Weather in Cotonou

Planning your day in Cotonou? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful weather charts, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Cotonou, located in Benin, boasts a distinct tropical climate. This means that warm, and often hot, weather prevails here throughout the year. Average annual temperatures fluctuate only slightly, remaining in a comfortable range from 25°C to 29°C, making the city attractive for warmth lovers at any time of year.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Cotonou's climate. From December to April lasts the relatively dry season, when rainfall is minimal and there are the most sunny days. Then, from approximately May to October, comes the rainy season, bringing higher humidity and frequent, though not always prolonged, downpours. The highest amount of precipitation usually falls in June and October. Despite the rain, air temperature remains high.

A feature of the weather in Cotonou is its predictable warmth. Even in the "coolest" months, such as August, the average temperature does not drop below 25°C. This allows you to plan your trip focusing primarily on rainfall intensity rather than temperature changes.

The temperature regime in Cotonou is characterized by stable heat throughout the year, however, there are noticeable fluctuations between seasons. The hottest month is usually March, when the average temperature reaches 29.1°C, and daytime highs can rise to 31.7°C. February and April are also very warm, with average temperatures around 28.9°C. The "coolest" month is considered to be August, with an average temperature of 25.6°C, while minimum night-time temperatures drop to 23.7°C, and daytime highs hold around 27.5°C. Overall, the annual range of average temperatures in Cotonou is from 25.6°C to 29.1°C, confirming its tropical character.

The period from December to April can be characterized as the sultriest. In these months, especially from January to March, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 31°C, and night-time temperatures rarely drop below 25-26°C. This time is distinguished by high solar activity and a sensation of heat typical of equatorial latitudes. A similar picture is observed in November, when the temperature begins to rise again after the cooler and wetter season, with average values around 27.9°C and maximums up to 30.4°C.

From June to September, a relatively milder period sets in in Cotonou, although the weather remains very warm. Average daytime temperatures in these months range from 27.5°C (in August) to 28.6°C (in June), and night-time temperatures drop to 23.7-24.7°C. This makes these months somewhat more comfortable compared to the peak heat. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Cotonou are generally moderate, averaging 4-6 degrees Celsius. The smallest difference is observed in the wettest and "coolest" months (June-August, about 3.7-4.0°C), whereas in the drier and hotter months (December-January) it can reach 6°C, which still ensures a fairly even temperature background.

Precipitation in Cotonou has a distinct seasonal character, clearly dividing the year into wet and dry periods. Although the city is in a tropical zone, the total amount of precipitation, measured in millimeters, might seem relatively small, yet the frequency of rainy days in certain months is quite high. Snow is absolutely uncharacteristic for Cotonou due to constantly high temperatures; all precipitation falls as rain.

The rainy season in Cotonou usually covers the period from May to November. The highest amount of precipitation, according to monthly average data, falls in June (on average 8 mm) and October (7 mm). At the same time, October stands out as the month with the maximum number of rainy days – on average 27 days. June and July are also very wet, with 26 rainy days in each. In general, from May to November rains occur frequently: in May about 22 rainy days are registered, in September – 25 days, and in November – 21 days. The nature of precipitation during this period is predominantly rain, the intensity of which can vary, but considering the total millimeters, they may not always be heavy, but are frequent.

The dry season falls on the winter and early spring months, from December to April. The driest months are January, February, and December, when only 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is minimal – from 8 to 11. In these months, the sky is more often clear, and the probability of rain is low. March and April also belong to the dry period, although the amount of precipitation slightly increases to 2 mm per month, and the number of days with rain is 15-16, which signals the gradual approach of the wet season.

When planning a trip to Cotonou, it is important to consider its tropical climate, characterized by year-round warmth and a distinct rainy season. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, light trousers, and sundresses will be appropriate at any time of year. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a head covering (hat or cap) for protection against the intense sun, especially in the period from December to April, when there is less rainfall and more sunny days. Comfortable walking shoes, for example, sandals or light trainers, are mandatory for comfortable exploration of the city.

Particular attention should be paid to the period from May to November – this is the rainy season in Cotonou. Although temperatures remain high, the number of rainy days increases significantly, peaking in June, July, and October (26-27 days with precipitation). At this time, a light umbrella or waterproof windbreaker will certainly come in handy for you. Quick-drying clothes can also be useful. Despite the rains, the weather remains warm, so heavy items will not be needed. The principle of layering here lies rather in having a light cover-up for evening coolness or for visiting air-conditioned premises than for protection against the cold.

Regardless of the season, do not forget insect repellent, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors in the evening. It is also worth taking a small first aid kit with basic medications. Given that average temperatures even in the "coolest" months, such as August, hold around 25.6°C, warm clothing is unlikely to be needed. The main thing is to be ready for the heat and, depending on the season, for frequent, but usually not prolonged tropical rains.