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Singapore Geography and Climate
Located between Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore has a total area of 710 square kilometers and a coastline of about 200 kilometers. Singapore is composed of 63 islands of various sizes, with the main island of Singapore accounting for more than 90% of the area. This island nation has a gently undulating terrain with hills in the central region, which includes water catchment areas and nature reserves. Singapore’s natural coastline is dotted with mangrove mudflats, especially in the northern and western regions. The highest geographical point in Singapore is Bukit Timah, a hill near the center of Singapore’s main island, with an elevation of 166 meters. Singapore island is about 47 kilometers from east to west and about 28 kilometers from north to south.
Geographically, Singapore has three main regions. The central hilly region is formed by a large amount of granite and includes Bukit Timah, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, and Bukit Mandai — “Bukit” means “hill” in Malay. The western and southwestern parts of the island are composed of sedimentary rock, forming narrow ridges — Mount Faber Ridge and Pasir Panjang Ridge. The eastern part of Singapore is mostly flat and sandy, extending from Katong and Bedok all the way to Changi. This is also a rain shadow region, so it receives less rainfall than the western part. The narrow Singapore River winds through the city, with the Central Business District located near its mouth. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, offering a spectacular skyline of Singapore. This area also features shopping malls like Orchard Road, parks, and charming squares.
Over the years, Singapore’s landscape has changed dramatically due to urbanization. The central hilly region has become shorter, and mangrove swamps have been drained and filled. Through years of land reclamation, the island’s area has expanded to establish industrial zones. The once tropical rainforest now only exists in the three main reservoirs and catchment areas in the central part of the city.
As a low-lying island surrounded by the sea, with most of its land within 15 meters of sea level, Singapore’s climate is deeply influenced by the ocean and its geographical location. Singapore does not face the danger of earthquakes, volcanoes, or typhoons. However, when there is excessive rainfall, certain low-lying areas occasionally experience flash floods.
Singapore Climate and Weather Overview
Due to its location in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s climate is typically characterized by being hot and humid. Situated at one degree north of the equator, Singapore naturally has a tropical/equatorial climate. The island does not have distinct seasons, with the weather being warm and humid throughout the year. Rainfall can be seen almost every day, even during non-monsoon periods. These brief showers usually bring a refreshing feeling, as the rain provides relief from the scorching sun.
Being in the tropics and surrounded by the sea, Singapore’s climate is hot and humid with abundant rainfall, and very small variations in temperature and atmospheric pressure. The average temperature ranges between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius. Singapore enters its peak thunderstorm season in April, with thunderstorms accounting for 40% of the year. The relative humidity is between 70% and 80%. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest, and November is the wettest.
Singapore Monsoon Seasons
Singapore does not have a clear division between a wet and dry season; it rains every month, usually in the afternoon and evening. However, Singapore has two main monsoon seasons: the Northeast Monsoon season (December to March) and the Southwest Monsoon season (June to September).
A fact that might surprise you is that the Northeast Monsoon brings both a wet phase (December and January) and a dry phase (February and March). During the wet phase, there is continuous moderate to heavy rain every afternoon and evening. In the dry phase, the weather is usually cool and pleasant with very little rain.
During the Southwest Monsoon season, showers and thunderstorms are frequent in the morning and early afternoon. However, the thunderstorms usually last for less than 30 minutes. “Sumatra squalls” are very common during this season; these are thunderstorms that form over Sumatra at night, move to the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, and hit Singapore at dawn. The heavy rain generally lasts for 1-2 hours, followed by cloudy weather and light afternoon rain. During this season, Singapore can also experience dry weather. Sometimes, Singapore is shrouded in smoke — this is haze from forest fires in Indonesia, carried to Singapore by southeasterly or southwesterly winds.
During the inter-monsoon periods between the Southwest and Northeast monsoons (April to May, and October to November), there are afternoon and evening showers. May to July are usually hot and dry, while rainfall is more frequent from November to January.
According to climatic records, November has the most rainy days, while February has the fewest. According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore’s average annual rainfall is 2,342.2 mm.
