Sumatra Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Sumatra, Indonesia in December.

Planning a trip to Sumatra, Indonesia this December? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Sumatra in December

Sumatra, Indonesia is a region in Indonesia. December in Sumatra generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is warm in Tuk Tuk at 26°C (79°F) to very warm in Pekanbaru at 32°C (90°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 24°C (75°F) in Pekanbaru and 19°C (66°F) in Tuk Tuk. The temperatures mentioned for daytime and nighttime are general averages. However there can be days that surpass these temperatures. So equip yourself with clothing that can handle the potential heat.

For specific regional insights in Sumatra, Indonesia, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Sawahlunto with an average of 255 mm (10 in) to heavy rainfall in Matur with 396 mm (16 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is quite limited in many locations during December. Medan receives roughly 98 hours of sunlight. For destinations with more sunshine, our weather planner offers alternatives worldwide.

Explore Sumatra by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sumatra — and find the best time to visit. (based on Medan)

Best Places to Visit in Sumatra in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Sumatra.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Sumatra

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Sumatra, Indonesia?

Temperature range in Sumatra (December)

Precipitation variation in Sumatra (December)

Medan

In December Medan generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 31°C (88°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
31°C (88°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
Monthly sun hours
106 hours
98 hours
127 hours
Monthly rainfall
377 mm (15 in)
334 mm (13 in)
221 mm (8.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Pekanbaru

In December Pekanbaru generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
32°C (90°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
23°C (73°F)
Monthly rainfall
313 mm (12 in)
281 mm (11 in)
223 mm (8.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
19 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Tanjungpandan

In December Tanjungpandan generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly rainfall
335 mm (13 in)
372 mm (15 in)
283 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
21 days
22 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Bukittinggi

In December Bukittinggi generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly rainfall
478 mm (19 in)
380 mm (15 in)
310 mm (12 in)
Monthly rainy days
23 days
21 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Matur

In December Matur generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly rainfall
518 mm (20 in)
396 mm (16 in)
323 mm (13 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
21 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Sumatra, in Indonesia.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Sumatra in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Medan 31°C (88°F) 23°C (73°F) 334 mm (13 in)
Pekanbaru 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 281 mm (11 in)
Tanjungpandan 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 372 mm (15 in)
Bukittinggi 28°C (82°F) 20°C (68°F) 380 mm (15 in)
Matur 28°C (82°F) 20°C (68°F) 396 mm (16 in)
Dumai 32°C (90°F) 24°C (75°F) 339 mm (13 in)

Sumatra weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Sumatra, Indonesia in December?

Sumatra, Indonesia typically experiences poor weather in December, part of the season. Daytime highs in Medan average around 31°C (88°F), and temperatures drop to about 23°C (73°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in Sumatra, Indonesia in December?

In Medan, the average daytime high in December is 31°C (88°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 23°C (73°F).

Does Sumatra, Indonesia get a lot of rain in December?

Expect plenty of rainfall. Medan records an average of 334 mm (13 in) in December, putting it among the wetter months for Sumatra, Indonesia.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Sumatra, Indonesia?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Medan, December may not be the ideal time to visit Sumatra, Indonesia.

On average, the best time to visit Sumatra, Indonesia is in February with generally unpleasant weather in Medan.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Sumatra.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Indonesia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Indonesia.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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