North Sumatra, Indonesia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to North Sumatra, Indonesia? If you're planning to go to North Sumatra, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to North Sumatra
- Important essentials for North Sumatra
- Activities for North Sumatra
- North Sumatra in January: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in February: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in March: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in April: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in May: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in June: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in July: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in August: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in September: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in October: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in November: weather and what to pack
- North Sumatra in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to North Sumatra, Indonesia
Based on the climate and weather in North Sumatra, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for North Sumatra, Indonesia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in North Sumatra, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in North Sumatra. 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.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for North Sumatra, Indonesia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in North Sumatra during January, you will probably find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the finest suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
February
February in North Sumatra is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the best suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
March
If you go to North Sumatra in March, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The best suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
April
April in North Sumatra can be very hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the most durable luggage can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
May
May in North Sumatra is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. The most durable luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
June
June in North Sumatra can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the best luggage can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
July
July in North Sumatra can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the best luggage can let moisture in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
August
If you are traveling to North Sumatra in August, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The finest suitcases can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
September
If you vacation in North Sumatra during September, you may find that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the most durable luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
October
If you go to North Sumatra in October, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The best suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
November
November for North Sumatra is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the most durable luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
December
December in North Sumatra is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. The best luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
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