The climate of Cotonou
Strategically located on the coastal strip of West Africa,
Cotonou, a bustling city in the Republic of
Benin, boast a distinctive Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, classified as Aw under the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the city experiences high temperatures ranging from 27.8°C (82°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F) while lows spin between 23.4°C (74.1°F) on the lower end and 25.9°C (78.6°F) as the peak. No depletion or abundance of rainfall touches the lands of Cotonou, with monthly measurements oscillating from a low of 9mm (0.35") to a significant high of 356mm (14.02").
At the heart of Cotonou's climate, the temperature of seawater lies comfortably between 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) throughout the year. Further examining specific weather parameters, the city witnesses a pattern of relative humidity, with a slight ebb and flow between 76.5% and 84%. The city's monthly average daylight extends from 11.8 hours to 12.5 hours while sunshine hours stretch between a low of 4.4 hours to the upper limit of 8.1 hours.
An apparent element of Cotonou's climate is the high UV index, ranging from a noticeable 10 in
December to a sharp 12 during the months from
February to
April and in
August and
September. Meanwhile, rainfall showcases an intriguing pattern, where the frequency of rainy days gyrates from a low of one day per month to a hefty 15 days per month.
The best time to visit Cotonou
Travelers planning a trip to
Cotonou should reserve their calendars for
November and
December. These are the months when the city experiences the least rainfall, receiving merely 41mm (1.61") and 20mm (0.79") respectively, while maintaining a pleasant surrounding temperature. In alignment with this, the frequency of rainy days lands on a yearly low of merely two to four days per month. The balanced blend of low precipitation, high daylight hours of approximately 11.8, and soothing sea temperature of around 28°C (82.4°F), creates the perfect atmosphere to explore the vivid culture and charm of Cotonou.
The worst time to visit Cotonou
The temperamental monsoon prevails in the month of
June, sojourners should avoid this period due to the uninviting weather conditions. June receives the highest rainfall of about 356mm (14.02") and the number of rainy days peaks at 15, causing an interruption in outdoor activities. Despite the sea temperature being high at 28°C (82.4°F), the incessant rain and reduced sunshine hours to a low of 4.7 hours could potentially put a damper on beach activities and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Cotonou
Spring, from
March till
May, in
Cotonou sees a significant upturn in rainfall, from 74mm (2.91") in March to a peak of 197mm (7.76") by May. Simultaneously, the frequency of rainy days also amplifies from four days in March to a massive 11 days in May. Average high temperature floats around 31°C (87.8°F) while the low temperature maintains within the realm of 25°C (77°F). The sea temperature in the spring season remains consistent at 29°C (84.2°F), and the UV index marks the extreme level of 12.
Summer weather in Cotonou
Notably, the summer months of
June,
July, and
August in
Cotonou are characterized by copious rainfall, with June receiving the highest yearlong measurement of 356mm (14.02"). The number of rainy days ascends to a peak of 15 in June and gradually descends to eight by August. On the temperature front, the mercury ranges from a high of 29.2°C (84.6°F) to a low of 28°C (82.4°F). UV index, though slightly reduced from the spring months, remains considerably high at 11.
Autumn weather in Cotonou
In autumn, encompassing the months from
September to
November,
Cotonou sees a decrement in rainfall. It reduces from 99mm (3.9") in September to a fairly low 41mm (1.61") by November. The frequency of rainy days also lessens to a moderate span of four to eight days. The temperature, both high and low, maintains a steady curve with high temperatures resting between 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F) and low temperatures standing firm between 23.6°C (74.5°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F). Despite the change from summer, the UV index remains high during the autumn months, scoring 12 in September and 11 in November.
Winter weather in Cotonou
Winter, in
December and
January, brings cooler weather to
Cotonou with average high temperatures floating around 30°C (86°F) and low temperatures slightly below 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall in these months is minimal, measuring 20mm (0.79") in December and a bit higher at 9mm (0.35") in January. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days drops to an average of two days per month, facilitating a conducive environment for outdoor exploration. The UV index in winter reduces to a slightly lower yet noticeable level of 10 to 11, implying that sun protection remains essential. Sea temperatures in winter months firmly hold at a pleasant range of 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), providing an appealing prospect for beachgoers.
Weather in January
As the first month of the year arrives in
Cotonou,
Benin, the climatological forecast promises a medley of warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. The weather in
January, with respect to its preceding and succeeding months, demonstrates reasonably high temperatures, making it one of the warmer months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Cotonou transitions from
January's warmth into
February, an increase in both temperatures and rainfall becomes evident. February would not be distinguished as an excessively hot or cold month, but it does record an increase in the UV index to 12 units.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March's climate in
Cotonou unfolds with a continuation of rising temperatures and a surge in rainfall. Unsurprisingly, it is evident that March records the highest low temperature of 25.9°C (78.6°F) compared to other months. Although the UV index stays at 12 units, the total daylight does see a boost, providing an average of 12.1 hours per day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the city of
Cotonou experiences a blend of high temperatures and remarkable precipitation levels. While the average high and low temperatures stay constant, this month marks the most prolonged daylight duration of 12.3 hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a gradual decline in high temperatures in
Cotonou, while the rainfall reaches its yearly zenith. The increase in precipitation, which results in 197mm (7.76") of rainfall, verifies May as the month with the highest rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The month of
June in
Cotonou is known for succumbing to a decrease in temperature and daylight duration compared with
May. This month still holds a high level of precipitation, albeit less than the record level of May, receiving rainfall largely due to the extended rainy season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July unfurls in
Cotonou, the city witnesses further moderation in temperature and a significant reduction in rainfall. The cooling trend that began at the end of the second quarter persists, and relatively cooler sea temperatures of around 26°C (78.8°F) contribute to a pleasant climate.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Cotonou experiences a continuation of the cool trend from
July and a further decline in rainfall, setting the tone for the remainder of the season. The temperatures gently increase in their low values, whereas the daylight hours reduce to 12.3.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September’s weather in
Cotonou denotes a subtle transition from the wet season to less wet conditions. Indicating the start of a new trend, September records 99mm (3.9") of rainfall and an inadequate daily sunshine duration of 5.5 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a shift in
Cotonou’s weather towards a dry climate, although the rainfall does see a slight increase from the previous month, reaching 127mm (5"). The daylight duration shortens further to 12 hours, while the daily sunshine duration lengthens to 6.7 hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The penultimate month in
Cotonou is marked by a dramatic reduction in rainfall and extended sunshine duration. Compared to its preceding month,
November's weather conditions align more with the drier end of the spectrum, registering a total of only 41mm (1.61") of rainfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Capping off the calendar year,
December in
Cotonou mirrors many of the same climates found in
November, yet with an even further reduction in rainfall. A noteworthy characteristic of the final month is a significant decrease of total rainfall, down to 20mm (0.79"), marking it as the driest month of the year.
Weather in December »