Facts about the General Weather in Medan

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With its location right next to the equator, Medan and the rest of the North Sumatra region experience an incredibly tropical climate. As such, you will most likely feel hot and humid weather followed by minimal rainfall. In general, the temperature during daytime stays in between 21 to 30 degrees Celsius with an average of 26.2 °C (79 °F). Knowing the weather in Medan is an important task for he conscientious traveler. The first thing to know is that as part of the equatorial Southeast East, Medan has only two seasons, which would be the wet and dry seasons.

The dry season starts from May and often last in September. The warmest maximum high temperature has an average of 90 °F (32 °C) within the months of April to August. The best time to travel is during these months since the wet season could hinder some travel options. Of course, it is safest if you come when the weather is gentle to enjoy different outdoor recreations such as adventure hiking or kayaking.

Rain begins during October and last in March/April. The coolest minimum low temperature has an average of 72 °F (22 °C) within the months of January until March and June to December. The average precipitation is 83.7 in or 2125mm every year, which translates to roughly 7 inches per month. If you plan on travelling to other Sumatra regions after Medan, you have to know the rain in the south starts in November until around February. Hence, travelers should plan when and where to start traveling and pack appropriately, including rain jacket.

The average temperature of Medan all year-round during the day is around 35 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius during night. Storms are also common in the strait between Nias and Sibolga during the months of June and July. As such, it is best not to travel by ferry on these months, as it is dangerous. For surfers, the beaches in North Sumatra receives similar swell like Mentawais and reaches its peak swell season starting from May until September. In spite of Indonesia’s reputation for hollow lefts, right-handers in North Sumatra are quite prevalent.

The weather in Medan is quite affected by the equator line. Due to the geographic location of Sumatra Island, it is divided into two parts that passes exactly on Bonjol town, between Padang City and Tinggi City. The stretch from North to South is around 2000 kilometers cause slight difference on the climate character between north and south of equator. The rainy season for the regions in Northern equator usually begins from May to September while area in Southern equator experience heaviest rainfall from December to February.

With the hot and humid weather in Medan all year-round, light cotton clothing is a standard when getting around Medan. You should also drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Apply high sun protection factor cream to prevent sunburn and insect repellent to ward against mosquitoes, especially when traveling during the rainy season.

In general, the weather in Medan is ideal for spending a vacation. While torrential rains happen during peak rainy season, it is hot and humid all throughout the year so you can rest assured to enjoy your vacation to the fullest if you go during the warmer months.