Weather in Palembang

Stay up to date with the latest weather information in Palembang. Here you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts for planning your day.

The climate in Palembang, located in Indonesia, is characterised as equatorial, which means consistently high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Average annual temperatures fluctuate slightly, usually within 27-28°C, with daily highs often reaching 30-32°C, and nightly lows around 23-24°C. This consistency of temperatures creates a feeling of eternal summer.

In Palembang, there are no clearly defined seasons in the usual sense, such as hot summers and cold winters. Instead, periods with varying rainfall intensity can be distinguished. The city receives rain all year round, however, there is some seasonality in the number of rainy days. The highest number of days with precipitation (from 25 to 29 days per month) falls in the period from November to May. From June to September, the number of rainy days decreases slightly, especially in August and September (15-18 days), which can be considered a relatively drier period, although rain is still likely.

Despite small fluctuations in precipitation, the overall weather picture in Palembang is constant heat and high humidity. Even in months with fewer rainy days, the air remains saturated with moisture. Travellers should be prepared for tropical heat and frequent, though not always prolonged, rains at any time of the year.

Analysis of temperature data for Palembang shows that the annual temperature trend demonstrates equatorial stability. Average monthly temperatures here fluctuate in a very narrow range: from 27.0°C (in January and July) to 28.2°C (in October). The hottest month is traditionally October, when the average temperature reaches 28.2°C, and the average maximum rises to 32.1°C. The "coolest" months are considered to be January and July with an average temperature of 27.0°C; meanwhile, July records the lowest average minimum temperature of the year – 23.6°C.

Throughout the year, hot and humid weather prevails in Palembang. The period from May to October can be described as slightly more sweltering, especially regarding September and October, when daily highs often exceed 31°C. For example, in September the average maximum is 31.7°C, and in October – 32.1°C. Even in conventionally "cool" months, such as January or July, daytime temperatures hold steadily around 30°C, and nightly temperatures rarely drop below 23-24°C. Thus, the usual concepts of "winter" or "summer" are absent here; rather, one can speak of periods with slightly differing degrees of heat and humidity.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Palembang are moderate but perceptible. The difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature is usually about 6-8°C. For instance, in October, the warmest month, the daytime temperature can reach 32.1°C, and the nighttime temperature can drop to 24.3°C. In August and September, this difference is also noticeable (up to 7.3-7.9°C). This means that after the daytime heat, evenings and nights bring some relief, although the air temperature still remains high.

In Palembang, located in Indonesia, a wet tropical climate is observed, which causes precipitation mainly in the form of rain throughout the year. Snow is uncharacteristic for this region. Although it rains almost every month, periods with greater and lesser intensity and frequency of precipitation can be distinguished.

The wettest period in Palembang usually lasts from November to May. During these months, precipitation reaches its peak. For example, in February, April, and November, an average of 10 mm of precipitation falls. The number of rainy days is also maximal during this period: thus, in March, April, and December, up to 29 days with precipitation are recorded. This suggests that rains at this time of year occur very frequently, almost daily. Given the total amount of precipitation, they may not always be torrential, but rather frequent, possibly in the form of regular light or moderate rains.

The drier, or less humid, season falls on the months from June to October. The driest month is traditionally considered to be August, when only about 3 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days decreases on average to 16. In July and September, a decrease is also observed in both the total volume of precipitation (about 4 mm in each of these months) and the number of days with rain (18 and 15, respectively). Nevertheless, even in the driest period, the probability of rain remains; it simply becomes a less frequent phenomenon compared to the rest of the year.

When planning a trip to Palembang, it is important to consider its equatorial climate, characterised by high temperatures and humidity all year round. The average air temperature fluctuates around 27-28°C, with maximum values reaching 30-32°C. Therefore, the basis of your wardrobe should be light, loose, and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget sunscreen with a high protection factor, headwear (a hat or cap), and sunglasses, as the sun here is very active even on cloudy days.

Precipitation in Palembang is a frequent occurrence throughout the year. Although the number of rainy days decreases somewhat in the period from July to September (15-18 days per month), in other months, especially from November to May, it rains almost daily (25-29 rainy days). Therefore, a light raincoat or a compact umbrella are absolutely necessary items in your luggage. Comfortable, preferably waterproof or quick-drying shoes are also extremely important, as you will likely have to walk on wet streets.

Given the consistently warm weather, even at night (the minimum temperature rarely drops below 23-24°C), you are unlikely to need warm clothes. However, a thin cardigan or stole may come in handy for air-conditioned rooms. Be sure to take insect repellent with you, especially if you plan evening walks or visits to parks. The principle of layering here implies the ability to quickly throw a raincoat over summer clothing rather than dressing for warmth.