Living in Singapore · Weather & home · 6 min
Tropical climate in Singapore: humidity, aircon and mosquitoes
Relative humidity in Singapore sits around 80% year-round. How to prevent mould, look after the aircon and keep mosquitoes away.
Updated Sep 24, 2026
Climatologically, relative humidity in Singapore sits around 80% year-round, with no real dry season. Clothes, shoes, walls, mattresses and electronics suffer without airflow, and aircon servicing, cleaning and mosquito checks become part of the routine of keeping a home here.
The basics against humidity
Habits that prevent mould
- Never put away damp clothes or shoes: dry them fully before they go in the closet.
- Let towels and mats dry before storing them.
- Keep furniture a few centimetres off the walls so air can circulate and moisture does not build up behind it.
- If small surface mould appears, clean and dry the area with proper protection (gloves, good ventilation).
- If it comes back, covers a large area, or there is a leak, tell the landlord or management instead of just painting over it.
Aircon: who pays for what
Before booking a technician, check your lease. What is usual in Singapore (depending on what your agreement says and the CEA's renting guidance) is that routine aircon servicing, with receipts, is the tenant's responsibility, while major repairs fall on the landlord, under the "wear and tear" clause.
If a unit leaks or stops cooling
Switch it off right away if water could reach electrical outlets. Take photos and video of the problem, and get the quote in writing before approving chemical cleaning or part replacement.
For cleaning, plumbing or general handyman work, private platforms like Helpling or Sendhelper are a common option if your management does not have a recommended vendor. They are not public services. Send photos and the unit's model ahead of time, and confirm whether the quoted price includes GST and transport before booking.
The Aedes mosquito and dengue
The Aedes mosquito, which carries dengue, breeds in tiny amounts of stagnant water. It does not need a large puddle. Check weekly for water in plant saucers, vases, gutters, aircon trays and the balcony after it rains.
Basic prevention
- Use repellent according to the product label, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Install the myENV app to see active dengue clusters near you, along with weather and air quality.
- Empty any container that collects water after rain, even a small one.
Take the next step
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