CLIMATE & LOCATION

Sweating It Out In Singapore
Visitors often remember their first experience of Singapore weather as the huge shock they got stepping out of the blissfully air-conditioned Changi Airport into Singapore's stifling and sticky humidity.

Located just a few degrees north of the equator in the midst of Southeast Asia, it is no wonder that Singapore is generally hot and humid all year round with temperatures almost never dropping below 20 ºC (68 ºF), even at night. During the day, the temperature frequently rises to 30 ºC (86 ºF). Humidity is high, mounting over a 75% mark. Despite this, most Singaporeans have adapted well to the inconvenient weather and almost all public areas and modes of public transportation are air-conditioned. Rain is a constant all year round, but November marks the start of heavier rains and lower temperatures than usual. This period of frequent rain is a blessed relief from the hotter, stickier months of the year.

Geography
Consisting of the main island of Singapore and some 63 islets within its territorial waters, the island's reputation is often larger than its size might seem to justify. It's a mostly undulating country with low hills, with its highest point being recorded at Bukit Timah (166 m) in the northwest of the city. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the conservation of Singapore's natural resources. As such, Bukit Timah is also the site to the last of Singapore's primary rainforest. At the moment, more areas are being gazetted as nature preserves; including Chek Jawa which holds some of the last of Singapore's stunning mangrove swamps and accompanying wildlife.

To the center and south of the island lies Singapore's Central Business District. For stunning views of the Singapore cityscape, we recommend the view as you cross the Benjamin Sheares Bridge from East Coast Parkway and the view from the Esplanade at sunset.

Despite only 193 km of coastline, Singapore also happens to be one of the busiest ports in the world with its naturally deep harbor.

Many of the city's attractions are clustered closely together. Orchard Road, the shoppers' haven, is located in the northern part of the city center. Chinatown, Little India, Clark and Boat Quay are all nearby. Sentosa Island, recently developed to be a tourist resort island, is directly to the southwest of the city center and is accessible by bridge, ferry and cable car.

One of the true attractions of Singapore is that it remains a bustling pedestrian city, in both the city centre and in residential areas, almost 24 hours a day.