Singapore - Climate

Climate extreme
Singapore basically has the same season all-year round. Short, sharp showers of heavy rain occur about every second day. The minimum temperature is usually around 25 deg C and the maximum temperature around 32 deg C. The temperature rarely differs from these figures by more than two degrees. It may be one degree cooler than the average in December and January. Some months may be slightly wetter than others. If you are coming to Singapore from a colder climate with seasons, you will probably not notice these slight changes in weather throughout the year.

Climate Facts
The average relative humidity is 84% and reaches 100% after heavy rainfall.

Clothing suggestions
Ligth clothing is suggested all year long.
Singapore is just a few degrees north of the Equator, so it has a hot and humid climate with rain all year round. Cloudy weather alternates with bright blue skies. The rainfall is often heavy, accompanied by a thunderstorm but Singapore does not experience typhoons or cyclones. When the rainfall is particularly heavy or prolonged there may be some minor local flooding but this is rare.

Seasonal climate
Singapore is just a few degrees north of the Equator, so it has a hot and humid climate with rain all year round. Cloudy weather alternates with bright blue skies. The rainfall is often heavy, accompanied by a thunderstorm but Singapore does not experience typhoons or cyclones. When the rainfall is particularly heavy or prolonged there may be some minor local flooding but this is rare.

Singapore basically has the same season all-year round. Short, sharp showers of heavy rain occur about every second day. The minimum temperature is usually around 25 deg C and the maximum temperature around 32 deg C. The temperature rarely differs from these figures by more than two degrees. It may be one degree cooler than the average in December and January. Some months may be slightly wetter than others. The average relative humidity is 84% and reaches 100% after heavy rainfall.

Some issues to be aware of in the tropical climate

Heat Exhaustion
Adjusting to the hot climate and the consequent air-conditioning may take weeks or months. Expect to feel more tired than usual. Drink plenty of fluids. Choose early morning or late afternoon for outdoor exercise.

Skin Problems
Heat and humidity encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi. Skin conditions like Athlete’s Foot are more common and cuts, scratches and bites can take longer to heal.
A good antiseptic solution to use on cuts is povidone-iodine (Betadine), available from pharmacies. Keep cuts covered with non-stick, non- allergic dressing pads.

Dengue Fever
Singapore is free of malaria but dengue fever, another mosquito born disease, does occur here. Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes which bite during the daytime. This is a viral disease with flu-like symptoms that include fever, sore throat, aching in the muscles and joints, an orbital headache (one behind the eyes), nausea, vomiting, and rash. The illness may last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2–4 weeks. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a relatively rare complication of dengue fever and is a severe illness that requires hospitalization.

The Ministry of the Environment has a control program for this mosquito but outbreaks of dengue fever still occur and are often traced to construction sites. Don’t leave water to collect in containers like pot plants where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Use mosquito repellant if you are taking part in outdoor activities away from built up areas.

Food
Hot and humid weather causes food to spoil more quickly, particularly seafood, meat (including cooked meat) and dairy products. Eat food that is well-cooked and kept well-refrigerated.  Drink plenty of fluids.

Children
Medicals problems in children that may be more common in the heat are impetigo (school sores) which requires treatment with antibiotics, head lice infestations, and diarrhea which should be treated initially with oral rehydration. Ear infections are common in children who swim in a pool every day. Fungal or bacterial infection of the ear canal may require treatment by ear drops prescribed by a doctor.