The Climate in Benin

There are two climatic zones in Benin, a southern and a northern. Southern has an equatorial type of climate which has 2 seasons – wet and dry; each season occurs twice in a year. The hot and dry seasons occurs from January to April and during the month of August. The rainy seasons occur from May to July then September to December. The average monthly temperature in southern Benin ranges from 20° to 34° Celsius. The rain amount increases rapidly in east side. Sea breezes temper the climate during much of the year. In northern climatic zone the wet and dry seasons occurs only once. It has the most extreme temperature. Hot and dry season is between November and June; cooler and very wet weather between July and October.

Avoid June at all costs; it’s the wettest month in all districts. The area around Cotonou and the coast is broadly hot and humid. In the dry season the harmattan (hot dry wind that blows from the northeast or east of Sahara) blows from December to March. On average amount about 890 mm (about 35 in) of rain falls yearly in northern Benin, mainly from May to September. Bringing a raincoat and an umbrella is highly recommended during the rainy season in Benin. Warmer clothes are advised for the cool evenings in the country.