Cotonou, Benin

🇧🇯 Cotonou, Benin



6:4118:52
100 USD = 56500 XOF
TaxiTaxi:
Safety: High degree of caution

Forecast by:
11 Sep
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Temp (°C)30°
25°
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29°
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29°
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29°
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Precipitation30%33%44%27%21%26%28%
Humidity82%81%82%81%80%82%83%
Wind25 km/h23 km/h22 km/h24 km/h24 km/h26 km/h19 km/h

Best time to visit Benin

The best time to visit Cotonou is January, February, November and December, when conditions are generally dry and outdoor sightseeing is practical. March and August are reasonable alternatives, though occasional rain and humidity may affect shorter visits. April to July and September to October are less suitable because of frequent or persistent rain.

JanuaryGreatTemp (°C)28°Rain (mm)9Sun Hours10Dry Days28

January is hot at 22-32°C, with dry air and harmattan haze. The nearby Ouidah Vodun festival adds a seasonal cultural attraction.

FebruaryGreatTemp (°C)29°Rain (mm)16Sun Hours9Dry Days23

February is hot and humid at 23-33°C, with generally dry weather suited to coastal sightseeing.

MarchOKTemp (°C)32°Rain (mm)13Sun Hours9Dry Days26

March is very hot and humid at 24-33°C, with occasional rain and manageable conditions for shorter outdoor visits.

AprilAvoidTemp (°C)32°Rain (mm)12Sun Hours9Dry Days24

April is hot at 24-33°C, with the main rainy season bringing frequent showers and humid conditions.

MayAvoidTemp (°C)31°Rain (mm)25Sun Hours9Dry Days22

May is hot and humid at 24-32°C, with regular rain during the main wet season interrupting outdoor activities.

JuneAvoidTemp (°C)29°Rain (mm)57Sun Hours7Dry Days14

June is humid and rainy at 24-30°C, with persistent downpours often disrupting sightseeing and outdoor plans.

JulyAvoidTemp (°C)27°Rain (mm)62Sun Hours6Dry Days14

July is warm at 23-29°C, with persistent main-season rain that can interrupt outdoor activities and local travel.

AugustOKTemp (°C)26°Rain (mm)33Sun Hours6Dry Days15

August is warm and humid at 23-29°C, with a relative pause in the main rains but occasional showers during sightseeing.

SeptemberAvoidTemp (°C)27°Rain (mm)44Sun Hours7Dry Days14

September is humid at 23-30°C, with a renewed rainy spell that can disrupt beach visits and outdoor sightseeing.

OctoberAvoidTemp (°C)29°Rain (mm)22Sun Hours8Dry Days22

October is hot and humid at 24-31°C, with the secondary rainy period bringing regular showers and disrupted outdoor plans.

NovemberGreatTemp (°C)29°Rain (mm)14Sun Hours9Dry Days26

November is hot at 24-32°C, with generally dry conditions and occasional rain suited to exploring Cotonou and the coast.

DecemberGreatTemp (°C)28°Rain (mm)7Sun Hours10Dry Days28

December is hot at 23-32°C, with dry air and possible harmattan haze. Outdoor sightseeing is generally practical.

Sources: en.wikivoyage.org

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Cotonou Private Tour

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Painting Experience in Cotonou

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Brief

  • Try local dishes such as amiwo (red cornmeal with sauce), akassa with fish or seafood, wagassi cheese, grilled fish, and fresh tropical fruit.
  • Cotonou is a major coastal transport hub, but onward travel toward Niger may be subject to changing border arrangements and should be checked before departure.

Safety and health

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required for arriving travellers aged 9 months and older, and is also recommended by health authorities. Carry the vaccination certificate when entering Benin. (cdc.gov)
  • Malaria and dengue are mosquito-borne risks. Use repellent, wear covering clothing, and sleep under screened or treated nets where necessary. (cdc.gov | wikivoyage.org)
  • Avoid swimming, wading, or washing in untreated freshwater because of schistosomiasis. After heavy rain, avoid floodwater, mud, and exposed soil, and cover cuts to reduce the risk of melioidosis. (cdc.gov)
  • Reduce exposure to ticks and avoid rodents, their droppings, and contact with sick people or bodily fluids because tick-borne infections and Lassa fever occur in Benin. (cdc.gov)
  • Exercise care with food and drink: choose thoroughly cooked food and sealed bottled water if sensitive to chlorinated tap water. (wikivoyage.org)

Recent News

  • 4 September 2026: Benin rejected allegations that it was involved in an attempted destabilisation of Niger. Tensions between the countries continue to affect diplomatic relations and may complicate onward travel or cross-border trade routes. (nasuba.info)
  • August 2026: Cotonou police arrested 21 people and seized cannabis and allegedly falsified medicines during a raid in the Missèplé neighbourhood. Travellers should avoid suspected drug-use areas and should not carry or purchase controlled substances. (wansom.ai)
  • August 2026: Municipal authorities began a final warning campaign before removing roadside garages, abandoned vehicles, and unauthorised businesses across Cotonou. Enforcement operations could cause temporary road closures, vehicle removals, or traffic disruption. (beninwebtv.bj)
  • Late October to early November 2026: A possible Cotonou stop by French President Emmanuel Macron has been reported as part of a planned West African tour. If confirmed, expect heightened security and possible traffic restrictions around official venues. (capmad.com)