Singapore Time Zone: The Complete Guide
Your complete guide to time in Asia's premier financial hub
Whether you're coordinating with Singapore's thriving fintech sector, planning a stopover at Changi Airport, or tracking the SGX opening — understanding Singapore's time zone is essential for anyone doing business in Southeast Asia.
Singapore operates on Singapore Standard Time (SGT), which is UTC+8 year-round. Like its neighbor Hong Kong, Singapore does not observe daylight saving time, making time calculations consistent throughout the year.
Interestingly, Singapore's geographic position suggests it should be UTC+7, but the country adopted UTC+8 in 1982 to align with major trading partners Hong Kong and China — a pragmatic business decision typical of the city-state.
⚡ Quick Facts: Singapore Time Zone
Time Zone Details
- • Zone: SGT (UTC+8)
- • Full Name: Singapore Standard Time
- • Daylight Saving: Not observed
- • DST Period: Year-round
Location & Region
- • Coordinates: 1.4°N, 103.8°E
- • Region: Asia
Best Overlap Windows:
Need exact conversions? Try our Time Converter or Meeting Planner
Explore the Complete Guide
Business Hours
Shops, banks, malls, and hawker centers
Best Time to Visit
Weather, festivals, F1, and avoiding crowds
Remote Work Guide
Working with Singapore teams across time zones
24 Hours in Singapore
The city's daily rhythm from kopi to supper
Best Time to Call
Optimal calling times from major cities worldwide
Stock Market Hours
SGX trading times for global investors
Public Holidays
CNY, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and what to expect
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking, WiFi, and cost of living
Time Difference
Singapore time compared to NYC, London, Sydney
Travel Planning
Flight times, Changi tips, and getting around
Understanding Singapore Time
The Asia Financial Hub Advantage
Singapore's UTC+8 time zone places it perfectly for Asian business. Markets in Tokyo (+1 hour), Hong Kong (same), and Sydney (+3 hours) are all within easy reach. European overlap happens in Singapore's afternoon (London morning), making it a natural bridge for global companies.
Singapore Time vs Major Cities
| City | Difference | When it's 12 PM in Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| 🌃 Hong Kong | Same time | 12:00 PM |
| 🍣 Tokyo | +1 hour | 1:00 PM |
| 🦘 Sydney | +2 hours | 2:00 PM |
| 🎡 London | -8 hours | 4:00 AM |
| 🗽 New York | -13 hours | 11:00 PM (prev) |
| 🏙️ Dubai | -4 hours | 8:00 AM |
| 🏙️ Shanghai | Same time | 12:00 PM |
| 🏛️ Mumbai | -2:30 | 9:30 AM |
* Times shown use standard time. During DST transitions, differences may vary by 1 hour. See detailed time differences →
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🚀Launch Meeting PlannerPractical Tips for Dealing with Singapore Time
🏢 For International Business
The 8 AM - 11 AM SGT window catches London's midnight-3 AM (tough) but Dubai's early morning works. US calls typically happen at Singapore's evening (7-10 PM SGT). Many Singapore offices have "overlap hours" for US coordination.
✈️ For Travellers
Changi Airport (regularly voted world's best) operates 24/7. Flying from Europe? Expect 7-8 hours of jet lag. From the US, the 12-16 hour time shift is significant — Singapore's perpetual summer warmth helps you stay awake during adjustment. Check our Jet Lag Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between Singapore and New York right now?
Singapore is 13 hours ahead of New York during Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it's 9:00 AM in New York, it's 10:00 PM the same day in Singapore. During US daylight saving time (EDT), the difference reduces to 12 hours. Singapore does not observe daylight saving time.
Does Singapore use daylight saving time?
No, Singapore does not observe daylight saving time (DST). Singapore remains on Singapore Standard Time (SST/SGT, UTC+8) year-round. This means while Singapore's clocks never change, the time difference with countries that use DST shifts twice annually.
What time does the Singapore Stock Exchange open and close?
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM SGT, Monday through Friday. Pre-market trading runs 8:30-9:00 AM. For New York investors, that's 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM ET (previous evening to early morning). For London, it's 1:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT.
What is the best time to call Singapore from the US?
The best time to call Singapore from the US East Coast is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM ET, which reaches Singapore during their morning business hours (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM SGT the next day). For US West Coast, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM PT works similarly.
How many hours ahead is Singapore from London?
Singapore is 8 hours ahead of London during GMT (winter). When it's 12:00 PM in London, it's 8:00 PM in Singapore. During British Summer Time (BST), the difference reduces to 7 hours. This makes early morning UK calls ideal for Singapore afternoon meetings.
What time zone is Singapore in?
Singapore is in Singapore Standard Time (SGT), which is UTC+8. SGT is the same time as Hong Kong (HKT), Perth (AWST), and much of China/Taiwan. Despite its geographic position near UTC+7, Singapore adopted UTC+8 in 1982 to align with Hong Kong and China for business.
Is Singapore time the same as Hong Kong and China?
Yes, Singapore (SGT), Hong Kong (HKT), and mainland China (CST) all use UTC+8. This makes business coordination across these major Asian financial centers seamless — when it's 9:00 AM in Singapore, it's also 9:00 AM in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
What are typical business hours in Singapore?
Standard Singapore business hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM SGT, Monday through Friday. The financial district often starts earlier (8:00 AM) to overlap with European markets. Malls typically open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Many hawker centers and restaurants stay open late.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This overview is just the start. Explore our detailed guides: