At a Glance
Compared to this destination's peak season
Singapore in November — Travel Guide
#Weather & Climate
November marks the start of the Northeast Monsoon — rainfall increases sharply, humidity climbs, and the city sees some of the year's wettest weather.
Daytime highs of 29–31°C, nights around 24–26°C, humidity often above 90%, and rainfall around 260mm across 17 wet days — that's almost double September's rainfall. Storms arrive in long afternoon and evening systems that can sit over the city for hours. The trade-off is that November is one of the cheapest months for hotels before December's Christmas/NYE peak, and the city's Christmas Light Up on Orchard Road kicks off in mid-to-late November — the start of Singapore's most magical visual season.
#Getting Around
Changi Airport (SIN) to City Hall on the East-West MRT, S$2.50, 30 minutes.
Grab/taxi to Marina Bay S$25–45.
The MRT and bus network is essential in November's heavy rain — sheltered MRT stations and underground passages connect most CBD destinations.
Single MRT rides S$1–3. Avoid scheduling outdoor activities back-to-back; build flexibility around afternoon storms.
#Top Activities
Solo travellers — Christmas Light Up on Orchard Road is the year's most spectacular street installation — typically launched in mid-to-late November, it lines the entire 2.2 km stretch from Tanglin to Plaza Singapura with themed light displays, illuminated arches, and choreographed projections. Walk it after dark from end to end.
Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) runs through late November and early December — screenings at the Capitol Theatre, Filmgarde, and Oldham Theatre.
Couples — Orchard Road Christmas Light Up at night is one of Singapore's most romantic walks.
Dinner at Burnt Ends, Candlenut, Odette, Les Amis, or Jaan is a guaranteed memorable evening.
Cocktails at Atlas, Manhattan Bar, or 28 HongKong Street.
Families — November's heavy rain shifts family plans indoors.
Universal Studios Singapore is at one of its quieter moments — short queues for the marquee rides.
S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Mint Museum of Toys, and Science Centre Singapore are all good rainy-day options.
The Mandai zoos still operate rain-or-shine.
Snow City in Jurong is great fun for kids who've never seen snow.
Groups — Friday and Saturday nights at Clarke Quay, Holland Village, and Tanjong Pagar continue at full energy.
Hawker dinners at Newton Food Centre (immortalised in Crazy Rich Asians) and Lau Pa Sat (satay street kicks off after 7pm) are always good for a group.
#Food & Dining
Christmas season menus begin appearing in November at hotels and fine-dining restaurants.
Christmas log cakes (bûche de Noël) and gingerbread come into supermarkets and bakeries.
Mandarin Oriental, Raffles, Ritz-Carlton, and Fullerton all start running December Christmas Eve and Christmas Day reservations from November — book three weeks ahead.
Wine pairings for Christmas tasting menus are at their peak.
Year-round Singapore essentials: chicken rice at Tian Tian Maxwell, chilli crab at Jumbo or Long Beach, bak kut teh at Founder, laksa at 328 Katong, and the full hawker rotation.
Tekka Centre in Little India.
#Nightlife
Zouk runs full Friday/Saturday DJ lineups.
CÉ LA VI, LAVO, 1-Altitude, Smoke & Mirrors, and Mr Stork are the rooftop scene — November rains can interrupt outdoor terraces, but most rooftops have sheltered sections.
Atlas, 28 HongKong Street, Native, Manhattan Bar, Jigger & Pony, and Operation Dagger anchor the indoor cocktail scene year-round.
#Shopping
Christmas Light Up on Orchard Road brings the malls into their festive peak.
ION Orchard, Paragon, Ngee Ann City, Mandarin Gallery, and Takashimaya all run elaborate themed window displays and tree installations from mid-November.
Black Friday sales (the global retail event has caught on in Singapore) usually run the last Friday of November — discounts of 20–50% across luxury brands.
Bugis Street Market is cheaper.
Haji Lane indie boutiques.
#Culture & Etiquette
- Christmas in Singapore — non-religious Christmas decoration is universal regardless of religion. The light displays are a civic, not religious, celebration.
- MRT eating ban is enforced (S$500 fine).
- No tipping — service charge is built into bills.
- Modest dress at temples and mosques.
- Umbrella etiquette — fold and shake your umbrella at entrances; most malls and MRT stations have umbrella bags or stands.
#Essential Local Phrases
| Phrase | Local | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Terima kasih / Xie xie | Malay / Mandarin |
| Delicious | Shiok | Singlish |
| It's raining | Hujan | Malay |
| Bill please | Mai dan | Mandarin |
| Spicy | Pedas | Malay |
| Cheers | Yam seng | Cantonese, used at toasts |
#Packing List
- Light cotton / linen
- Sturdy compact umbrella — November is the wettest month
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain shell
- Closed shoes that handle wet pavements
- One smart-casual outfit for rooftop bars or Christmas dinners
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jumper for fierce mall air-conditioning
- Plastic bag for wet umbrella in your bag
#Backup Plans
November's heavy rain is the reason for backup plans — most days you'll spend hours indoors.
Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, ArtScience Museum, ION Orchard, VivoCity, Suntec City, and Jewel Changi are sprawling indoor complexes with cinemas, restaurants, and shopping.
Gardens by the Bay's Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are climate-controlled.
National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum, and Indian Heritage Centre are all excellent.
#Budget & Costs
November is the cheapest month of the year for Singapore hotels — the wet season + the lull before Christmas/NYE = sharp discounts.
Budget: S$55–85/day.
Mid-range: S$110–170/day.
Comfortable: S$220–360/day.
Luxury Marina Bay: S$550–1,100/day with rates climbing in the final week of November as Christmas demand builds.
Hawker meal S$5–10, restaurant meal S$15–30 casual, MRT S$1–3, taxi Changi S$25–45, Universal Studios S$83.
#Safety & Health
November's main risks: lightning (Singapore has more lightning strikes per square kilometre than almost anywhere on earth — take shelter indoors during storms), heatstroke (still hot despite rain), and dengue (use repellent at dusk). Tap water is excellent.
Slippery wet surfaces at MRT stations and shopping malls — most have non-slip mats but be cautious. Healthcare is world-class but expensive — travel insurance recommended.
Emergency: 999 (police), 995 (ambulance/fire).
Drug laws are extreme — trafficking carries the death penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rainy is November in Singapore?
November marks the start of the NE monsoon — average rainfall is 252mm across about 19 wet days, second only to December. The rain falls in heavy afternoon and evening thunderstorms, often with dramatic lightning. Mornings remain mostly clear. Singapore's covered walkway network and MRT make it the world's most rain-friendly tropical city.
When does Christmas Light Up start on Orchard Road?
Singapore's Christmas Light Up on Orchard Road launches in mid-November (typically the third weekend) and runs through early January. ION Orchard, Tangs, Takashimaya, and Paragon dress their facades; the 2.4km Orchard Road stretch becomes one of Asia's most extravagant light displays. Free to walk; most photogenic after dark.
Is the Singapore International Film Festival in November?
Yes — SGIFF is held in late November/early December at Capitol Theatre, Cathay Cineleisure, and the Projector. The opening film is usually a Singapore premiere; premieres of international Asian cinema fill the schedule. Single tickets from S$15, festival passes available. Programme published in early November.
Are hotels cheaper in November?
Mid-November is one of Singapore's best-value windows. School holidays haven't started, NYE crowds are still 6 weeks away, and the rain dissuades casual visitors. Marina Bay luxury hotels often drop to their cheapest rates of the year. The exception is mid-month if Deepavali falls late.