Riau, Indonesia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Riau, Indonesia? If you're planning to go to Riau, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Riau
- Important essentials for Riau
- Activities for Riau
- Riau in January: weather and what to pack
- Riau in February: weather and what to pack
- Riau in March: weather and what to pack
- Riau in April: weather and what to pack
- Riau in May: weather and what to pack
- Riau in June: weather and what to pack
- Riau in July: weather and what to pack
- Riau in August: weather and what to pack
- Riau in September: weather and what to pack
- Riau in October: weather and what to pack
- Riau in November: weather and what to pack
- Riau 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 Riau, Indonesia
Based on the climate and weather in Riau, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Riau, Indonesia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Riau, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
For families with young children
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Riau. 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.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should work in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Riau, Indonesia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
February
February in Riau is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Loose-fit shorts
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.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. The most durable suitcases can let moisture in. We recommend:
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
March
March in Riau is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Bug repellent
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your 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 designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
April
Traveling to Riau in April, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Bug repellent
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Rain poncho
A high quality 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 made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the most durable luggage can let water in. We recommend:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
May
May in Riau is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the finest suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
June
If you are traveling to Riau in June, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. The best suitcases can let moisture in. We like:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
July
If you vacation in Riau during July, you will probably notice that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice 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 stuff stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let water in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
August
If you vacation in Riau during August, you may find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Skirts
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let rain in. We like:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
September
Traveling to Riau in September, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the best luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
October
October in Riau is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
Rainy 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 stuff remain dry. The best luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
November
If you go to Riau in November, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver 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 built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
December
December in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Rain poncho
A weatherproof 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 work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let water in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
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