Medan in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Medan

32°C (89°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season advantages: February is peak durian season in North Sumatra - local markets overflow with premium Medan durian varieties at 30-40% lower prices than peak tourist months
Perfect weather for Lake Toba exploration: 23-32°C (74-89°F) range means comfortable boat trips and highland trekking without the March-April heat waves that can reach 38°C (100°F)
Chinese New Year cultural immersion: Medan's massive Chinese-Indonesian community celebrates with elaborate temple ceremonies, lion dances, and special food offerings unavailable other times of year
Optimal Leuser National Park conditions: Lower humidity (70% vs 85% in wet months) and minimal leeches make February ideal for orangutan spotting and jungle trekking

Considerations

Peak domestic tourism: Indonesian school holidays and Chinese New Year drive accommodation prices up 40-60%, especially around Lake Toba and central Medan hotels
Afternoon heat intensity: Despite being dry season, 32°C (89°F) highs with UV index 8 make midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors 11am-3pm
Haze potential: Palm oil burning season can create air quality issues, particularly affecting sunrise/sunset photography and mountain visibility

Best Activities in February

Lake Toba Highland Tours

February's dry weather makes Lake Toba perfect - clear mountain air, calm waters for boat transfers to Samosir Island, and comfortable temperatures for exploring Batak cultural sites. The 23-32°C (74-89°F) range is ideal for the 2-3 hour journey from Medan plus walking around traditional villages. Minimal rain means reliable ferry schedules.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as February is peak domestic season. Day tours typically cost 400,000-600,000 IDR ($27-40). Look for operators including Tomok village and traditional Batak house visits. See current tour options in booking section below.

Leuser National Park Orangutan Trekking

February is premium time for Leuser - dry trails, active orangutans (feeding season), and 70% humidity instead of wet season's oppressive 85%. Early morning treks (6am start) avoid the heat, and you'll cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) through primary rainforest. Orangutan sighting rates peak at 80-90% in February.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 1 week ahead through certified eco-tourism operators. 2-day packages typically 1,200,000-1,800,000 IDR ($80-120). Ensure guides are certified by Leuser Ecosystem Foundation. Current options available in booking widget below.

Medan Heritage District Walking Tours

Perfect for February's manageable heat - explore Maimun Palace, Great Mosque, and colonial Dutch architecture during comfortable morning hours (7-10am) before temperatures hit 32°C (89°F). Chinese New Year decorations add extra visual appeal to already photogenic Kesawan Square area.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, or join group tours typically 150,000-250,000 IDR ($10-17). Start early to beat heat and crowds. Many operators offer Chinese New Year special cultural tours in February. Check booking section for current heritage tour options.

Berastagi Highland Market Tours

February's dry weather makes the 66 km (41 mile) mountain drive to Berastagi comfortable and scenic. Cool highland climate (18-25°C/64-77°F) provides relief from Medan's heat. Peak season for local fruits including passion fruit and marquisa. Gundaling Hill offers clear volcano views without rainy season cloud cover.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically 350,000-500,000 IDR ($23-33) including transport and guide. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as February is popular for highland escapes. Tours often combine fruit markets with Sipiso-piso Waterfall. See current options in booking section.

Traditional Cooking Classes

February's Chinese New Year period means special dishes like yusheng and tang yuan are taught alongside regular Medan specialties like rendang and soto Medan. Indoor activity perfect for escaping midday heat. Market tours for ingredients work best 6-8am before temperatures rise.

Booking Tip: Classes typically 300,000-450,000 IDR ($20-30) for 4-5 hours including market visit and meal. Book through homestays or cultural centers rather than hotels for real feel. Many offer Chinese New Year specialty classes in February.

Maimun Palace and Royal Cemetery Tours

February's dry weather ideal for exploring outdoor palace grounds and elaborate Malay Islamic architecture. Morning visits (8-11am) avoid harsh midday sun while providing excellent photography light. Less crowded than Lake Toba alternatives during peak domestic tourism.

Booking Tip: Entry fees around 30,000 IDR ($2) plus guide fees 100,000-150,000 IDR ($7-10). Combine with nearby Great Mosque and Tjong A Fie Mansion for half-day cultural circuit. Independent exploration works well with current guidebook apps.

February Events & Festivals

Early to Mid February

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Medan's large Chinese-Indonesian community creates spectacular celebrations with dragon dances at Vihara Gunung Timur temple, traditional food markets in Kesawan district, and family reunions featuring special dishes. Temple ceremonies run from early morning through evening with peak activity 10am-4pm.

Throughout February

Durian Festival Season

Peak durian harvest means informal fruit festivals throughout Medan's traditional markets. Locals gather for durian tastings featuring premium varieties like Medan durian and durian madu. Best experienced at Pajak morning market starting 5am when farmers bring fresh overnight harvest.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - essential for 32°C (89°F) heat with UV index 8, plus mosque/temple visits requiring arm coverage

Quick-dry pants in light colors - dark fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity and 89°F temperatures

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, affecting 10 days in February

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply stick - UV index 8 causes burns within 15 minutes, especially during highland tours

Breathable hiking shoes with good grip - essential for Leuser trekking and can handle occasional wet surfaces from brief showers

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquitoes peak during evening hours, especially near Lake Toba

Light rain jacket or poncho - more practical than heavy umbrella for outdoor markets and temple visits

Electrolyte tablets or packets - 70% humidity and 89°F temperatures cause rapid dehydration during walking tours

Power bank and waterproof phone case - high humidity can affect electronics, and you'll use GPS extensively

Conservative clothing for temples - long pants and shirts required for mosque visits, shorts prohibited at most religious sites

Insider Knowledge

Book Lake Toba accommodations by mid-January - February is Indonesian school holiday period and rooms fill completely, especially budget guesthouses on Samosir Island

Start outdoor activities by 7am - locals know that 11am-3pm becomes unbearable even in dry season, with most shops closing for afternoon rest

Durian season means try fruits at source - Medan produces Indonesia's premium durian and February prices are 30-40% below tourist season rates

Chinese New Year brings restaurant closures - many Chinese-owned businesses close 2-3 days around New Year, but temple food offerings provide amazing street food alternatives

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - tourists schedule midday activities and become exhausted, while locals rest indoors 11am-3pm even in dry season

Not booking Lake Toba early enough - February is peak domestic tourism and affordable accommodations fill completely by late January

Overpacking for cool weather - seeing 'dry season' and mountain trips, visitors bring unnecessary warm clothes for what's actually 74-89°F temperatures