Weather in Benin City

Stay up to date with weather conditions in Benin City. In this section, we have gathered current meteorological reports, visual charts, and accurate forecasts for you.

Benin City is characterized by a typical tropical climate, featuring hot weather throughout the year. You will not encounter sharp temperature changes or cold spells here: averages consistently stay in the range of 25°C to 30°C. Thanks to this, the city remains a warm destination regardless of the calendar month, although humidity can significantly affect comfort levels.

Two seasons are clearly traceable during the year, the main one being the long rainy season. It lasts roughly from March to October, reaching its peak in the summer months and September, when precipitation can occur almost daily. During this period, the sky is often overcast, and nature is saturated with moisture, making the surrounding landscapes particularly lush and green.

For those who prefer drier and clearer weather, the ideal time to visit is the short dry season, occurring in December and January. During these months, the number of rainy days is minimized, and the sun shines especially brightly, warming the air to maximum levels. This is the most favourable period for walking and exploring the city's sights without the need to constantly carry an umbrella.

Benin City features a hot tropical climate, where high temperatures prevail almost all year round. The sweltering period is the beginning of the year: February acts as the "champion" of heat with an average temperature of 29.7°C. At this time, as well as in January and March, daily highs often reach 33-35°C, creating an atmosphere of true African heat. Travellers planning a trip during these months should be prepared for intense sun.

Interestingly, the calendar summer here is a period of relative coolness. July and August are considered the "coldest" months of the year: the average temperature drops to a comfortable 25.5°C, and daytime readings rarely exceed the 28°C mark. This time of year brings a respite from the intense heat, making the weather milder, albeit humid.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night are most noticeable in the hot season. For example, in January and February, the difference can be more than 10 degrees: after a daytime peak of 35°C, the air cools down to 23-24°C at night, bringing pleasant freshness. However, even on the coolest nights of the year, the temperature in Benin City almost never drops below 22°C, so travellers are unlikely to need warm clothing.

The climate in Benin City is characterized by a clear division into a dry season and a rainy season, with the wet period occupying most of the year. Since air temperatures remain high throughout all twelve months, precipitation here falls exclusively as rain. The wettest weather sets in from June to October, when the probability of precipitation is at its maximum.

The rainy season here is very long and intense. In months such as July, September, and October, it can rain almost daily — statistics record up to 30 rainy days per month. September stands out as the month with the highest average rainfall. Travellers planning a trip at this time should be prepared for constant humidity and overcast skies.

The relatively dry period falls on the winter months and is short. December and January are considered the driest months, when rainfall levels drop to a minimum (about 1 mm), and rains happen rarely — only 6–8 times a month. By November, precipitation intensity notably decreases, and from February it begins to rise smoothly, preparing nature for the new rainy season.

A trip to Benin City requires a smart approach to choosing your wardrobe, as a hot climate reigns here throughout the year. The basis of your luggage should be light clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, in light shades to attract less sunlight. Given that daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, especially at the beginning of the year, be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, and high SPF cream to protect against the active African sun.

When packing, it is important to consider the seasonality of rainfall. If your trip is planned for the period from March to October, be prepared for frequent rains: in these months, the number of rainy days can reach 30 per month. At this time, a quality raincoat, a light waterproof windbreaker, and a compact umbrella will become indispensable. In the dry season (December to February), there is practically no precipitation, but evenings can bring welcome freshness after a sweltering day, so a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt will not be amiss.

For comfortable exploration of city attractions, choose comfortable flat shoes; in the rainy season, it is better to prefer closed models that dry quickly and can withstand moisture. It is also recommended to use the layering principle in clothing: this will allow you to quickly adapt to weather changes by throwing something on top during a sudden downpour or taking off the excess when the sun comes out again. Do not forget repellents, which will be useful for protection against insects at any time of the year.