. Special Purpose Audit
  3. Certification for Subsidy Claim
  4. Audit
  5. Fixed Assets Certification
  6. Claim Certification
  7. Shares Certification
  8. Personal Income Certification

Foreigners looking to incorporate a company in Singapore must appoint a nominee director (local director) as required by ACRA regulations. A nominee director acts on behalf of the business owner but does not hold ownership or management control.

For Employment Pass (EP) holders, nominee director services allow for a smooth transition of ownership once the EP is approved. Options include Short-Term Nominee Director (STND) services for 2 or 6 months, ensuring compliance while awaiting EP approval.

If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass also known as an EP. This renewable work visa permits you to live and work in Singapore, whether you’re an employee, business owner, or anything in between.

It’s the most popular choice for foreigners looking to start a business or relocate to Singapore.

First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).

The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.

Singapore Employment Pass (EP) – Eligibility & Benefits

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives relocating to Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for an EP if you:
✔️ Have a job offer in a managerial, executive, or specialized role from a Singapore company
✔️ Earn a minimum fixed salary of S$5,000/month
✔️ Hold a recognized diploma or degree from a reputable university
✔️ Possess specialist skills, professional qualifications, or relevant work experience
✔️ Score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework

Why Apply for an Employment Pass?

✅ Legally live and work in Singapore
✅ Hassle-free travel without requiring an entry visa
✅ Potential pathway to Permanent Residency
✅ Flexibility to start and manage your own business
✅ Benefit from Singapore’s low tax rates

Are you a business owner in Singapore looking to expand your operations and reach new markets? Considering entry into a new market or expanding an existing one overseas? The MRA grant offers the financial boost you need to make it happen.

The purpose of the MRA grant is to support Singapore owned businesses for business development, promotion, and set-up costs when you set up a business in oversea.

At least 30% of the company’s equity must be held directly or indirectly by Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) or citizens, determined by ultimate individual ownership.

The grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs for Local SMEs, with specific caps for different activities and limited to a maximum of S$100,000 per new market and may include:

  • Overseas Market Promotion (capped at S$20,000)
  • Overseas Business Development (capped at S$50,000)
  • Overseas Market Set-up (capped at S$30,000)

Currently, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025, the grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000.

If you are planning to establish a business in Singapore, opening a corporate bank account is a mandatory step upon incorporation. A dedicated corporate account ensures that business transactions remain separate from personal finances, allowing for clearer cash flow management, accurate income tracking, and efficient expense monitoring.

Our focus is to demonstrate your company’s tax substance and assist in selecting a banking solution tailored to your business needs. Most importantly, you do not need to be physically present—we collaborate with our trusted banking partners to enhance your chances of a successful corporate account opening.

If you are a foreigner, you will need a nominee director (local director) to incorporate your company in Singapore.

What is a Nominee Director?

Nominee director is an individual who is appointed to act as a director of the company on behalf of another individual or entity. For all foreigners establishing businesses in Singapore, having a nominee director is essential due to regulations from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

There are 2 types of Nominee Director services in Singapore.

They are:

  • Long term Nominee Director (LTND) : 12 months
  • Short Term Nominee Director (STND) : 2 months and 6 months

If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass.

First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).

What is Singapore Employment Pass?

Singapore Employment Pass, often referred to as the ‘EP,’ a work visa is issued to foreign professionals, managers, executives, and experts relocating to work in Singapore.

The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.

Check Your Company Name through ACRA using our free tool!

The requirements for registering a company in Singapore are simple and straightforward. They are:

At least one local resident director

Both Singapore residents and foreigners can serve as directors of a Singapore company, provided there is at least one director who is a Singapore resident.

At least one shareholder

To register a company in Singapore, you need at least one shareholder who can be a person or another company. You can have up to 50 shareholders, and all of them can be foreigners.

Local company secretary

Every Singapore company must have a company secretary who lives in Singapore and is responsible for ensuring the company meets its regulatory requirements and submits necessary filings.

Minimum of $1 Paid up Capital

You can establish your Singapore company with just $1 in paid up capital and share capital. If needed, you can add more funds later and inform the company registrar.

Registered Address in Singapore

Your company needs a registered address in Singapore where all the official documents will be sent to ; a PO box isn’t acceptable.
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