Cotonou Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Cotonou, Benin, enjoys a steady climate throughout the year, with daytime temperatures typically around 29°C (84°F). March is the warmest month at 31°C (88°F), while August is the coolest at 27°C (81°F).
With around 1277 mm (50 in) of annual rainfall, Cotonou has a notably wet climate. However, this rainfall is not evenly distributed — the city has a distinct dry season from December to January. The wettest month is June. The sunniest month is November, with 8.2 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Monthly Temperature in Cotonou
The temperature in Cotonou remains steady throughout the year, providing a consistently very warm climate. Average daytime temperatures reach a very warm 31°C (88°F) in March. In August, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a comfortable 27°C (81°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 27°C (81°F) in March to 24°C (75°F) in August.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Cotonou
Cotonou has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1277 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually. Cotonou can be quite wet during June, receiving approximately 259 mm (10 in) of precipitation over 18 rainy days.
In contrast, during the driest month (January), you will experience much drier conditions, with 29 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation spread across a single rainy day days. For more details, please visit our Cotonou Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Cotonou
Cotonou can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of November under a blue sky, with approximately 8.2 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in July, with only 4.5 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Water Temperature in Cotonou
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 24°C (75°F) in August to 29°C (84°F) in April.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Cotonou by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 88%. In March, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 80%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Cotonou
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) in December to 6 m/s (12 knots) in July and August. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Cotonou 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Cotonou
Cotonou has warm weather with temperatures ranging from 27°C (81°F) to 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The best time to visit is during January, February and December, when rainfall is at its lowest, making it a great time for sightseeing and exploring all the place has to offer.For a more comfortable experience, start your day early when the weather is cooler, or take advantage of the gentle breezes in the late afternoon.
The rainy season occurs during May and June, when the area experiences its heaviest rainfall. Planning your next adventure but unsure where to go? Our climate tool suggests perfect locations tailored to your preferred weather conditions. Discover your ideal travel destination with our weather planner.
