Palembang Weather in January

January: rain shapes the day

Palembang stays warm in January, but rain falls on 24 days and the air feels very humid. Skies are often cloudy, with little sunshine, so outdoor plans can be interrupted by heavy showers. December is wetter, while February is a little drier; January still feels like a proper wet-season month.

You can visit the Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II or duck into a pempek shop between showers. A slow meal of Palembang's fish cakes suits a damp afternoon. The Musi River and Ampera Bridge are worth seeing, but riverfront walks are less appealing when rain sets in.

New Year, quieter streets

New Year's Day is a public holiday in Indonesia. The days around it can bring local visitors out, though January is generally quieter than the drier months. You may find fewer tourists and better hotel deals than in the busier travel season, but prices vary.

If you hate crowds, visit after the New Year holiday rush. Travelling with kids? Keep the indoor Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in mind for rainy stretches.

Make the river trip count

January's rain can affect boat rides and views along the Musi, so keep your schedule flexible. If the weather clears, take a boat from the Ampera Bridge area to Kemaro Island. The trip gives you a close look at life along the river, though wet weather may make the ride less comfortable.

For a local food stop, order pempek with cuko, its tangy, sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. It's easy to find around the city and makes a welcome break when a shower sends you indoors.