Medan, Indonesia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Medan, Indonesia? If you're planning to go to Medan, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Medan, Indonesia

Based on the climate and weather in Medan, Indonesia, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Medan, Indonesia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Medan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Medan, Indonesia by month

January

January in Medan is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Medan in February, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

In March, Medan is extremely hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Medan, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Medan in April, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you go to Medan in May, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Medan is consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Medan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Medan in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Medan during August, you may see that it is really hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you are traveling to Medan in September, you will notice that it is really hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October for Medan can be very hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Medan is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Medan is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Medan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to see the must-see Great Mosque of Medan, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; you should check with the Medan tourism authority.

If you see the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Medan, Indonesia

If you're planning to visit Indonesia, make sure to include Medan in your itinerary. Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra, and it is known for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and charming tourist attractions. It is a perfect place to explore for those who want to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle and discover the city's hidden gems. Here are some top tourist attractions that you shouldn't miss while in Medan.

1. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world and is believed to be one of the deepest. It spans over 1,707 square kilometers and is surrounded by lush green hills and picturesque villages. It is also home to the Batak tribe and offers visitors a chance to experience their traditional culture and lifestyle. Visitors can take a dip in the crystal clear waters, hike the surrounding hills or islands, or simply relax in one of the lakeside resorts.

2. Maimun Palace

Maimun Palace is a historical landmark and is known for its unique architecture that blends Malay, Indian, and European styles. Built-in 1888, it was the official residence of the Sultan of Deli and now operates as a museum. It showcases the Sultanate's lavish lifestyle and culture through its ornate interior, which features intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and luxurious furnishings.

3. Masjid Raya Al-Mashun

Masjid Raya Al-Mashun is one of the largest mosques in Indonesia and is renowned for its stunning architecture. This mosque is decorated with intricate carvings, patterned tiles, and gold-painted domes, and it's a sight to behold. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque's interior, but kindly note that you should dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.

4. Tjong A Fie Mansion

The Tjong A Fie Mansion is a magnificent Chinese-style mansion that was built in 1895 by a wealthy businessman from Guangdong, China. This mansion showcases the elegant lifestyle and cultural fusion of the Chinese community in Medan. The interior features original furniture, antiques, and photographs of the family who once lived here. Visitors can explore the lush gardens, admire the stunning architecture or learn about the history of Chinese immigrants to Indonesia.

5. Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery

The Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery is the perfect place for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. The museum displays over 700 preserved animals and 3D models from Indonesia and around the world. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts of various species, examine the unique features of different animals, and have their photo taken with a sperm whale or a rhinoceros.

These are just some of the many fantastic tourist attractions that Medan has to offer. With its rich culture, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, Medan is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the best of Indonesia. So why not start planning your trip to Medan today?

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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