The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Cotonou. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (6% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. December (6.0/10) is significantly better if possible.
January ranks 2 out of 12 months in Cotonou. Compared to December: −1.0h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
23°
Sea
30°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.7h of daylight
Air quality
poor
AQI 77
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Cotonou is December (6.0/10), 0.1 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Cotonou
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Cotonou
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Benin
🗣️LanguageFrench
💶CurrencyFranc CFA (CFA)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘVery cheap · 1/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthAugust · 26°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJune · 60%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Cotonou ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
BeninEquatorial tropical climate with a 6.0 → 4.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
6.37°N · 2.39°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cotonou?
December is the best month with 30.0°C highs, 26.0°C lows, 7.1h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Cotonou get in December?
Cotonou averages 7.1 sunshine hours per day in December. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 6.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Cotonou?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Cotonou in December?
In December, overnight lows reach 26.0°C, while afternoon highs average 30.0°C.
Is Cotonou good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Cotonou scores 5.8/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains December with a score of 6.0/10.
When should you avoid Cotonou?
June is the most difficult month to visit Cotonou, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Cotonou in January?
In January, the sea averages 30°C in Cotonou: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Cotonou in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Cotonou (high), with about 11.7h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.