Benin’s Climate Overview
Benin has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The weather can vary slightly depending on where you are in the country, but in general, it’s hot year-round with some regional differences.
Most of the northern part of Benin experiences extreme heat, particularly during the dry season, while coastal areas enjoy cooler breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. The rainy season can make travel harder due to muddy roads and high humidity.
To make your trip planning easier, here’s a breakdown of Benin’s weather month-by-month.
Benin’s Weather in January
January is in the dry season, so expect sunny weather. In the northern parts, temperatures hover around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day, but it can feel even hotter during peak afternoon hours. The coastal regions are a bit cooler thanks to the sea breeze, though it’s still warm. Rainfall is rare.
What to pack: Light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Benin’s Weather in February
February stays hot, especially in the north, with temperatures pushing above 32°C (90°F) in some areas. It remains dry, but be ready for dust in the air due to the Harmattan winds blowing from the Sahara. Rain is still rare this month.
What to pack: Light clothes, a bandana or scarf (to protect against dust), and plenty of water.
Benin’s Weather in March
March signals a gradual shift toward the rainy season. The temperatures, especially in the north, remain high, often between 30-35°C (86-95°F). In the south, it’s muggy, and you might notice a few showers starting toward the end of the month.
What to pack: Include breathable clothes, a light rain jacket, and mosquito repellent.
Benin’s Weather in April
April marks the beginning of the rainy season, particularly in the south. You’ll see more frequent rain showers, which break up the humidity. Northern Benin, however, remains hotter with less rain. Temperatures remain in the same range as March, but the humidity increases.
What to pack: Lightweight rain gear and waterproof shoes if you’ll be exploring muddy areas.
Benin’s Weather in May
May brings heavier rains, especially around southern cities like Cotonou. The inland regions also start to see more rainfall. Temperatures stay mostly in the 25-30°C (77-86°F) range, but it can feel steamy in between rain showers.
What to pack: Waterproof clothing and bug spray, especially if you plan to be outside a lot.
Benin’s Weather in June
Rain continues through June, especially in the southern part of the country. Roads can get tougher to travel as rains sometimes cause flooding. Humidity is still high, but temperatures are slightly lower than earlier months.
What to pack: Long-sleeve shirts and garments that dry quickly—humidity and rain can often keep clothes damp.
Benin’s Weather in July
July is still part of the rainy season, but the rain starts to slow down by the middle of the month. Temperatures remain mild, between 24-29°C (75-84°F), but the humidity can still be challenging, especially in the south.
What to pack: A mix of waterproof and light clothing.
Benin’s Weather in August
August continues with light rain, though it’s not as intense as earlier in the rainy season. Temperatures are back up, with highs around 28-32°C (82-90°F) across most of the country, and the humidity sticks around as well.
What to pack: Similar to July—light rain gear and clothes breathable enough for the humidity.
Benin’s Weather in September
Benin sees less rain in September compared to previous months, but you should still expect a few downpours. Temperatures stay warm and humid, making it important to stay hydrated while traveling, especially inland.
What to pack: Comfortable travel clothes with a focus on staying cool and protected from mosquitoes.
Benin’s Weather in October
October marks the end of the rainy season. In southern Benin, things start to dry up, but you might still notice the occasional rain shower. Temperatures are steady, with average highs between 28-33°C (82-91°F).
What to pack: Light, breathable clothing with a compact umbrella, just in case.
Benin’s Weather in November
November is comfortably warm. This is a great time to visit as the dry season begins, and the weather is less intense compared to hotter times of the year. It’s less humid and mostly clear skies all around Benin.
What to pack: Light clothing and a sunhat for daytime adventures.
Benin’s Weather in December
Harmattan winds from the Sahara return in December, reducing humidity and making the weather more pleasant, especially in the northern areas. The skies are usually clear, and the temperatures range between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
What to pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a scarf for the Harmattan dust.
Best Time to Visit Benin
The best time to visit is from November to February. This is the dry season, which means clearer skies and less chance of rain interfering with your plans. The temperatures are still warm, but the Harmattan winds can make it a bit more comfortable compared to the middle of the year. If you’re heading to northern Benin during summer months, be prepared for intense heat.
Practical Packing Tips for Each Season
For the dry season: Bring light, comfortable clothing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are necessary as the sun can be intense. If visiting during Harmattan (December-February), consider bringing a scarf to protect against dust.
For the rainy season: Waterproof clothing is essential, as rain can come quickly and unexpectedly. Light, quick-drying fabrics are a smart choice to deal with the humidity. Don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent, particularly if visiting rural areas.
Overall, no matter when you visit Benin, the key is to pack light, breathable clothing with anything extra you might need for rain or heat.
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