Weather in Medan

Planning a trip to Medan? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts, to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Medan, located in Indonesia, is characterised by a tropical climate. This means it is warm and humid here year-round, with consistently high temperatures. The average annual temperature fluctuates slightly, remaining in a comfortable range of 26°C to 28°C. Minimum night-time temperatures rarely drop below 22-23°C, while daytime highs usually reach 29-31°C.

In Medan, there are no distinct seasons in the traditional sense, such as hot summers and cold winters. Instead, the weather is primarily defined by rainfall. Although it rains practically all year round, a wetter period can be distinguished, usually falling between September and December, peaking in November when rainfall and the number of rainy days are at their maximum. Nevertheless, even in other months, one should be prepared for frequent, albeit potentially short-lived, showers.

Thus, travellers planning a trip to Medan should expect typical tropical weather: heat, high humidity, and frequent precipitation. Light, breathable clothing and an umbrella or raincoat will be your faithful companions at any time of the year.

The temperature regime in Medan is remarkably constant throughout the year, which is characteristic of an equatorial climate. Average monthly temperatures fluctuate within a very narrow range, usually from 26°C to 27.7°C. This means that sharp changes between seasons are not observed here, and travellers can count on consistently warm weather at any time of the year.

The warmest months are typically May (average temperature around 27.7°C, maximum daytime up to 31.4°C) and July, when daytime highs can reach 31.5°C. It gets a little "cooler", if that word is applicable to the tropics, in December and January, when the average temperature holds at 26.0-26.2°C, and night-time lows can drop to 22.8°C. In general, daytime temperatures consistently exceed 29°C, while night-time temperatures rarely drop below 22-23°C. The difference between day and night temperatures averages 6-8 degrees, providing some refreshment after a hot day, but without sharp cooling.

When speaking of "summer" and "winter" temperatures in Medan, it is important to remember the absence of clearly defined seasons. The weather here feels like a very warm, humid summer all year round. Daytime hours are characterised by heat, often exceeding 30°C, and high humidity, which is particularly noticeable due to the large number of rainy days indicated in the summary. Even in the so-called "cool" months, the temperature remains comfortably warm, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without the need for warm clothing. Night-time temperatures also remain high, creating the sensation of a typical tropical night.

In Medan, precipitation is a characteristic feature of the climate throughout the year. The city is distinguished by a very high frequency of rainy days in almost every month. Given Medan's tropical location and consistently high temperatures, snowfall here is impossible; all precipitation comes in the form of rain.

An analysis of the provided data shows that although it rains constantly, periods with slightly higher and lower total rainfall can be identified. The wettest season is traditionally considered to be the autumn and early winter months. The peak occurs in November, when an average of 13 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches a maximum of 30 days. It is followed by December with 12 mm of precipitation and 28 rainy days, and October, where 11 mm and also 28 rainy days are recorded. September, with 10 mm of precipitation and 28 rainy days, also belongs to this wetter period. Such a combination of total rainfall volume and a large number of rainy days indicates that rains in these months are very frequent, but perhaps not always prolonged or intense in volume at one time.

Relatively "dry" months, in terms of total rainfall volume, are July, when the lowest value is recorded – just 5 mm, and February, March, as well as June – with 6 mm each. However, it is important to note that even during these periods, rain remains a frequent occurrence. For example, in July there are 23 rainy days, and in February, the month with the fewest rainy days, there are still 22. In March and June, it rains on average for 25 days.

Thus, Medan is characterised by a high and stable probability of rain on almost any day of the year. Even in months with minimal rainfall, it rains for the greater part of the month. Travellers planning a visit to Medan should be prepared for frequent precipitation, and it is recommended to always have an umbrella or a light raincoat with you, regardless of the travel season.

When planning a trip to Medan, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering its tropical climate. Warm and humid weather prevails here year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 28°C. Therefore, the basis of your luggage should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking that allow air to pass through and dry quickly, as rain in Medan is a very frequent phenomenon. Even in months with the lowest total rainfall, such as July (5 mm), there are more than twenty rainy days. Therefore, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become your indispensable companions on any trip.

Since Medan is located in Indonesia, close to the equator, sun protection is extremely important. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear, such as a hat or cap. Although the temperature is consistently high, and the concept of "seasons" here is quite arbitrary, it is worth noting that from September to December rainfall increases slightly, peaking in November (13 mm and 30 rainy days). During this period, quick-drying clothing will be especially relevant. However, as the data shows, even in "dry" months like February (22 rainy days), the probability of getting caught in the rain is high. Insect repellent may also be useful, especially if you plan evening walks or visits to parks.