Tired of all the rain in Singapore? The city-state has a reputation for frequent, heavy rainfall and year-round thunderstorms rooted in its unique equatorial climate and the powerful influence of monsoon systems. Lately, we’ve been submerged in endless flooding as a result of heavy downpours since the island-nation can get rainfall at any time. Meanwhile, climate change is adding a new layer of unpredictability to Singapore’s wet spells and extreme weather patterns. Despite all of this, Singapore is not one of the Top 10 World’s Wettest Countries – even though it may feel like it. Here’s what we know:
World’s Wettest Countries Data
According to 2020 data by the World Bank, the countries with most rainfall are near the equator and close to large bodies of water, which fuel high evaporation and precipitation rates. In fact, Colombia is the no.1 country that receives the most rainfall annually with a whopping 3,240 millimeters. Meanwhile, Sao Tome & Principe comes in at second place, followed by Papua New Guinea at third, and the Solomon Islands and Panama completing the top 5.
Here are the top 10 rainiest countries worldwide:
- Colombia (3,240mm)
- Sao Tome & Principe (3,200)
- Papua New Guinea (3,142)
- Solomon Islands (3,028)
- Panama (2,928)
- Costa Rica (2,926)
- Samoa (2,880)
- Malaysia (2,875)
- Brunei (2,722)
- Indonesia (2,702)
Although Singapore is notably wet, it does not crack the global top 10, instead it places around 14th in the world. According to research, Singapore experiences around 2,497 millimeters of rain annually. Interestingly, our neighbour Malaysia made the top 10 and is known as the eight wettest country in the world.
Nevertheless, Singapore’s persistent rainfall shapes everything from urban planning to daily life, making umbrellas and flood alerts as much a part of the cityscape as anything else.
On the other hand, the driest countries globally are Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE – if you’re looking for a guaranteed sunny holiday abroad.
SEE MORE: The Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In Singapore