BJ Cotonou, Benin

Cotonou
Which Season to Choose?

Cotonou, gateway to Benin — Ganvié the African Venice, Dantokpa market and Atlantic beaches.

Updated: March 2026 · Open-Meteo · 10 years · 12 months compared · 6.37°N 2.39°E
JanuaryBest month
86°FOptimal temperature
18%Rainy days

When to visit Cotonou?

🌞 Best time overall
January
🌡️ Optimal temperature
79°F–86°F in January
🌧 Least rain
18% rainy days in January
🌧 Wettest month
June (82%)
📅 Best score
8.3/10

Best time by type of trip

🏛️Ganvié (Venice of Africa)Nov–Mar — lake village on stilts, pirogue, 30,000 inhabitants.
🎭Dantokpa MarketYear-round — West Africa's largest market, voodoo, fabrics.
🏖️Beach RouteNov–Mar — coconut palm beaches, fishing villages, dry season.
💰BudgetNov–Feb — ideal season, accommodation €15–20, zémidjan €0.50.

Cotonou weather month by month

MonthMin °FMax °FRainy days (%)Precip. in/dSun h/dScore
☀️ January79°F86°F18%0.0in10.2h8.3/10
🌤️ February81°F88°F25%0.0in10.4h7.9/10
🌤️ March81°F86°F43%0.1in10.2h7.6/10
🌤️ April81°F86°F50%0.1in10.7h7.5/10
⛅ May79°F86°F64%0.2in10.9h7.2/10
🌦️ June77°F82°F82%0.3in9.5h7.1/10
🌤️ July75°F81°F57%0.1in10.6h7.5/10
🌤️ August75°F79°F51%0.1in10.8h7.6/10
⛅ September75°F81°F74%0.2in10.3h7.2/10
⛅ October77°F82°F73%0.2in10.6h7.3/10
⛅ November79°F86°F63%0.1in11.0h7.4/10
🌤️ December79°F86°F26%0.0in10.6h8.2/10
Ideal Fair Challenging climate Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years

🌴 Tropical destination — heavy rain months benefit from an algorithmic adjustment: tropical showers are intense but brief and usually don't ruin a trip.

What to expect each season

🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time

Average 30°F, 52% rainy days, 10.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.

☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time

Average 27°F, 63% rainy days, 10.3h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.

🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time

Average 28°F, 70% rainy days, 10.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.3/10.

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time

Average 30°F, 23% rainy days, 10.4h sunshine/day. Score: 8.1/10.

Find a place to stay in Cotonou

Check availability during the recommended period

Tip : off-peak months (June, July) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.

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Activities and tours in Cotonou

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences. Browse activities on GetYourGuide

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Detailed weather by month

Frequently asked questions

January is ideal with 18% rainy days and 30°F.
June is the wettest month with 82% rainy days.
Yes, January is the best month with an average of 30°F.
In winter, the average score is 8.1/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.

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