Singapore Temperature
The minimum temperature in Singapore is usually 23-26 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature is 31-34 degrees Celsius. According to climate records since 1929, the lowest temperature ever recorded was 19.4 degrees Celsius on January 31, 1934, and the highest recorded was 36 degrees Celsius on March 26, 1998.
In Singapore, the most bothersome thing is dealing with high humidity. When it doesn’t rain, the humidity drops from over 90% in the morning to around 60% in the afternoon. On rainy days, it is not uncommon for the humidity to reach 100%. According to a report by the National Environment Agency, the average relative humidity in Singapore is 84.2%.
The following shows the temperature and rainfall data for an average year in Singapore.
Dressing Recommendations
Considering Singapore’s climate and weather, it is advisable to wear light cotton clothing. Most residents wear simple and comfortable clothes to adapt to the warm and humid conditions. Since Singapore is a humid and stuffy place, you don’t have to wear a jacket for business events and need not worry about it being impolite. When engaging in outdoor activities, rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats are essential. Most commercial buildings, shopping malls, and even public transport are air-conditioned, so you will hardly feel the heat. Additionally, you will find covered and sheltered walkways and paths all over the island to protect you from rain or extreme heat. Furthermore, showers are usually short-lived, and roads dry up within a few hours; Singapore rarely suffers from poor drainage and flooding. People can always rely on real-time weather updates provided by Singapore’s meteorological service. The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is responsible for assisting you with climate and weather-related matters.
Key Facts for Reference
| Location | Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia |
| Geographic coordinates | 1°21′N, 103°49′E |
| Map references | Southeast Asia |
| Area | 710 sq km |
| Area – comparative | Approximately one-third the size of Shenzhen |
| Land boundaries | 0 km |
| Coastline | 200 km |
| Maritime claims | Territorial sea: 3 nm, exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice |
| Climate | Tropical: hot, humid, rainy |
| Terrain | Lowland, gently undulating central plateau with water catchment area and nature preserve |
| Elevation extremes | Lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m; highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m |
| Natural resources | Fish, deepwater ports |
| Land use | Arable land: 1.64%; permanent crops: 0%; other: 98.36% |
| Irrigated land | NA |
| Natural hazards | None |
| Environment – current issues | Industrial pollution, limited land availability, limited natural fresh water resources, seasonal smoke/haze |
| Geography – note | Focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes |
Frequently Asked Questions
• Does it rain often in Singapore?
Yes, rain gear and raincoats are essential.
• What is the temperature like in Singapore?
The lowest recorded temperature in Singapore’s history is 19.4°C, and the highest is 35.8°C. The temperature varies little throughout the year, becoming slightly cooler in the mornings and evenings when it rains.
• What is the temperature range in Singapore?
Looking at Singapore’s annual average temperature, the average low is 26°C and the average high is 31°C. The annual and daily temperature ranges are very small.
• What is the climate of Singapore?
Tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and high humidity all year round.
• What is the weather like year-round in Singapore?
Singapore can be broadly divided into two seasons: the Northeast Monsoon season (December to early March) and the Southwest Monsoon season (June to September). It generally rains in both. The peak thunderstorm season begins in April.
• Does Singapore have winter?
Singapore does not have distinct four seasons. Additionally, some people might wonder if it ever snows in Singapore. The answer is no, it does not snow in Singapore.
• Is it summer all year round in Singapore?
People assume that tropical means hot summer temperatures, but that’s not entirely true. It gets a bit hot in Singapore during the afternoon, but it can be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, especially when it rains. However, there’s no need to worry, as almost all buildings and modes of transport in Singapore are air-conditioned.
• Which are the hottest months in Singapore?
During the inter-monsoon months, from April to May and October to November, surface winds are weak and the sun is intense, with the island’s maximum temperatures reaching up to 35°C.
• Which is the coldest month in Singapore?
December is the coldest month in Singapore, with minimum temperatures around 23°C to 24°C.
• What kind of clothes are suitable to wear in Singapore?
Comfortable and lightweight clothing. Due to the humid and stuffy climate, it is not considered impolite to not wear a long-sleeved jacket in business settings. For daily wear, light and sweat-absorbent clothing is sufficient.
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