The climate of Singapore
Singapore, a Southeast Asian island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is situated at just 137 kilometres north of the Equator. The geographical location makes Singapore's climate typically equatorial, characterized by uniformly high temperatures and nearly constant precipitation throughout the year. The mean annual temperature is approximately 27°C (80.6°F) with very little variation: the lowest temperatures hover around 23°C (73.4°F), and the highest can reach 32°C (89.6°F). As a consequence of this stable climate, Singapore does not have traditional seasons like summer, autumn, winter, and spring. However, the city-state sees two monsoon seasons: the Northeast Monsoon from
December to early
March and the Southwest Monsoon from
June to
September. Rainfall is consistent, with monthly averages ranging from 160mm (6.3") in the driest month (
February) to 260mm (10.24") in the wettest (December), ensuring the year-round lush greenery.
The best time to visit Singapore
Given the consistency of
Singapore's weather, it is genuinely a year-round destination. However, between
February and
April, the weather is arguably the most pleasant. During these months, Singapore is in an inter-monsoon period, resulting in relatively less rain and more moderate temperatures. It is an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. It is also worth noting that Singapore hosts several cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, which can make any visit even more exciting.
The worst time to visit Singapore
The term "worst" is subjective when it comes to visiting
Singapore because the climate remains largely constant. However,
November to
January, the peak of the Northeast Monsoon, typically sees the heaviest rain and high humidity, which can limit outdoor activities. Additionally, the haze from regional agricultural fires can occasionally affect the city-state between
June and
October, impacting air quality and visibility.
Spring weather in Singapore
Though
Singapore does not have a typical spring season, for the sake of comparison, the months corresponding to spring, from
March to
May, are part of the inter-monsoon period. Temperatures during these months remain steady, from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), and rainfall is less frequent than during the monsoon periods. This period marks an increase in sun duration, making it a good time for visitors to explore the city and its numerous attractions.
Summer weather in Singapore
Similarly,
Singapore lacks a distinct summer season, but the
June to
August period aligns with summer in temperate regions. This period coincides with the Southwest Monsoon season, which sees slightly less rainfall than the Northeast Monsoon. Temperatures continue to hover around a high of 31°C (87.8°F) to a low of 24°C (75.2°F), and humidity is still high, typical for a tropical rainforest climate.
Autumn weather in Singapore
In traditional autumn months,
September to
November,
Singapore experiences an inter-monsoon period followed by the commencement of the Northeast Monsoon. Temperatures range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Rainfall begins to increase, particularly in November, which is one of the wetter months of the year. Despite the increased rainfall, the vibrant cultural events and indoor activities make a visit during these months enjoyable.
Winter weather in Singapore
In the
December to
February period,
Singapore is in the throes of the Northeast Monsoon. This is the wettest time of the year, with December seeing the highest rainfall at 260mm (10.24"). Yet, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), offering a tropical "winter" escape for those coming from colder climates. Despite the heavy rain, Singapore's wealth of indoor activities and festive events, such as Chinese New Year, make it a popular destination year-round.
Weather in January
January falls during the Northeast Monsoon season in
Singapore, bringing with it the highest rainfall levels of the year. The city-state experiences an average monthly rainfall of 240mm (9.45"), one of the highest in the year. The rainfall is typically experienced as heavy showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, rather than continuous all-day drizzle. As is characteristic of Singapore's equatorial climate, temperatures remain high even in January.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Singapore marks the transition from the Northeast Monsoon season to the inter-monsoon period. This transition is typically characterized by decreased rainfall and slightly higher temperatures. February is the driest month of the year in Singapore, with an average rainfall of 160mm (6.3").
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Singapore signifies the beginning of the first inter-monsoon period of the year, with the weather patterns transitioning from the Northeast Monsoon season. During this period, afternoon thundershowers become more frequent, and the weather is generally more unsettled.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Singapore represents the height of the first inter-monsoon period. It is typically one of the warmest months of the year, with average daily temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Notably, the record highest temperature in Singapore, 36°C (96.8°F), was registered in April. Despite the heat, frequent afternoon thundershowers continue to punctuate the otherwise high temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Singapore represents the transition from the first inter-monsoon period to the Southwest Monsoon season. The average daily temperatures in May remain constant, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). May shares the title with
April for being the warmest month of the year. As the Southwest Monsoon season sets in, rainfall begins to decrease slightly compared to the previous months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Singapore marks the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon season. Despite the onset of this season, rainfall decreases compared to the inter-monsoon periods, making it one of the drier months of the year. The average rainfall for June is around 170mm (6.69").
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Singapore continues the Southwest Monsoon season. It is one of the drier months of the year, with an average rainfall of 180mm (7.09"), representing a small increase compared to
June. Rain typically falls as brief afternoon thunderstorms that bring relief from the daytime heat. Average daily temperatures in July are consistent with those of previous months, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Singapore persists with the Southwest Monsoon season. This month experiences slightly less rainfall than
July, with an average of 170mm (6.69"). Afternoon thunderstorms are still a common occurrence, providing temporary respite from the heat. Temperature-wise, August maintains the stable trend of the past months, with daily averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Singapore represents the continuation of the Southwest Monsoon season. This month witnesses a slight increase in rainfall compared to
August, with an average of 180mm (7.09"). As with the previous months, rain typically occurs in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Average daily temperatures during September remain steady, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Singapore signifies the transition from the Southwest Monsoon season to the second inter-monsoon period. During this month, rainfall begins to increase significantly, with an average of 200mm (7.87"). The increased rainfall usually manifests as heavy afternoon thundershowers. In terms of temperature, October maintains the consistent pattern of previous months, with daily averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Singapore signals the commencement of the Northeast Monsoon season. This month witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, with an average of 260mm (10.24"). The rain in November is generally more sustained and heavier than in previous months and often lasts throughout the day. Despite the increase in rainfall, average daily temperatures remain steady, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Singapore marks the peak of the Northeast Monsoon season. This month is typically the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 280mm (11.02"). Rainfall during December is often sustained and heavy, often lasting throughout the day and even into the night. Average daily temperatures in December are slightly lower compared to the rest of the year, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in December »