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Contents
- The climate of Cotonou
- The best time to visit Cotonou
- The worst time to visit Cotonou
- Spring weather in Cotonou
- Summer weather in Cotonou
- Autumn weather in Cotonou
- Winter weather in Cotonou
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
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.
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 »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Cotonou?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 1 days and typically collects 9mm (0.35") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Cotonou?
Throughout the year, in Cotonou, there are 75 rainfall days, and 1308mm (51.5") of precipitation is accumulated.
What are the months with the highest UV index in Cotonou?
February through May, August through October, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Cotonou, Benin.
What is the warmest month in Cotonou?
In Cotonou, March is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 31.9°C (89.4°F) and a low of 25.9°C (78.6°F).
What are the months with the warmest sea water in Cotonou?
March through May and November, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), are months with the warmest seawater in Cotonou.
What is the least humid month in Cotonou?
With an average relative humidity of 76.5%, April is the least humid month in Cotonou.
What is the most humid month in Cotonou?
June is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 84%.
What is the rainiest month in Cotonou?
June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15 days and accumulates 356mm (14.02") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Cotonou?
With an average of 12h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Cotonou.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Cotonou?
With an average of 4.4h of sunshine, July has the least sunshine of the year in Cotonou.
What are the coldest months in Cotonou?
August is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 27.8°C (82°F) and as low as 23.4°C (74.1°F).
What month is the sea coldest in Cotonou?
The month with the coldest seawater in Cotonou is August, with an average sea temperature of 25°C (77°F).
What month has the most sunshine in Cotonou?
With an average of 8.1h of sunshine, November has the most sunshine of the year in Cotonou.
What is the month with the shortest days in Cotonou?
With an average of 11h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Cotonou.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cotonou?
Cotonou does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). WAT timezone is used over the entire year.
When is the lowest UV index in Cotonou?
December is the month with the lowest UV index in Cotonou, with an average maximum UV index of 10.
Average temperature
Cotonou, Benin
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is March (31.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (27.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is March (25.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is August (23.4°C).
Average humidity
Cotonou, Benin
The month with the highest relative humidity is June (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (76.5%).
Average rainfall
Cotonou, Benin
- Average rainfall in January:
9.2mm - Average rainfall in February:
36.8mm - Average rainfall in March:
73.8mm - Average rainfall in April:
137mm - Average rainfall in May:
196.9mm - Average rainfall in June:
356mm
- Average rainfall in July:
147mm - Average rainfall in August:
64.9mm - Average rainfall in September:
99mm - Average rainfall in October:
126.7mm - Average rainfall in November:
41.4mm - Average rainfall in December:
19.6mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (356mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (9.2mm).
Average rainfall days
Cotonou, Benin
- Average rainfall days in January:
1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
4 days - Average rainfall days in April:
7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
5 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (15 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (1 days).
Average sea temperature
Cotonou, Benin
The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are March, April, May and November (29°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (25°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cotonou, Benin
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
4h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
4h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
7h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 8h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 4h and 24min).
Average UV index
Cotonou, Benin
The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, August, September and October (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 10).
Cotonou, Benin
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