Climatology of Singapore

Singapore lies just north of the Equator near Latitude 1.5 deg N and Longitude 104 deg E. Due to our geographical location and maritime exposure, our climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall.

Singapore's climate can be divided into two main seasons, the Northeast Monsoon and the Southwest Monsoon season, which are separated by two relatively short inter-monsoon periods.

Seasons:

North-East Monsoon Season - December to early March

Northeast winds prevail, reaching speeds of up to 20 km/h. Cloudy conditions in December and January with frequent afternoon showers. Spells of widespread moderate to heavy rain occur lasting from 1 to 3 days at a stretch. Relatively drier in February till early March. Also generally windy with wind speeds sometimes reaching 30 to 40 km/h in the months of January and February.

Pre South-West Monsoon - late March to May

Light and variable winds with afternoon and early evening showers often with thunder.

South-West Monsoon Season - June to September

Southeast/Southwest Winds. Isolated to scattered late morning and early afternoon showers. Early morning 'Sumatra' line squalls are common. Hazy periods.

Pre North-East Monsoon - October to November

Light and variable winds. Sea breezes in afternoon. Scattered showers with thunder in the late afternoon and early evening.

Temperature:

Diurnal range: Minimum 23 to 26°C and Maximum 31 to 34°C Extremes: Minimum of 19.4°C and Maximum of 36.0°C

Pressure:

Diurnal pressure variation of 4hPa. Maximum pressure usually occurring at 1100 and 2400 Local Time and minimum pressure occurring at 0500 and 1700 Local Time. Extreme pressures recorded are 1018.0hPa and 1002.5hPa.

Relative Humidity:

Diurnal range in the high 90's in the early morning to around 60 % in the mid-afternoon. Mean value is 84%, During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100 %.

Rainfall:

No distinct wet or dry season. Rainfall maximum occur in December and April. The drier months are usually in February and July.