Things to Do in Medan in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Medan
Long-run averages for December
87°F (30°C)
High Temp
74°F (23°C)
Low Temp
9.0 inches (229 mm)
Rainfall
88%
Humidity
11
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Flash flooding can occur rapidly in urban areas during heavy downpours, disrupting traffic.
Making the most of December in Medan? Browse tours and activities in Medan on GetYourGuide.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Rain falls in predictable afternoon bursts, usually between 2pm and 5pm. Mornings stay crystal clear. That sharp, clean light makes the colonial architecture around Kesawan Square look almost painted.
- + December marks the tail end of durian season. You can still find the creamy, pungent fruit at markets like Pasar Rame. The overwhelming fermenting-socks-and-caramel smell that blankets entire neighborhoods in October has mostly lifted.
- + Hotel rates in Medan itself are often surprisingly affordable compared to the peak European holiday period. Most international tourists head straight for Lake Toba. The city's colonial-era hotels have genuine availability.
- + The humidity is still thick enough to make your shirt stick to your back by 10am. It is a notch down from the oppressive soup of November. Urban exploration becomes slightly less punishing.
Considerations
- − That 9.0 inches (229 mm) of rain is no joke. Roads flood quickly. Jalan Sisingamangaraja turns into a river of brown water and stalled motorbikes. Day trips to Berastagi or the rainforest can get canceled with little notice.
- − This is the wettest part of the year for the jungle around Bukit Lawang. Trails become slick, red mud that sucks at your boots. The Bohorok River runs high and fast. The famous tubing trip back to town sometimes gets called off for safety.
- − The cloud cover is persistent. If you are dreaming of a postcard-perfect sunrise over the volcanic cones of Mount Sinabung or Sibayak from Berastagi, December is a gamble. You are as likely to see a wall of grey mist as a fiery sky.
Settled on December? Compare hotel prices in Medan for your dates on Trip.com.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Medan in December settles into a rhythm defined by persistent warmth and a significant increase in rainfall compared to earlier months. The air remains thick and close. Locals navigate this by planning excursions for the slightly cooler mornings. They take respite in covered eateries and deep-shaded verandas during the afternoon downpours that roll through with tropical regularity. The city's famously vigorous food scene shifts indoors. The hiss of woks and the deep aroma of *rendang* braising for hours fills family-run restaurants. The chatter from street-side coffee stalls continues undeterred under awnings. This is not the month for meticulously planned, sunny days in the city center. It is a time when the appeal of Medan as a gateway becomes most evident. The city is the logistical launchpad for adventures into the surrounding highlands and jungles where the conditions are distinctly different. For many visitors arriving in Medan in December, the city itself is a busy, humid prelude. It is a place to savor a potent local coffee and a plate of *mie pangsit* before journeying outward. The month's weather patterns make the idea of escaping to the cooler, mist-clad elevations of Berastagi compelling. The dense, rain-absorbing canopy of the Sumatran jungle also draws. Exploring the colonial architecture of the Kesawan area requires an acceptance of sudden, drenching showers. Navigating the labyrinthine aisles of the Pasar Raya market demands the same. It also rewards with scenes of everyday life adapted to the season. You'll see the slick gleam of wet pavement reflecting neon shop signs. You'll feel a sudden cool breeze preceding a storm. A visit to Medan this month is best framed by its role as the dynamic, chaotic heart of North Sumatra. Its energy is undimmed by rain. Its true gifts are often found in the notable tours and treks that begin at its doorstep.
Wonderful 2Days 1Night Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking Free Rafting
adventureThe humid air carries the scent of damp earth and blooming ginger. Your guide will point out the rustling canopy where families of orangutans move with deliberate grace. The trek concludes with a serene tube raft down the Bohorok River's coffee-colored waters. This is a refreshing contrast to the jungle's enveloping heat.
This immersive experience offers the profound privilege of observing semi-wild orangutans in their only natural habitat outside of Borneo.
Insider tip: Pack quick-drying clothing and sandals with grip. Trails can be slippery and the river crossing is part of the journey.
