Overview of Singapore Weather
Singapore is a tropical island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. The country consists of the lozenge-shaped Singapore Island, off the southern coast of Malaysia, and about 60 small islets. The main island is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) across at its widest point. The climate of Singapore is tropical rainforest, with no distinct seasons. Temperature is fairly constant throughout the year, averaging around 27–30 °C (81–86 °F). There is a relative humidity of around 90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon.
Precipitation is usually plentiful, averaging around 2,340 mm (92 in) a year, but it is variable. The wettest months are November to January, while the driest period is usually between June and September. Despite its location in the tropics, Singapore experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, averaging about 190 mm (7.5 in) a month from December to March, and about 160 mm (6.3 in) from June to September.
Thunderstorms are common, particularly in the pre-monsoon months of April and May. On average, there are between two and three thunderstorm days per month. These thunderstorms are sometimes accompanied by gusty winds and heavy rain.
Singapore is located just north of the Equator, so the sun is almost directly overhead all year round. The sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and UV index is high all year round. It is advisable to use sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water when outdoors.
The haze is an annual phenomenon in Singapore caused by the smoke from forest fires in Indonesia. The haze usually occurs between June and September. During this period, the air quality in Singapore deteriorates and can cause respiratory problems.
