A Guide to Visiting Singapore in May | Attractions, Events, Weather & More

Singapore may be physically small, but it is an economic giant. It is the region's financial hub and frequently competes with Hong Kong for the busiest port and busiest airport in the region.

The city effortlessly blends Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese cultures. It’s no wonder then that Singapore is referred to as a melting pot of cultures with its diverse ethnic tapestry. This diversity manifests itself in its culinary choices and a calendar full of festivals.

Is May a good time to visit Singapore?

You can expect the heat and humidity of April to roll over to May. One significant change would be the haze that comes from the nearby Indonesian island of Sumatra due to the farmers there clearing the land by setting fire to it instead of using excavators to do the job.

Visitors who have respiratory problems should avoid traveling to Singapore in May.

Why You Should Visit

It is a quiet time just before the school holidays.
Sunny weather with a bit of rain. Perfect if you are coming from colder countries.
Plenty of festivals and events to indulge in.

What to Look Out For

Fires from Indonesia cause haze. People with respiratory problems should avoid visiting at this time.
Singapore in May weather starts warming up. The heat of Singapore in May also means fewer crowds. So you can visit the popular attractions with less jostling.

Overview of Weather in Singapore in May

Singapore in May weather can get quite warm and sticky, and also sees some thunderstorms. The temperature varies between a high/low of 31°C / 25°C (88°F / 77° F).

Average Temperature: 27ºC / 81ºF
Low Temperature (Average): 25ºC / 77ºF
High Temperature (Average): 31ºC / 88ºF
Rainfall: 171 mm / 19 days

Best Time to Visit Singapore

More About the Weather in Singapore in May

What is the temperature in May?

Singapore in May weather is carried over from the April weather patterns. The temperatures are similar to April, with an average of 27°C / 81°F. But the humidity levels can be higher.

What is the heat index in May?

In May, the average heat index touches a blistering 42°C (107.6°F).

In May, the average heat index is higher than in the previous months, reaching a blistering 42°C (107.6°F). Be sure to avoid sustained exposure and avoid outdoor activities.

How much rain does Singapore get in May?

Singapore in May usually gets around 170 mm of rain spread over three weeks.

How much daylight does Singapore get in May?

Singapore in May gets an average of 12.5 hours of daylight.

Best Things to do in Singapore in May

1. Gardens By the Bay

Nature Park | Horticulture Destination

Gardens By The Bay should be your first halt when visiting Singapore. Particularly if you have got off from a long flight and are looking to relax on your first day here. Look no further than the wonderful Gardens By The Bay to stretch your feet and enjoy the quiet.

from SGD 20

2. Singapore Flyer

Observation Wheel | Sky Dining

For a birds-eye view of Singapore, look no further than the Singapore Flyer. It is a giant observation deck that rotates at a sedate pace till it reaches its maximum height to give you a fantastic view of Singapore. You can choose to visit either during the day or at night, but the night views are indeed magical and not to be missed.

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3. Marina Bay Sands

City Landmark | Tourist Hotspot

The Marina Bay Sands is home to various iconic attractions such as the Art Science Museum and the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which is a Singapore landmark by itself. It also houses the Merlion, the national emblem of Singapore.

It also has an observation deck offering visitors panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.

from SGD 22

4. Madame Tussauds

Wax Museum | Tourist Attraction

Since most of us don’t get to meet our favorite celebrity, a trip to Madame Tussauds in Singapore is the next best thing. The statues at the museum look so real, your friends won't be able to tell the difference! Take that selfie and make them envious of your good fortune.

from SGD 30

5. Singapore Cruises

Luxury Cruises | Excursions

For those who love the ocean, taking a cruise to nowhere should be on your list. Singapore is the port of call of many a luxury liner. Take a trip on one and enjoy the unbridled luxury of a modern liner and be pampered all through. Cruise liners also visit nearby Malaysia, and it extends your enjoyable experience.

