Cotonou weather and climate in 2024
Day
30 °C
Night
24 °C
Sea
27 °C
Precipitation
173 mm
in month
Rainy days
12 days
in month
Daylight
12 hours
average
Sunshine
6 hours
average
Humidity
84 %
Day
30 °C
Night
24 °C
Sea
27 °C
Precipitation
173 mm
in month
Rainy days
12 days
in month
Daylight
12 hours
average
Sunshine
6 hours
average
Humidity
84 %
Overview: Cotonou
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Weather overview for Cotonou
Weather overview
Cotonou, the bustling port city on the southern coast of Benin, offers a tropical savannah climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Daytime highs range from a comfortable 28 °C (82 °F) in August to a warmer 32 °C (90 °F) in March. Notably, Cotonou experiences higher rainfall during the months from April to July, peaking with an impressive 317 mm (12.49 in) in June. Even during the dry season, which is from November to January, the nighttime lows rarely dip below 23 °C (74 °F). The city's coastal location ensures moderate wind speed throughout the year, and the humidity levels maintain a perennial moistness in the atmosphere.
January weather
January in Cotonou ushers in the dry season, with decidedly high temperatures of 31 °C (88 °F). As the month with the fewest wet days, at only 2 days, and minimal rainfall amounting to 16 mm (0.64 in), it offers clear skies and plenty of sunshine, averaging 6 hours per day.
February weather
February sees Cotonou's temperatures soaring to a summery 32 °C (90 °F). Rainfall remains low with about 3 days of wet conditions. The daytime is blessed with ample sunlight, on average 7 hours, promoting a predominantly outdoor lifestyle.
March weather
March in Cotonou marks the tail end of the dry season, with day temperatures peaking at 32 °C (90 °F). While the wet day count rises to 6 days, the humidity also inches up, making the heat feel more intense.
April weather
April's arrival brings more moisture to Cotonou, with rain seen on an average of 8 days. The rainfall volume is considerable too, at 116 mm (4.58 in). A more persistent cloud cover leads to slightly fewer sunshine hours of 7 hours daily.
May weather
May in Cotonou is characterized by an uptick in both humidity and rain, with the latter totaling 205 mm (8.07 in). Days are toasty with temperature highs averaging 31 °C (88 °F); however, the increased cloudiness results in reduced sun hours, tallying 7 hours.
June weather
June stands as the pinnacle of the rainy season in Cotonou, with rain falling on an average of 15 days and culminating in a monthly total of 317 mm (12.49 in). The temperatures cool slightly to an average daytime high of 30 °C (85 °F), and the subdued sunshine, with just 5 hours, signals a subdued month for sunbathing.
July weather
July in Cotonou offers a slight reprieve from the heavy showers, with rain seen on 11 days. With temperatures hovering around 28 °C (83 °F) during the day, the city experiences its coolest month, yet still comfortably warm.
August weather
Cotonou begins to dry out slightly by August, with daytime temperatures still mild at 28 °C (82 °F). Rain can be expected on about 8 days, while the sun graces the city for approximately 4 hours a day.
September weather
September sees the weather in Cotonou start to evolve with temperate days around 29 °C (84 °F), though rains are still present on approximately 12 days. The atmosphere regains some sunlight, peaking at 5 hours daily.
October weather
October's return in Cotonou is noticeable by a rejuvenating 30 °C (86 °F) and a gradual reduction in rainfall, with an average of 12 days. The amount of sunshine starts to stretch out to 6 hours, offering brighter days.
November weather
November welcomes the dry season in Cotonou, with temperatures rising back to 32 °C (89 °F) and a dramatic fall in rainfall to 47 mm (1.87 in). The skies clear up to unveil 7 hours of sun, making it one of the brighter months.
December weather
December in Cotonou caps off the year with warmth, carrying average highs of 32 °C (89 °F). Rain is scarce, accumulating minimally at 16 mm (0.63 in), and the return to dry weather is confirmed with about 7 hours of golden rays lighting up each day.
FAQs
Is January a dry month in Cotonou?
Absolutely, January in Cotonou brings a dry spell with an average of only 2 days of rain and a low precipitation of 16 mm (0.64 in).
How warm is it during the day in Cotonou in February?
February in Cotonou is quite warm with average daytime temperatures reaching 32 °C (90 °F), perfect for beach-goers and sun lovers.
Does Cotonou start getting wetter in March?
Indeed, March sees an increase in rainy days to 6 days, signaling the approach of the wet season in Cotonou.
What is the increase in rainfall like in Cotonou in April?
April in Cotonou witnesses a marked increase in rainfall, with precipitation reaching 116 mm (4.58 in) spread across 8 days.
How do you describe the weather in Cotonou during May?
Cotonou's weather in May features hot days, high humidity, and significant rainfall, with pivotal moments for the start of the wet season.
What kind of weather should I expect in Cotonou in June?
June's weather in Cotonou is noticeably wet with significant rainfall and reduced temperatures, creating a lush, verdant backdrop.
Does the rain let up a bit in Cotonou during July?
Yes, compared to June, July sees a reduction in the number of rainy days, falling to 11 days, and in overall precipitation levels.
How does the weather transition in Cotonou during August?
August sees a gradual weather transition in Cotonou with a decrease in rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures signaling the impending conclusion of the wet season.
Is September still wet in Cotonou?
Yes, September in Cotonou is relatively wet with more than a third of the month experiencing rainfall.
Does the amount of rainfall decrease in Cotonou during October?
Indeed, Cotonou's October skies hold back a bit on rain compared to the peak wet months, with a slight decrease in wet days.
How does the dry season begin in Cotonou in November?
The dry season in Cotonou kicks off with rising temperatures and significantly less rainfall—ushering in a drier, sunnier November.
Is December a suitable month for outdoor activities in Cotonou?
With plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, December is perfect for outdoor ventures in Cotonou, offering many balmy days.
We make the most from 40 years of historical weather data to predict the best weather conditions.
Deciding on where to go for a holiday is hard sometimes. Get inspired by the most popular destinations.
We aggregate data from combining multiple weather sources to ensure accuracy of the highest order.