Is Singapore close to the equator
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Is Singapore close to the equator?

Because visitors might not know how to deal with the heat in Singapore, today’s post will discuss how close Singapore is to the equator.

We hope that this article serves as a guide for your Singapore itinerary and the best days to plan your family and kids’ activities during your stay.

Singapore is just around 89 miles away from the equator

Singapore is just around 89 miles away from the equator

The distance between Singapore and the equator is just 144 kilometres or a mere 89 miles. If you were to drive this distance at 80 mph, it will just take a little over an hour to get from Singapore to the equator!

For some, this distance is one of the best things about living in Singapore. Those who want mostly sunny days and lounging on exotic islands can easily find them here.

But for those who aren’t used to such hot and humid weather, the equatorial proximity could be one of the worst things about living in Singapore

And with the urban heat island making the city hotter, those used to cooler climates might find the temperature unbearable.

It’s a little over one degree north of the equator

It’s a little over one degree north of the equator

Singapore is around one degree north of the equatorial line. This makes it quite close to the equator but not as close as certain places in Indonesia.

This closeness to the equator means there’s a higher exposure to direct sunlight due to the sun shining directly overhead. So yes, this kind of exposure also means you’ll need to slather on the sunscreen before even thinking of stepping outdoors.

This is also why solar panels can work really well for Singaporeans. Harnessing the sun’s rays and converting them into sustainable and renewable energy works when the source is directly overhead and always there.

Singapore isn’t in direct contact with the equator

Singapore isn’t in direct contact with the equator

As previously mentioned, parts of Indonesia stand right on the equatorial line. In particular, a place called Pontianak has built the Equator Monument to mark its zero degrees of latitude.

On the other hand, Singapore doesn’t stand on the equatorial line or is in direct contact with it. However, its proximity to the equator means you can expect plenty of sunny and rainy days.

The latter may be puzzling, but here’s why: warmer equatorial air tends to hold more water and results in more precipitation. That’s why for the monsoon seasons in Singapore, bringing an umbrella is a must if outdoor activities are on your itinerary.

Singapore experiences an equatorial climate

Singapore experiences an equatorial climate

Picture the sun beaming all its concentrated light on equatorial nations. The sunlight is received directly overhead and not in a slanted manner, so the heat is typically spread over a larger area.

Surprisingly, Singapore doesn’t even make it to the top ten list of equatorial countries. But it’s still a nation that probably might not be able to live without the presence of air conditioning because it’s warm and humid practically all year.

But the kind of tropical climate that Singapore has is pretty ideal for pollinator gardens. In particular, climate-resilient plants are known to thrive in garden setups that perform well when left to their own devices.