Medan in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Medan

33°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

206 mm (8.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak durian season - May brings the legendary Medan durian harvest when locals say the fruit tastes its absolute best, with street vendors offering tastings from 4pm-midnight throughout the city
Cooler mornings (24-28°C/75-82°F until 10am) perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Maimun Palace gardens and Tjong A Fie Mansion before the afternoon heat sets in
Ramadan considerations passed - With Ramadan typically ending in late April, May offers full operating hours for restaurants and attractions without religious observance scheduling conflicts
Pre-tourist season pricing - Accommodation rates are 15-25% lower than June-August peak season, with luxury hotels in Polonia district offering promotional packages for May visitors

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, often flooding older parts of the city like Kesawan for 30-45 minutes and disrupting outdoor plans
High humidity (70%) makes the 33°C (91°F) daily highs feel like 38°C (100°F), particularly exhausting for first-time tropical visitors not accustomed to the climate
Haze potential from Sumatran forest fires can reduce air quality on certain days, though 2025 predictions suggest lower fire activity than previous years

Best Activities in May

Lake Toba Highland Tours

May's variable weather creates dramatic cloud formations over Lake Toba, while cooler highland temperatures (20-25°C/68-77°F) provide relief from Medan's heat. Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon storms that can make the 176 km (109 mile) journey more challenging. The shoulder season means fewer crowds at Samosir Island viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost 450,000-650,000 IDR for day trips, 800,000-1,200,000 IDR for overnight packages. Look for operators with newer vehicles and air conditioning - essential for the 3-4 hour journey each way. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Tours

May's durian season transforms Medan's markets into culinary theaters. Pasar Petisah and Pasar Sambas come alive from 5-11am with peak freshness before afternoon heat. The variable weather creates perfect conditions for covered market exploration, and post-Ramadan timing means all vendors are fully operational.

Booking Tip: Book guided market tours 3-5 days ahead, typically 200,000-350,000 IDR per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Choose tours that start by 6am to avoid heat and include durian education. Current market tour options available in the booking section below.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

May's morning coolness (24-28°C/75-82°F until 10am) makes it ideal for exploring Medan's Dutch colonial quarter around Kesawan Street. Afternoon storms provide natural tour break points, and the dramatic clouds create excellent photography lighting for historic buildings like the old Post Office and Bank Indonesia.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, or book guided options 2-3 days ahead for 150,000-250,000 IDR per person. Start by 8am latest to complete before afternoon heat. Tours typically last 2-3 hours. Current walking tour options in the booking section below.

Berastagi Highland Day Trips

The 68 km (42 mile) journey to Berastagi offers perfect May weather escape - temperatures drop to 18-23°C (64-73°F) in the highlands. May brings clear mountain views of Sibayak and Sinabung volcanoes between morning mist and afternoon clouds. Fresh strawberry and passion fruit season coincides with your visit.

Booking Tip: Book highland tours 5-7 days ahead, typically 300,000-500,000 IDR per person for full day trips. Morning departures (7-8am) essential to maximize clear weather windows. Look for tours including traditional Karo villages. Current Berastagi tour options in the booking section below.

Shopping Mall and Spa Experiences

May's afternoon storms make air-conditioned venues perfect backup plans. Sun Plaza and Centre Point malls offer respite from heat and humidity, while traditional Indonesian spa treatments work ideally in warm, humid weather to open pores and maximize relaxation benefits.

Booking Tip: Spa treatments typically cost 200,000-500,000 IDR for 60-90 minute sessions. Book hotel spas Easttimor-day, standalone spas 1-2 days ahead. Afternoon slots (2-5pm) often discounted and perfectly timed for weather avoidance. Current spa experiences in the booking section below.

Evening Street Food Tours

May evenings (after 6pm) bring temperatures down to comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F) levels perfect for street food exploration. Jalan Selat Panjang night market and Merdeka Walk come alive with local specialties. Post-storm evening air feels refreshed and less oppressive than daytime humidity.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost 250,000-400,000 IDR per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead, starting times typically 6-7pm. Look for tours covering both Chinese-Indonesian and traditional Batak cuisines. Current evening tour options in the booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May (peak mid-month)

Medan Durian Festival

While not officially organized annually, May's peak durian season brings spontaneous celebrations throughout local markets and the Polonia area, with vendors competing for the best fruit presentations and tastings

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho or umbrella - afternoon storms dump heavy rain but last only 20-30 minutes, and you'll want mobility over heavy rain gear

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo fabric shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 33°C (91°F) temperatures

Waterproof phone case and plastic bags for electronics - sudden downpours can soak everything in seconds

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply sticks - UV index reaches 8 and tropical sun burns faster than expected, especially reflecting off wet pavement

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - flooded streets after storms create slippery conditions, and many religious sites require covered feet

Light long-sleeve shirt for air-conditioned spaces - malls and restaurants keep AC at 18-20°C (64-68°F), creating 15°C (27°F) temperature swings

Electrolyte supplements or powder - high humidity and heat cause faster dehydration than visitors expect

Quick-dry shorts and pants - clothes stay damp for hours in high humidity conditions

Antifungal powder for feet and body - humid conditions promote fungal growth, especially in closed shoes

Portable fan or cooling towel - provides relief during temple visits and outdoor market exploration when shade isn't available

Insider Knowledge

Local schedule runs opposite to tourist timing - start your day at 6am when locals exercise and shop, then retreat indoors during 12-4pm heat like residents do

Durian education from vendors is free entertainment - May brings expert sellers who love teaching foreigners about different varieties, even if you don't buy

Many locals travel to highlands on weekends during May heat - book Lake Toba and Berastagi accommodations by Wednesday for weekend trips

Post-storm periods (30 minutes after rain stops) offer the best photography light and coolest temperatures for outdoor activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing between 1-4pm when temperatures peak and storms hit - locals avoid this period entirely

Bringing only synthetic fabrics which become sweat-soaked and uncomfortable within hours in high humidity conditions

Skipping durian experiences due to smell concerns - May offers the year's best fruit and vendors provide proper introductions for beginners