Cotonou in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Cotonou

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - November marks the end of rainy season with refreshing afternoon breezes from the Atlantic that cool temperatures by 3-4°C (5-7°F) compared to October
Festival season begins - Vodoun ceremonies and harvest celebrations happen throughout November when communities have finished their agricultural season
Best motorcycle taxi weather - 70% humidity is the year's lowest, making zémidjan rides comfortable for exploring neighborhoods like Ganhi and Cadjehoun
Optimal beach conditions - reduced surf at Fidjrossè Beach and clearer waters at Cotonou Marina make water activities ideal before December's harmattan winds arrive

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - while only 10 rainy days, storms can be intense (20-40 mm in 2 hours) and flood major roads like Boulevard de la Marina for 2-3 hours
Higher accommodation prices - November starts peak tourism season, pushing beachfront guesthouse rates up 40-60% compared to September-October
Intermittent power outages increase - aging electrical grid struggles with post-rainy season maintenance, expect 2-3 hour cuts 3-4 times per week

Best Activities in November

Ganvié Stilt Village Lake Tours

November's receding water levels reveal more of the stilted architecture and make boat navigation easier through Lake Nokoué. Water hyacinth blooms create impressive purple corridors, and fishing activities peak as waters clear. Morning tours (7-10am) avoid afternoon heat and offer better wildlife spotting.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed boat cooperatives 5-7 days ahead, typically 8,000-12,000 CFA per person including guide. Look for operators with life jackets and covered boats. Morning departures are essential for comfort in November heat.

Dantokpa Market Cultural Tours

West Africa's largest market is most comfortable in November's lower humidity. Seasonal ingredients like fresh palm nuts and dried fish create unique shopping opportunities. Early morning visits (6-9am) capture the market's energy before temperatures peak at midday.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically cost 5,000-8,000 CFA for 2-3 hours. Book with operators who provide local language interpretation and cultural context. Bring small denomination CFA notes for purchases.

Atlantic Coast Fishing Village Tours

November's calmer seas make traditional fishing boat trips possible along the coast to villages like Avlékété. Fishermen return with larger catches, and you can witness traditional net-making and fish-smoking processes that peak before December's rougher waters.

Booking Tip: Arrange through coastal community guides, typically 10,000-15,000 CFA per person for half-day tours. Ensure boats have safety equipment and experienced captains familiar with November's variable coastal conditions.

Vodoun Temple and Ceremony Experiences

November harvest period brings increased Vodoun activity as communities give thanks for the agricultural season. Temple visits in Benin and traditional ceremonies offer authentic cultural immersion. Cooler evenings make nighttime ceremonies more comfortable for visitors.

Booking Tip: Book respectful cultural tours through established guides who work directly with temple communities, typically 12,000-18,000 CFA including transportation. Always ask permission before photographing and bring appropriate offerings.

Pendjari National Park Extension Tours

Though 6 hours (350 km/217 miles) north, November's dry conditions make Pendjari's wildlife viewing exceptional as animals congregate around water sources. Road conditions improve significantly after rainy season, and temperatures are cooler than December-March.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 week multi-day packages through licensed tour operators, typically 80,000-120,000 CFA per person for 2-day trips including park fees, accommodation, and meals. Requires advance park permits.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

November's reduced humidity makes 2-3 hour walking tours of Portuguese and French colonial buildings in central Cotonou comfortable. Golden afternoon light (4-6pm) creates ideal photography conditions for the cathedral, old customs buildings, and traditional Brazilian-style homes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with local history guides available for 6,000-10,000 CFA for 3 hours. Start after 3pm when shadows provide relief from UV index of 8. Bring sun protection and water.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Vodoun Harvest Ceremonies

Communities throughout southern Benin hold thanksgiving ceremonies for successful harvests, featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and ritual offerings. Most accessible to visitors are ceremonies in Benin and surrounding villages.

Mid to Late November

Traditional Wrestling Tournaments

Post-harvest season brings community wrestling competitions, particularly in neighborhoods like Akpakpa and Cadjehoun. These evening events combine sport with cultural celebration and live traditional music.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - November storms dump 20-40 mm (0.8-1.6 inches) in 2 hours and flood streets temporarily

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, and reflection off sand and water intensifies exposure

Waterproof phone case - sudden downpours and high humidity can damage electronics

Comfortable closed-toe shoes - for temple visits and protection from flooded streets during storms

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity for 2-3 days

Portable phone charger - power outages lasting 2-3 hours occur 3-4 times weekly

Light cotton sleepwear - accommodation often lacks reliable air conditioning, and nights stay warm at 25°C (77°F)

Microfiber towel - high humidity means regular towels take 24+ hours to dry

Cash in small denominations - markets and local transport require small CFA notes, ATMs often dispense large bills

Insider Knowledge

Use zémidjan motorcycle taxis for short distances during November's comfortable humidity - negotiate fares before riding, typically 200-500 CFA within city center

Shop for traditional textiles at Tokpa Hoho market early morning (6-8am) when vendors offer best selection and prices before tourist crowds arrive

Book accommodation with generator backup - power cuts increase in November during electrical grid maintenance after rainy season

Time restaurant visits for 6-8pm when evening Atlantic breezes cool outdoor seating areas by 3-4°C (5-7°F), making dining more pleasant

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating storm intensity - November rains are brief but torrential, flooding major roads like Boulevard de la Marina for hours

Wearing inappropriate footwear to religious sites - many temples require covered feet, and sandals aren't acceptable for cultural tours

Not carrying cash - most local experiences, transport, and food vendors only accept CFA francs in small denominations