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Cotonou, Benin · Equatorial tropical

Cotonou in October: go or not?

Mixed period. Cotonou in October: 5.3/10.

📅 Data updated: October 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 6.37°N · 2.39°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Why not
Cotonou · October
5.3
25–28°
Temperature
42%
Rain
6h
Sun
🌴 Tropical☀️ High UV🌧️ Monsoon season
Photo : Yanick Folly via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in October

In October, Cotonou sees 28°C during the day with 6.5h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 42% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.

October ranks 7 out of 12 months in Cotonou. Compared to September: 5 pts fewer rainy days, +1.3h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in October

UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
24°
Sea
28°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.9h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 20
Compare

Is October the right month?

The best month in Cotonou is December (6.0/10), 0.7 pt higher than October.

See December →See all 12 months →
Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Cotonou

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
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)
Location

Where is Cotonou ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Benin
Equatorial 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 October?
In October, the sea averages 28°C in Cotonou: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Cotonou in October?
The average UV index reaches 7 in October in Cotonou (high), with about 11.9h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.