SG Cold Tolerance: Bo Jio or Boh Bian?

Eh, you also feel like Singaporeans can tahan cold weather ah? See people wear t-shirt and shorts when it’s 22 degrees outside, then wonder if we got super cold resistance. But is it really like that, or are we just acting kaypoh?

SG Weather: The Current State

  • Singaporeans seem unfazed by mildly cool weather, often seen in light clothing even when temperatures dip slightly.

It’s windy and 22 degrees outside and I see many people still in t shirt and shorts. In cold shopping malls and offices, it’s also quite common to see people in short sleeve.

  • Air conditioning is prevalent in Singapore, potentially acclimatizing residents to lower temperatures indoors. 80% of Singaporean households have aircon.

Of course. That’s the aircon temperature for Singaporean. I think there is a statistics that indicates that 80% of Singaporean households have aircon or something.

  • However, this tolerance may not extend to genuinely cold climates, as Singaporeans often bundle up when visiting countries with true winters.

The Cold Truth: Challenges

  • Singaporeans may overestimate their cold tolerance due to the lack of experience with truly cold weather conditions.

Nope. The moment we go to any real winter country, we bunker down, put on jackets, and hide away from the cold. The cool weather we get in Singapore may be pleasant, but it’s far from actual cold

  • The perception of cold is subjective and influenced by factors like humidity and wind chill, which Singaporeans may not be as accustomed to.

Cold. Got wet cold, dry cold. Got wind chill. So many scenarios. And sinkies are not exposed to these. Just look at thermometer and say cold or not cold is not telling the whole story.

  • There’s a tendency to romanticize cooler weather in Singapore, leading people to avoid wearing warmer clothing to fully experience it.

Tahan the Cold: Solutions

  • Layer clothing to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, especially when moving between air-conditioned environments and the outdoors.

I think for anything above 20 degree we are ok because we are used to air con. I think a lot of people in t shirt and short probably because that’s what we are kind of wearing for our whole life (minus the occasional dress up with jackets, blazer jeans and all).

  • Recognize that “Singapore cold” is different from actual cold and adjust clothing choices accordingly when traveling to colder climates.
  • Consider personal comfort levels and individual sensitivity to cold, rather than blindly following trends or perceived norms. If you feel cold, wear a jacket lah!


Visual metaphor showing the solution

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