Singapore gets sudden, heavy showers almost all year, and the afternoon heat can be just as tough. The good news: some of the city’s best experiences are indoors. Here are 12 ideas for a rainy or hot day, including one where you make a souvenir that nobody else has.
File: things-to-do-singapore-tumbler-workshop.jpg · Alt text: Tourist painting a stencilled tumbler at a workshop in Singapore
When does it rain in Singapore?
Rain can come any month, but the wettest stretch is usually November to January. Showers are often short and heavy in the afternoon, so plan an indoor activity after lunch and keep mornings for outdoor sights.
12 indoor things to do
- Make your own souvenir at a workshop. Paint a personalised tumbler in 2 hours (more below).
- Gardens by the Bay domes. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are fully indoors.
- National Gallery Singapore. Southeast Asian art in a former City Hall and Supreme Court.
- ArtScience Museum. Immersive digital exhibitions at Marina Bay.
- Peranakan Museum. Colourful history of Singapore’s Peranakan culture.
- S.E.A. Aquarium. Giant ocean tanks on Sentosa.
- Hawker centre lunch. Many are covered, like Maxwell and Lau Pa Sat.
- Jewel Changi Airport. The indoor waterfall is worth a stop before your flight.
- Shopping on Orchard Road. Malls are linked by underground walkways.
- Cooking class. Learn to make chicken rice or laksa.
- Indoor climbing or bowling. Good for groups and families.
- Spa afternoon. A foot reflexology session after a day of walking.
Why a hands-on workshop is the best rainy day plan
Most indoor attractions are things you look at. A workshop is something you do, and you leave with something you made yourself.
At A Painted Sip, you paint your own stainless steel tumbler in an air-conditioned studio, guided by a friendly host. No art skills needed.
File: tourists-singapore-souvenir-tumblers.jpg · Alt text: Two visitors with their finished painted tumblers at A Painted Sip in Jalan Besar
Prefer pouring to painting? The 1.5-hour Signature Marble Dip workshop ($80) has you dip your tumbler into swirling colours, so every one comes out completely unique.
File: marble-dip-tumbler-workshop-singapore.jpg · Alt text: Guest dipping a tumbler into swirling paint at a marble dip workshop in Singapore
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Price | From $75 per person |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Location | 320 Jalan Besar, 3 min walk from Farrer Park MRT |
| Setting | Air-conditioned studio, rain or shine |
| Take home | Your tumbler, the same day |
| Booking | Book online or on Pelago |
Passport perks for tourists
Show your passport at the studio and get:
- A Made by Singapore card for your tumbler
- A blind box stencil with a local design
- Gift packaging, so it travels home safely
File: singapore-themed-painted-bottles.jpg · Alt text: Painted bottles with Singapore icons like Supertree and local food as souvenirs
Rainy day checklist
- Pack a small foldable umbrella.
- Download the weather radar app and check before you head out.
- Use the MRT: most attractions are a short, covered walk from a station.
- Plan indoor activities for the afternoon, when showers are most common.
- Book workshops ahead on weekends and school holidays.
Book your session
See tourist sessions or WhatsApp +65 8832 9035 to book. Travel agents and tour groups are welcome too.