Medan in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Medan

87°F (31°C) High Temp

74°F (23°C) Low Temp

8.4 inches (213 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak durian season - November is when local Medan durian varieties like Pancur Batu and Ucok reach perfect ripeness, with fruit stalls offering 30% lower prices than dry season
Optimal Lake Toba conditions - November's moderate rainfall fills the lake to perfect levels while maintaining 26°C (79°F) water temperatures, ideal for swimming and island hopping
Ramadan preparation season creates exceptional street food scene - Muslim vendors perfect their recipes before fasting season, leading to extended food market hours (open until 2am) and special pre-Ramadan dishes
Chinese New Year shopping season begins - Medan's large Chinese community starts preparations, making November perfect for authentic cultural experiences at Vihara Gunung Timur and traditional medicine shops on Jalan Hang Tuah

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms are intense and unpredictable - November storms can dump 50-80mm (2-3 inches) in 90 minutes, flooding major streets like Jalan Gatot Subroto for 2-3 hours
High humidity makes outdoor activities exhausting - 70% humidity combined with 31°C (87°F) temperatures creates a heat index of 38°C (100°F) between 11am-3pm
Haze potential from Sumatra fires - November marks the tail end of burning season, with visibility dropping below 2km (1.2 miles) on poor air quality days

Best Activities in November

Lake Toba Cultural Island Tours

November's moderate rainfall creates perfect lake conditions with 26°C (79°F) water temperatures and lush green Samosir Island landscapes. Traditional Batak villages are most accessible as November rains haven't yet made rural roads impassable. Morning boat rides (7-10am) offer glass-like water conditions before afternoon weather builds.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for best ferry schedules. Tours typically cost 450,000-650,000 IDR per person including traditional lunch. Look for operators offering covered boats for afternoon weather protection. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Medan Heritage Walking Tours

November's cloud cover provides natural sun protection for exploring Medan's colonial architecture and cultural sites. Early morning tours (7-10am) avoid both crowds and the day's peak humidity. The Maimoon Palace and this destination are particularly photogenic under November's diffused lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - start at 7am to finish before 11am heat builds. Entry fees typically 15,000-25,000 IDR per site. Hire local guides at major sites for 100,000-150,000 IDR for 2-hour cultural context. See current guided options in the booking section below.

Traditional Market and Street Food Tours

November's pre-Ramadan period creates exceptional street food variety as vendors test seasonal specialties. Morning markets (5-9am) offer the freshest ingredients and coolest temperatures. November durian season means premium fruit at lowest prices. Evening food tours (6-10pm) showcase extended vendor hours unique to this preparation season.

Booking Tip: Morning market tours cost 200,000-350,000 IDR including tastings. Evening food walks range 300,000-500,000 IDR for 3-hour experiences. Book through operators with local health knowledge and English-speaking guides. See current culinary tour options in the booking section below.

Berastagi Highland Excursions

November rainfall creates spectacular waterfall conditions in the Karo Highlands while keeping temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than Medan. Mount Sibayak's crater lake fills to optimal viewing levels. Traditional Karo villages are surrounded by peak green season landscapes, perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 550,000-750,000 IDR including transport and guide. Book tours that start early (6am departure) to maximize clear weather windows before afternoon mountain weather builds. Four-wheel drive recommended for November road conditions. See current highland tour options in the booking section below.

Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center Visits

November marks peak fruit season in the rainforest, making orangutan sightings more predictable during morning feeding times (9-10am). Cooler, humid conditions are more comfortable for wildlife viewing. November's regular rainfall creates optimal jungle trekking conditions with active wildlife and flowing streams.

Booking Tip: Full-day Bukit Lawang trips cost 650,000-950,000 IDR including river tubing. Book 2-3 days ahead with operators providing proper rain gear and leech socks. Morning departures essential for best orangutan activity. See current wildlife tour options in the booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Workshop Experiences

November's afternoon storms make indoor cultural activities particularly valuable. Traditional batik workshops, cooking classes featuring Medan specialties like bika ambon, and Chinese calligraphy sessions align perfectly with weather patterns. Air-conditioned venues provide relief during high humidity periods.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops range 250,000-400,000 IDR including materials. Book morning sessions (9am-12pm) to allow flexibility for weather-dependent afternoon plans. Look for workshops in traditional shophouses with cultural authenticity. See current workshop options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Medan Durian Festival

Local celebration of peak durian season featuring tastings of rare varieties like Pancur Batu and Medan's famous Ucok durian. Vendors from across North Sumatra converge on various locations throughout the city offering competitive pricing and expert fruit selection guidance.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity, while moisture-wicking fabrics dry in 30-45 minutes

Packable rain poncho - November afternoon storms dump 50-80mm (2-3 inches) in 90 minutes, making umbrellas useless

Anti-fungal foot powder - high humidity and frequent wet conditions create perfect fungal growth environment

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 remains dangerous even on cloudy November days

Electrolyte powder packets - combination of heat and humidity causes rapid mineral depletion even during light activity

Waterproof phone case and document pouch - sudden storms can soak belongings in seconds

Breathable hiking boots rated for wet conditions - street flooding reaches 15-20cm (6-8 inches) depth on main roads

Anti-chafing balm - humidity prevents normal moisture evaporation, causing chafing within 2-3 hours of walking

Portable battery pack in waterproof casing - power outages common during November storms, lasting 2-4 hours

Fast-drying microfiber towels - regular towels never fully dry in November humidity levels

Insider Knowledge

Local ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers know exactly which streets flood during afternoon storms - they're your best real-time weather navigation system and cost only 15,000-25,000 IDR per ride

Malls become community gathering spaces during November storms - locals use them as air-conditioned refuges, making places like Plaza Medan Fair excellent for authentic cultural observation

November is traditional house-cleaning season before Ramadan - many family-run warungs close for 2-3 days mid-month for deep cleaning, so have backup dining plans

The 7-11 stores stock extra umbrella inventory in November but sell out by 2pm daily - buy rain protection in morning or head to traditional markets where vendors always have plastic ponchos

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - November afternoon storms arrive with only 15-20 minutes warning and can trap tourists for hours in inadequate shelter

Wearing leather shoes or canvas sneakers - November's combination of flooding and humidity destroys non-synthetic footwear within days

Booking accommodations without air conditioning to 'experience local life' - November humidity makes sleeping impossible without climate control, leading to exhaustion and ruined itineraries