Where Singapore sits

Singapore is a small, diamond shaped island in Southeast Asia, just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. To the north, Malaysia is linked by a causeway. To the south, across the Straits of Malacca, lies the Indonesian archipelago.

It is about one hundred and thirty seven kilometres north of the Equator. The main island is about forty two kilometres long and twenty three kilometres wide.

Sixty four islands and growing land

Singapore comprises 64 islands, including the main island, commonly called Singapore Island and officially Pulau Ujong. Ongoing land reclamation has increased land area from about five hundred and eighty one point five square kilometres in the nineteen sixties to about seven hundred and four square kilometres today, with plans that may add close to one hundred square kilometres by twenty thirty.

The largest outlying islands include Pulau Tekong, around eighteen square kilometres and used for military training with future semi residential plans, and Pulau Ubin, around ten square kilometres, which preserves a rural character.

Temperature and humidity

Singapore’s climate is typically tropical and humid. Temperatures rarely fall below twenty degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures commonly reach around twenty six degrees Celsius, with evenings only slightly cooler.

Humidity often reaches about ninety per cent at night and falls to around sixty to seventy per cent during the day, giving an average of roughly eighty to eighty five per cent.

Frequent, brief and intense

Rain is common in the tropics. Showers in Singapore are typically short but intense. During the rainy season from November to January, widespread rain can persist for one to three days at a stretch.

Although rainfall is abundant, fresh water resources on the island are limited. Historically, water was imported from Malaysia, and alternative sources such as desalination and other imports increase costs. The authorities have invested in measures to secure domestic water supply.

North East Monsoon

Northeasterly winds can reach around twenty kilometres per hour. December and January are typically cloudier with frequent afternoon rainfall, and periods of moderate to heavy rain may last one to three days. It is generally drier in February and early March, and it can be windy in January and February with winds sometimes near thirty to forty kilometres per hour.

Pre South West Monsoon

Winds are light and variable. Heavy showers and frequent thunder are common in the afternoon and early evening.

South West Monsoon

Southeasterly and southwesterly winds prevail. Early morning Sumatra line squalls occur from time to time during this period and bring brief, gusty storms.

Pre North East Monsoon

Moderate, variable winds with sea breezes in the afternoon are typical. Thunderstorms and showers often develop in the late afternoon and early evening.