What Time Is It in Singapore? Time Zone, Jet Lag, and Tips for Travelers

When you travel as much as we do, one of the first things you think about before landing in a new country is “What time is it over there?” The truth is that getting the time wrong can mess up everything from airport pickups to catching your first local meal. Singapore is one of the busiest and most well-connected travel hubs in the world, so knowing its time zone is key.

In this brief guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of Singapore’s time, how it compares with other parts of the world, and our personal tips for dealing with jet lag when visiting this incredible city.

What Time Zone Is Singapore In?

Singapore runs on Singapore Standard Time (SGT), which is UTC +8 hours. The best part is that Singapore doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time. This means the clocks don’t move back and forth during the year like they do in many Western countries. For travelers, this consistency makes planning a lot easier.

Current Time in Singapore

The current time in Singapore is always easy to check – just Google “time in Singapore” before your trip.

Time Difference Between Singapore and Major World Cities

One of the first things we recommend that you always check before flying is the time difference. It helps you know when to sleep on the plane, when to call home, and how to plan your first day in the city. To reiterate Singapore is in UTC+8, and here’s how it lines up with some of the world’s busiest travel hubs:

• New York: 12 – 13 hours behind Singapore

• Los Angeles: 15 – 16 hours behind Singapore

• London: 7 – 8 hours behind Singapore

• Paris: 6 – 7 hours behind Singapore

• Berlin: 6 – 7 hours behind Singapore

• Dubai: 4 hours behind Singapore

• Mumbai: 2.5 hours behind Singapore

• Tokyo: 1 hour ahead of Singapore

• Sydney: 2 – 3 hours ahead of Singapore

• Beijing: Same time as Singapore

• Hong Kong: Same time as Singapore

• Seoul: 1 hour ahead of Singapore

• Bangkok: 1 hour behind Singapore

• Jakarta: 1 hour behind Singapore

• Kuala Lumpur: Same time as Singapore

• Cape Town: 6 hours behind Singapore

• São Paulo: 11 hours behind Singapore

• Toronto: 12 – 13 hours behind Singapore

• Chicago: 13 – 14 hours behind Singapore

• San Francisco: 15 – 16 hours behind Singapore

When you look at it this way, you can see why some travelers walk into Singapore fresh-faced while others arrive completely upside down in their sleep cycle. Flying from Tokyo or Kuala Lumpur? You’ll barely feel it. But from New York or LA? Get ready for some serious jet lag.

Jet Lag

If you’re coming from Europe, the Middle East, or especially the United States, chances are you’ll feel the effects of jet lag. Common jet lag symptoms include:

• Tiredness during the day
• Difficulty sleeping at night
• Irritability and mood swings
• Even some digestive issues

The trick is not to panic since almost every traveler goes through this. The goal is to minimize the disruption so you can actually enjoy Singapore from the moment you step out of Changi Airport.

Tips to Beat Jet Lag in Singapore

Here are some simple but powerful things that often work for experienced travelers:

• Adjust your schedule early: A few days before your flight, try going to bed and waking up closer to Singapore’s time. It makes the shock less brutal.
• Stay hydrated: Singapore is hot and humid year-round. If you’re already dehydrated from the flight, the weather will make it worse. Drink water, not just coffee.
• Get sunlight: On your first day, go outside. Singapore has plenty of open spaces like East Coast Park or the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Natural light resets your internal clock.
• Take short naps only: If you’re falling asleep in the middle of the day, set an alarm for 20 to 30 minutes. Long naps will just make adjusting harder.
• Plan light activities for Day 1: Instead of rushing straight to Sentosa or the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, spend your first day at a hawker center or on a relaxing river walk.

Why Knowing the Time is Important for Travelers

Time is more than just numbers on a clock when you’re traveling. In Singapore, it can determine whether you catch the MRT or end up paying for a taxi, whether you get into a rooftop bar at the right hour, or whether you make it to the Gardens by the Bay light show on time.

On top of that, business meetings, flight connections, and even something as simple as calling home depend on understanding the time difference. The last thing you want is to wake your family in the middle of the night just to say you’ve landed safely.

Quick FAQ

Does Singapore observe Daylight Saving Time?

No. Singapore’s time is the same all year round.

Is Singapore ahead of the U.S.?

Yes. Depending on which state you’re in, Singapore is between 12 and 16 hours ahead.

What’s the easiest way to check the current time?

Google “time in Singapore” or use any world clock app. I keep one on my phone for all my favorite cities.