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Singapore in May - National Gallery Singapore

6. National Gallery Singapore

Exhibition | Art & Culture

The National Gallery of Singapore houses the most extensive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art. Visitors can also explore the City Hall and the former Supreme Court, which have been restored into this splendid venue.

from SGD 14

7. Universal Studios

Theme Park | Adventure Rides

Universal Studios in Singapore is lighting a fire of entertainment personified for all adventure seekers. Located in Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios is the first Hollywood-based theme park in Southeast Asia.

The park has seven uniquely designed movie-themed zones. There are over 20 rides that guarantee loads of laughter, thrills, and unforgettable memories.

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8. Jurong Bird Park

Nature Park | Avian Attraction

Visitors to Jurong Bird Park will get to witness up close more than 5000 birds from 400 different species. The park is located in the Western section of the city. Don’t forget to visit the Waterfall Aviary while you are here. It is home to around 600 birds and is one of the largest walk-in aviaries in the world. It gets its name from the 30m high waterfall. There is also a Flamingo Lake nearby with hundreds of these birds strutting around that is a must-see.

from SGD 34

9. River Safari

Nature Park | Wildlife

The River Safari is part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Asia's first river-themed zoo and aquarium. The River Safari has over 6000 animals of over 300 species and is spread across ten different ecosystems. Out of the many species of animals, 40 of them are in the endangered category.

This massive biosphere is also home to Southeast Asia's largest Panda exhibit. The chief attraction here is the pair of Giant Pandas, which are from the global population of around 1600 Pandas.

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10. Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom

Nature Park | Insects

The Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom is located on Sentosa Island and showcases the stunning beauties of different varieties of butterflies and interesting insects. It is perfect for visitors of all ages, particularly if you have young kids.

This park is nestled in the lush environs of Sentosa Island among beautiful flowers and cascading waterfalls. Over 3000 species of insects call the park home. You are likely to come across unicorn beetles, scorpions, and giant carnivorous spiders

Singapore in May - National Orchid Garden

11. National Orchid Garden

Nature Park | Horticulture Destination

The Singapore Botanic Gardens houses the National Orchid Garden and its beautifully landscaped gardens have on display over 1000 species of orchids. The Orchid Garden is divided into zones depending on the colors of the orchids. Spring for flowers with shades of yellow, gold, and creams, summer zones have orchids with shades of red and pink, autumn zona with subtle shades of orange and greens, and finally winter with its myriad hues of whites, blues, and violets.

from SGD 10

Singapore in May - Changi Experience Studio

12. Changi Experience Studio

Exhibition | Interactive Displays

The Changi Experience Studio is located at Level 4 of the Jewel and is an interactive virtual world and a primary attraction at Changi Airport. It is touted as the virtual representation of Changi Airport. It boasts of 10 zones that include interactive games, gallery exhibits, and immersive shows.

from SGD 19

Festivals in Singapore in May

Vesak Day

Date: May

Venue: Throughout Singapore

The significance of Vesak day is an important one for Buddhists in Singapore and the world over. They celebrate the birth, death, and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha as a time of peace, joy, and reflection.

Vesak Day festivities commence at dawn in Singapore as Buddhists congregate at their temples for a ceremony.

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Hari Raya Puasa

Date: May

Venue: Throughout Singapore

The festival of Eid is known in Singapore as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which all Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and any other activities that would nullify the fast. The fasting period lasts from sunrise to sunset.

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Events in Singapore in May

Singapore International Festival of Arts

Date: 20th May to 5th June 2022

Venue: Multiple arts centres throughout Singapore

Inspiration takes center stage at the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA), one of our island’s most iconic celebrations of arts and culture.

Singapore is famous for its vibrant and dynamic culture. It showcases its talents at the annual Singapore International Festival of Arts. The festival is one of Singapore’s most vivid celebrations of its diverse culture and art scene.

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Hacks & Tips to Visit Singapore in May

Temperature and humidity both see an increase in May.
Forest fires from Indonesia affect air quality in Singapore.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is the end of Ramadan, is celebrated in May and is an enjoyable experience.
May is just before the school holidays begin. So a visit may mean fewer crowds and less jostling.
Random thunderstorms are to be expected. So ‌carry your umbrella.