Medan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Medan

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

230 mm (9.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December marks the end of wet season with shorter, predictable afternoon storms (typically 2-3 hours between 2-5pm) making morning and evening activities perfectly pleasant at 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Tourist crowds are minimal as most international visitors avoid December due to rain concerns, meaning significantly lower accommodation rates (30-40% less than July-August) and no queues at Maimun Palace or Great Mosque
Durian season reaches its peak in December - locals consider this the absolute best time for the king of fruits, with weekend durian markets in Pajak USU offering varieties unavailable other months
December is wedding season for Batak and Malay communities, offering authentic cultural experiences as ceremonies happen in villages around Lake Toba with traditional music and elaborate feasts

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur on 60-70% of days, typically lasting 2-3 hours with heavy downpours that can flood streets temporarily and make outdoor activities impossible during 2-5pm window
High humidity levels (70-85%) combined with temperatures around 30°C (87°F) create exhausting conditions for walking tours, especially between 11am-4pm when heat index reaches 38°C (100°F)
December coincides with Ramadan preparation period, meaning some local restaurants have reduced hours or temporary closures, and cultural sites may have modified schedules

Best Activities in December

Lake Toba Highland Tours

December's cooler highland temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) make Lake Toba infinitely more comfortable than lowland Medan. Morning fog creates dramatic photography conditions, and traditional Batak villages host wedding celebrations throughout the month. The 176 km (109 mile) journey takes you from humid lowlands to refreshing mountain air.

Booking Tip: Book highland accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead as December weddings fill guesthouses. Tours typically cost 450,000-650,000 IDR for 2-day packages. Look for operators offering early morning departures (6-7am) to maximize cool weather time. See current Lake Toba tour options in the booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

December's unpredictable afternoon storms make covered attractions essential. The Museum of North Sumatra and traditional weaving workshops in Jalan Brigjen Katamso offer air-conditioned respite during 2-5pm storm windows. December also features special Batak cultural performances as communities prepare for holiday celebrations.

Booking Tip: Cultural center visits cost 25,000-50,000 IDR entry. Book morning slots (9-11am) when temperatures are most comfortable at 26°C (79°F). Traditional craft workshops require advance booking and typically cost 150,000-250,000 IDR including materials.

Covered Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like rendang daging khas (special beef rendang) and fresh durian varieties only available during fruit season. Pajak USU and Pasar Petisah markets have covered sections perfect for rainy day exploration, with morning hours (7-10am) offering coolest conditions and freshest produce.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market tours cost 100,000-200,000 IDR for food sampling. Guided food experiences range 350,000-500,000 IDR for 4-hour covered market tours. Book morning slots before 11am to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Berastagi Highland Day Trips

The 66 km (41 mile) journey to Berastagi takes you to 1,300m (4,265 ft) elevation where December temperatures drop to pleasant 15-20°C (59-68°F). December is peak season for strawberries and passion fruit, with highland markets offering fresh produce. Morning departures avoid afternoon valley storms completely.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 400,000-600,000 IDR including transportation and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as December highland tours are popular with domestic tourists escaping lowland heat. Ensure tours include fruit farm visits and traditional market stops.

Traditional Spa and Wellness

December's humidity makes traditional Javanese spa treatments particularly refreshing. Boreh (traditional body scrubs) and cool cucumber treatments provide relief from the 70% humidity. Many spas offer special packages during slower tourist season with significant discounts.

Booking Tip: Traditional spa packages range 200,000-500,000 IDR for 2-3 hour treatments. December promotions often include 20-30% discounts. Book afternoon slots (2-5pm) to coincide with storm periods when outdoor activities are impossible.

Early Morning Heritage Architecture Tours

December's 6:30am sunrise provides perfect golden light for photographing Maimun Palace, Great Mosque of Medan, and colonial Dutch buildings along Jalan Ahmad Yani. Cool morning temperatures (23-25°C/73-77°F) make walking tours comfortable before humidity builds after 9am.

Booking Tip: Heritage walking tours cost 250,000-400,000 IDR for 3-4 hours. Start times must be 7-8am to complete before afternoon storms. Private photography tours range 500,000-750,000 IDR. Book with operators offering indoor backup locations for sudden weather changes.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December weekends

Medan Durian Festival

Local celebration of peak durian season featuring varieties like Durian Ucok and Durian Thailand available only in December-January. Weekend markets in Pajak USU area showcase dozens of durian types with tasting opportunities and cultural performances.

Throughout December

Traditional Batak Wedding Season

December marks peak wedding season for Batak communities around Lake Toba region. Authentic ceremonies feature traditional Gondang music, elaborate Ulos textile displays, and community feasts. Some villages welcome respectful observers during public ceremony portions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight quick-dry rain jacket - December storms drop 25-50mm (1-2 inches) per hour during afternoon downpours lasting 2-3 hours

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton which stays damp in 70% humidity and 30°C (87°F) temperatures

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden afternoon storms can soak electronics in minutes

Breathable athletic shoes with good grip - wet marble floors in mosques and cultural sites become extremely slippery

High SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Electrolyte tablets or packets - combination of heat, humidity, and sweating causes rapid dehydration

Light cotton or linen pants for temple visits - shorts are prohibited at religious sites and long pants provide better protection from humidity

Compact umbrella specifically rated for wind - December storms include strong gusts that destroy cheap umbrellas

Anti-chafing stick or powder - high humidity and walking create significant chafing issues in tropical conditions

Insect repellent with DEET - post-rain mosquito activity increases significantly, especially near standing water

Insider Knowledge

Local Medan residents schedule important outdoor activities for 6-11am and after 6pm during December - follow their lead to avoid the worst heat and storm combinations that occur during midday hours

December is when locals buy durian in bulk for Chinese New Year preparations - join morning durian markets around 7am in Pajak USU for best selection and prices 30% lower than tourist-focused vendors

Most experienced Medan travelers book accommodations with reliable backup power and strong WiFi during December, as afternoon storms frequently cause 1-2 hour electrical outages in older parts of the city

Traditional angkot (local minibuses) become unreliable during afternoon storms but grab car and GoJek remain available - locals use ride-sharing apps exclusively during 2-5pm window in December

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor tours or activities between 2-5pm when 60% of December's rainfall occurs in intense thunderstorms that can flood streets and make transportation impossible

Packing only lightweight clothing without considering that air-conditioned malls, restaurants, and cultural sites keep temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) requiring light layers

Assuming December storms are brief tropical showers - December thunderstorms in Medan typically last 2-3 hours with heavy downpours that halt all outdoor activities completely