Feeling the Heat: Tips for Settling Down in Singapore’s Tropical Climate

Published - 09 January 2018, Tuesday

So, you’ve just made the big move; whether it’s alone, with a family, for work, or for love, you are a newly minted resident of Singapore! All is going well for you in your new country, you’re getting used to your surroundings and the local people are very welcoming – but you’re still sweating everywhere you go.

Did you move from somewhere with a cold or temperate climate, and are just now tasting life in the tropics for the first time? Then you can expect more of this dilemma and a range of other difficulties for the first few months until your body begins to adapt to local weather conditions. Don’t despair though! Allied Pickfords’ travel experts have a few easy tips for you to help smooth the transition to this more temperamental climate. Read on…

Variations in temperature are felt much more keenly

As a tropical country sitting one degree north of the equator, Singapore tends towards very high average humidity ratings, especially in low-elevation areas away from the sea breeze. When water builds up in the humid air, even a few degrees difference in temperature can feel like a huge swing, as the airborne water cools and heats faster.

Eating and drinking are no laughing matter

The heat and humidity also makes it harder for the body to accomplish simple processes, forcing many expats to change their habits regarding heavy foods and heavy drinking. Unless you want to be staggering around sluggish, dehydrated and smashingly drunk, consider a slow reintroduction of these elements to your Singapore lifestyle until you’ve found your new tolerance.

Even moving around on particularly warm or humid days has been described as almost unbearable by fresh transplants to the country. Pay attention to foreign weather services (which are more reliable) and try not to schedule outings on the worst-offending days.

Beware of fog

Ok, it is unlikely to ever threaten your life, but the steamy, foggy air which rises in certain seasons and areas can be a massive nuisance if not prepared for properly. A primary danger for expats when it comes to fog is the condition of valuable electronics or important documents. Unless these are properly protected by keeping them in range of a dehumidifier, there is a strong chance that the first fog which sweeps through will irrevocably deteriorate their condition. Both the humidifier and the damage are costly considerations, so new residents will have to seriously consider their plan for these items when they move.

Brought To You By Allied Pickfords

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Richard

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Great article and also very true regards keeping hydrated. I tend to drink a lot more water here and also a Doctor told me it takes at least 6 months to really climatise to the humidity.

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