Cotonou, Benin Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cotonou
Located in Benin, Cotonou experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 87°F (30°C) in March and dip to about 80°F (26°C) in August, with around 43.8 inches (1113 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: March - highs near 87°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: August - highs near 80°F (26°C)
- Record high: 96°F (35°C) · Record low: 69°F (21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (25 rainy days) · Sunniest: December (10.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on March. Highs average 87°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 81°F (27°C). The coolest month is August, with typical highs of 80°F (26°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 96°F (35°C) and dropped as low as 69°F (21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 8.6 inches (219 mm) of rain over 25 days, while December is the driest. December brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.5 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87° | 77° | 5 | 0.8 in | 10.3 h/day | 79% |
| February | 87° | 79° | 8 | 1.3 in | 10.4 h/day | 81% |
| March | 87° | 81° | 15 | 2.8 in | 9.8 h/day | 82% |
| April | 87° | 81° | 15 | 2.7 in | 9.9 h/day | 81% |
| May | 85° | 80° | 21 | 5.9 in | 9.7 h/day | 82% |
| June | 82° | 77° | 25 | 8.6 in | 8.3 h/day | 85% |
| July | 80° | 76° | 18 | 4.4 in | 9.4 h/day | 86% |
| August | 80° | 75° | 15 | 3.0 in | 9.6 h/day | 86% |
| September | 81° | 76° | 22 | 5.0 in | 8.9 h/day | 86% |
| October | 83° | 77° | 24 | 6.0 in | 9.3 h/day | 85% |
| November | 85° | 79° | 19 | 2.6 in | 10.4 h/day | 83% |
| December | 87° | 78° | 7 | 0.7 in | 10.5 h/day | 79% |
Cotonou month by month
Cotonou weather in January
January brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 5 wet days.
Cotonou weather in February
February brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 8 wet days.
Cotonou weather in March
March brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Cotonou.
Cotonou weather in April
April brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), about 15 wet days.
Cotonou weather in May
May brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 80°F (26°C), about 21 wet days.
Cotonou weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 25 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Cotonou.
Cotonou weather in July
July brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 18 wet days.
Cotonou weather in August
August brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 15 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Cotonou.
Cotonou weather in September
September brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 22 wet days.
Cotonou weather in October
October brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 24 wet days.
Cotonou weather in November
November brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 19 wet days.
Cotonou weather in December
December brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Cotonou.
Seasons in Cotonou
March through May
March through May in Cotonou is hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 80°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 50 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Cotonou runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 81°F (27°C) and nights around 76°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 58 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Cotonou is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 78°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 65 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Cotonou brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 78°F (26°C); expect showers on roughly 21 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cotonou?
Is Cotonou hot in summer?
Is Cotonou cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cotonou get in a year?
Best time to visit Cotonou
The best time to visit Cotonou is generally December to February and August, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 85°F (29°C).
Pack for Cotonou with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - March nights average 81°F (27°C).
Cotonou temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.