In recent years, the city-state of Singapore has become one of the most visited spots in East Asia, as it’s a multicultural, green, and trendy destination that annually attracts millions of tourists. However, it’s also a city with a very particular type of climate, so whether you’re considering visiting or even moving to the “City in a Garden,” one of the things you should consider is the weather. So, does it snow in Singapore?
It doesn’t snow in Singapore. In fact, recorded temperatures have never dropped below 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius). Singapore has a year-round humid and tropical climate, which means rain and thunderstorms are widespread.
In this article, I’ll discuss some key things about Singapore’s climate and how to best prepare for it. Let’s get started!
Does It Snow in Singapore?
It doesn’t snow in Singapore, as the weather doesn’t reach cold enough temperatures to allow it. Unlike temperate, rainy climates like Germany, snow can’t form in Singapore. However, Singapore does experience rain and thunderstorms often.
This is important to remember when planning a trip to the “Lion City,” as some months experience more rainfall than others. The change is usually not very drastic, but there are other factors you should keep in mind.
What Kind of Weather Does Singapore Experience?
This captivating city is no stranger to tropical weather phenomena. The heat, rain, and humidity combined make thunderstorms extremely common. During months when the monsoon winds shift directions, like April and October, it’s more likely for a thunderstorm to happen.
It’s advised that you stay indoors as much as possible during these storms. Lightning is so common in Singapore that the government implemented a Lightning Alert System.
The possibility of haze is another thing to keep in mind when planning a trip. Haze forms in the city because farmers in neighboring regions practice open burning to clear land for farming. Monsoon winds carry this smoke and other pollutants into the city. This usually happens from May to September, and although it’s not a very dangerous phenomenon, it affects the air quality in the city.
Singapore is also known to experience flash floods. The heavy rainfall combined with rising tides can cause floods, although these are usually brief and nothing to worry about.
Does Singapore Ever Get Cold?
Singapore never gets cold, as it’s located on the Southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, 85 miles (136.79 km) north of the equator. This means Singapore is always hot and humid. However, during some times of the year, Singapore experiences wind gusts combined with heavy rainfall.
Does Singapore Have 4 Seasons?
Singapore does not have 4 seasons. Singapore doesn’t experience distinct seasonal changes like temperate climates are accustomed to. Therefore, seasonal changes aren’t very noticeable. One key thing to know about Singapore’s weather is that monsoons are very common.
A monsoon is a seasonal change in wind direction that affects rainfall. They are very prevalent in Southeast Asia. The temperature in Singapore is about the same all year round, although the year is often split into four “seasons” dictated by the amount of rainfall the city receives.
- The first “season” usually runs from December to early March and is known as the Northeast Monsoon season. During these months, Singapore experiences heavy rain, and afternoon showers are to be expected.
- In the later months, rainfall begins to slow down as the weather becomes a bit drier. The second “season” usually runs from March to May, one of the city-state’s warmest times, although evening thunderstorms are common.
- The third “season” runs from June to September and is known as the Southeast monsoon season. During this time of the year, Singapore experiences thunderstorms and wind gusts, although it is drier than in other months.
- Finally, from October to December, Singapore experiences its rainiest period, with December being the wettest month of the year. This could be considered the “coldest” time of the year in Singapore due to all of the rain.
What’s the Coldest It Gets in Singapore?
The coldest it gets in Singapore is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). The lowest recorded temperature in Singapore’s history was 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19.44 degrees Celsius) back in January 1934.
Despite being a large metropolitan city, Singapore has a year-round tropical climate. The coolest month is January, with an average high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) and an average low of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).
Nevertheless, getting caught in a humid tropical rain is no fun, so it’s crucial to prepare appropriately if you are to visit.
How Can You Prepare for a Visit to Singapore?
Dress Appropriately
Prepare for Singapore’s wet, hot, and humid climate by bringing light, fast-drying clothes. This is key, as the hot and humid weather in the city is bound to make anyone damp and sweaty. A good windbreaker or waterproof jacket is also a must, as these will come in handy when it rains. An umbrella is also a good idea, although you can always get one once you’re there.
Singapore’s climate often takes first-time visitors by surprise. Most of us aren’t used to such humid, hot, and rainy weather, and it’s easy to make the mistake of not preparing properly. You might get more rain if you visit during the drier months, but expect to experience it regardless of the time of year.
However, don’t let these climate descriptions discourage you. Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. It’s a city full of fantastic food, enormous parks, interesting architecture, and tons of cultural intermingling. Therefore, don’t let a bit of rain scare you away from this remarkable place.
Research the Cost of the Trip
It’s also a good idea to research the cost of a trip to Singapore, including airfare costs, when planning your trip. Flights to Singapore from the US can be lengthy, so research the type of plane and airline you plan to travel with.
Although Singapore is more expensive than most prominent tourist destinations in East Asia, it’s possible to make your trip affordable if you plan for it to be so.
Conclusion
It doesn’t snow in Singapore. Singapore is a tropical climate, so the weather is hot and humid, and it often experiences weather such as thunderstorms, hazes, and flash floods.
The coldest weather ever reported in Singapore was 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius), which was back in January 1934. Since then, the weather hasn’t dropped below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
