When to Cotonou
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January marks the heart of the dry season with minimal rainfall and hot temperatures. The harmattan winds may bring dust from the Sahara, creating hazy but generally sunny conditions. This is peak tourist season with excellent weather for outdoor activities.
February
February continues the dry season pattern with very little rain and increasingly warm temperatures. Clear skies dominate, making it ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The heat begins to intensify as the wet season approaches.
March
March represents the hottest and driest period of the year with peak temperatures and still minimal rainfall. The weather remains predominantly sunny, but the increasing heat signals the approaching wet season. Excellent for beach activities but can be quite hot for extensive outdoor exploration.
April
April marks the beginning of the wet season with increasing rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms become more common, but there are still plenty of sunny periods. The landscape begins to green up with the increased moisture.
May
May sees a significant increase in rainfall as the wet season establishes itself, with temperatures becoming more moderate. Heavy downpours are common, often in the afternoon or evening. The increased cloud cover provides some relief from the intense heat.
June
June experiences the heaviest rainfall of the year with frequent thunderstorms and overcast skies. Temperatures are more comfortable due to cloud cover and rain, but humidity remains high. This is the peak of the monsoon season with dramatic weather patterns.
July
July brings a surprising respite in the wet season with significantly reduced rainfall and the coolest temperatures of the year. This mini dry season offers more comfortable conditions despite being within the traditional wet period. Outdoor activities become more pleasant.
August
August continues the brief dry spell with minimal rainfall and the year's coolest temperatures. This represents the most comfortable weather conditions, with reduced humidity effects and pleasant temperatures for all activities. The brief respite from heavy rains makes it surprisingly appealing.
September
September sees the return of more significant rainfall as the second wet season begins, though temperatures remain relatively moderate. Afternoon thunderstorms become common again after the August lull. The weather becomes more unpredictable with alternating sunny and rainy periods.
October
October maintains significant rainfall with the second peak of the wet season, while temperatures begin to rise slightly. Heavy downpours are frequent, often accompanied by thunderstorms. The month represents the transition period before the dry season returns.
November
November marks the beginning of the dry season with dramatically reduced rainfall and rising temperatures. Clear skies return and outdoor conditions improve significantly. This transition month offers excellent weather as tourist season begins to pick up.
December
December establishes the dry season with minimal rainfall and hot, sunny conditions. The harmattan winds may begin to influence weather patterns, bringing dry air from the Sahara. This is the start of peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities.