01Weather
Singapore weather in May
Afternoons in May average 32.5 °C (90 °F) and nights cool to 26.1 °C (79 °F). The month brings about 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain spread over roughly 12 days. Compared with April it is 0.1 °C warmer; June is 0.8 °C cooler again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical May | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 34 °C / 93 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 31 °C / 88 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 25 °C / 77 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 30.0 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Chance of rain on any given day | 39 % | at least 1 mm |
| Hottest / coldest May day 2016–2025 | 35.0 °C / 23.0 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May | 06:56 | 19:06 | 12.2 h |
| 15 May | 06:55 | 19:06 | 12.2 h |
| 31 May | 06:56 | 19:08 | 12.2 h |
Daylight shrinks by about 0 minutes over the month. Times are local (Asia/Singapore).
03Crowds
How busy Singapore is in May
moderate The main sights are moderate in May. What drives it:
- Vesak Day
- Great Singapore Sale begins late May
04Public holidays
Public holidays in May 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| 17 May 2027 | Hari Raya Haji |
| 20 May 2027 | Vesak Day |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Singapore in May
Every year in May
| Event | When | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vesak Day | full moon in May, temples | religious |
07Packing
What to pack for Singapore in May
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella or hooded rain jacket, rain falls on roughly one day in three
- something for heat: 30 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
May is hot and sticky, with short, sharp storms and Vesak Day, a public holiday at the full moon, bringing lantern processions and free vegetarian meals at the temples. The Great Singapore Sale begins late in the month with discounts along Orchard Road. Humidity is at its most tiring, so plan the museums and malls for the afternoons and the Gardens by the Bay for the evening light show.
Hotel prices rise toward the June school holidays in the last week. The Labour Day holiday on 1 May closes some shops. Afternoon highs stay around 32 °C, with rain on about 12 days. Sentosa and the East Coast Park are busy at weekends with local families. The Changi Jewel waterfall and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck are the standard rainy-afternoon alternatives. June brings the local school holidays and the region's families; see June.
09Compare
Singapore month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30 °C | 25 °C | 11 | – | busy | Mixed |
| February | 31 °C | 25 °C | 6 | – | busy | Good |
| March | 32 °C | 25 °C | 9 | – | moderate | Good |
| April | 32 °C | 26 °C | 12 | – | moderate | Good |
| May | 32 °C | 26 °C | 12 | – | moderate | Good |
| June | 32 °C | 26 °C | 12 | – | busy | Mixed |
| July | 32 °C | 26 °C | 11 | – | busy | Mixed |
| August | 32 °C | 26 °C | 12 | – | busy | Mixed |
| September | 32 °C | 25 °C | 11 | – | very busy | Mixed |
| October | 32 °C | 25 °C | 12 | – | moderate | Good |
| November | 31 °C | 25 °C | 18 | – | moderate | Mixed |
| December | 31 °C | 25 °C | 16 | – | very busy | Off-season |
Not sure about May? See the best time to visit Singapore.
10Elsewhere
May in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok in May | 36 °C | 22 |
| Shanghai in May | 26 °C | 10 |
| Beijing in May | 29 °C | 6 |
| Seoul in May | 24 °C | – |
| Kyoto in May | 25 °C | 8 |
| Tokyo in May | 24 °C | 9 |
11FAQ
Singapore in May: your questions
Is May a good time to visit Singapore?
May is a good month to visit Singapore. Daytime highs average 32 °C (90 °F), rain falls on about 12 days, and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are moderate.
What is the weather like in Singapore in May?
Expect hot days around 32 °C (90 °F) and nights near 26 °C (79 °F). One May in ten brings afternoons above 34 °C, and one in ten stays below 31 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Singapore in May?
May brings about 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain over roughly 12 days, which is showery by Singapore standards. On any given day the chance of at least 1 mm of rain is 39 percent.
What should I wear in Singapore in May?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Singapore crowded in May?
The main sights are moderate in May. Main drivers: Vesak Day; Great Singapore Sale begins late May.
What time does it get dark in Singapore in May?
Around the middle of May the sun sets at about 19:06 and rises at 06:55, giving 12.2 hours of daylight.