1 week private round trip North Sumatra
otherYou'll move from the rhythmic chaos of Medan's streets to the serene, mythic expanse of Lake Toba. This vast caldera has light dancing on water ringed by misty blue mountains. You'll feel the altitude change in the crisp, pine-scented air of Berastagi's highlands. You'll hear the distinct cultural echoes in Batak ceremonial music around Samosir Island.
It provides complete logistical freedom to engage with the region's landscapes and cultures at your own preferred pace.
Insider tip: Discuss with your driver-guide the option to include stops at lesser-viewed waterfalls or a local market not always on standard itineraries.
7 Days 6 Nights North Sumatra Tour (Bukit Lawang-Berastagi-Lake Toba)
guided_experienceYou'll see the jungle wildlife of Bukit Lawang, the volcanic peaks and fruit markets of Berastagi, and the profound cultural calm of Lake Toba. Travelers feel the transition from steamy lowland forests to cooler highland plateaus. They taste the region's variety through fiery *sambal*, sweet *marquisa* passion fruit, and buttery *ikan mas arsik* (goldfish curry) from Toba.
It delivers a complete, hassle-free overview of North Sumatra's most well-known destinations in a single trip.
Insider tip: On Lake Toba, opt for a lakeside *losmen* (guesthouse) in Tuk Tuk for easy access to bicycles and waterfront cafes.
Mount Sibayak Sunrise Hike or Day Hike from Berastagi
adventureThe cold, thin air is sharp with the smell of sulfur from steaming fumaroles. Watching the sun break over the mist-filled valleys of Karo highlands, you'll see the morning light reveal quilted patterns of farmland far below. This is the reward for the early climb.
The challenging hike culminates in a dramatic volcanic panorama unmatched in the region.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting shoes for the rugged, often loose volcanic rock terrain on the descent.
TOUR PACKAGE (Taxi, Room, Jungle Trekking) 3 Days in BUKIT LAWANG
adventureIt bundles transport from Medan, a basic riverside room, and guided jungle trekking into an easy adventure. The sounds of the forest replace city noise. You'll hear the dawn chorus of gibbons. You'll catch the nocturnal symphony of crickets outside your lodging.
It is an economical and streamlined way to access the orangutan trekking experience without managing separate logistics.
Insider tip: Confirm if your package includes the national park permit and entrance fees to avoid unexpected costs upon arrival.
1 Day Ethical Jungle Trekking
adventureSpend a full day with certified guides who prioritize respectful distance and the well-being of the orangutans. You'll learn to identify the distinctive crack of branches signaling movement. You'll feel the thrill of spotting a flash of reddish-brown fur high in the dense green the canopy.
It offers an intensive, single-day look at into the jungle ecosystem with a strong conservation ethos.
Insider tip: Bring ample water (at least two liters) and high-energy snacks. The physical trekking is demanding and humid.
Where to Stay in Medan in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Medan Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals swear by the early morning. Be out the door by 7am to experience Medan's markets at their coolest and most photogenic, and to finish outdoor activities before the clouds pile up around noon.
When a storm hits, don't fight it. Duck into a kopitiam like Tip Top on Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani. It has been serving strong, sweet coffee and butter cake since 1934. Watch the chaos from a marble-topped table.
The taxis at Kuala Namu Airport run on fixed rates to city zones. But the airport rail link is cheaper, faster, and air-conditioned. It drops you at Medan's central station, right in the thick of it.
If roads to Berastagi look flooded on traffic apps, the train to nearby Pematang Siantar is a scenic, old-school alternative. It's slower, but you'll see a slice of Sumatran life most tourists miss.
Avoid These Mistakes
Packing for 'tropical beach' weather. Medan in December is a humid, rainy city with cool highlands nearby. You need layers and proper rain gear, not just shorts and flip-flops.
Trying to cram Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba into a 3-day itinerary. The rain will ruin your schedule. Pick one base (the city, the highlands, or the lake) and explore it.
Assuming Grab or Gojek will get you everywhere during a heavy storm. Drivers often log off when streets flood, leaving you stranded. Have a backup plan and your hotel's phone number saved.
Short on time? See day trips around Medan on GetYourGuide.
Ready to plan your trip to Medan?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.
Explore More Activities in Medan
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Medan.
See All Medan Tours on Viator