The climate of Benin
Situated in West Africa,
Benin boasts a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and is cradled between Togo and Nigeria. The geography of Benin includes a variety of landscapes, from the sandy shores and lagoons in the south to the rolling hills and plateaus in the north. Owing to its position in the tropics, Benin enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, falling into the Köppen climate classification of 'Aw', or Tropical Savanna Climate. Monthly mean temperatures consistently stay above 18°C (64.4°F), making the weather in Benin invariably warm. The nation experiences two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season runs roughly from
April to
July and again from
September to
November. During this period, average precipitation can reach up to 1300mm (51.18"), primarily due to the African monsoon. Contrarily, the dry season, occurring from
December to
March, witnesses less than 60mm (2.36") of precipitation, often accompanied by the Harmattan, a dry, dusty wind blowing from the Sahara Desert.
The best time to visit Benin
The optimal time to visit
Benin largely depends on the activities one wishes to pursue. However, the general consensus is that the months from
November to
February are considered the best period to explore the country. During these months, temperatures remain comfortably warm, fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), and the weather is generally dry due to the influence of the Harmattan. This dry and relatively cooler period offers optimal conditions for outdoor pursuits such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the cultural heritage of Benin without the discomfort of excessive heat or heavy rainfall.
The worst time to visit Benin
In terms of unfavorable weather, the wettest periods in
Benin, primarily between
April and
July and again in
September and
October, might prove challenging for travel. During these months, precipitation levels soar, making roads less navigable and outdoor activities less enjoyable. Additionally, high levels of humidity associated with the wet season can lead to uncomfortable heat, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F). It is also worth noting that the high rainfall during these periods may lead to increased mosquito activity, a pertinent consideration for those concerned about malaria.
Spring weather in Benin
Given its location in the tropics,
Benin does not experience the four traditional seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter as in temperate climates. Instead, its climate oscillates between wet and dry seasons. However, to align with the requested format, the months of
March to
May may be considered analogous to spring in Benin. During this period, the weather transitions from the dry season to the wet season. Rainfall gradually increases, but temperatures remain consistently high, with average highs hovering between 32°C (89.6°F) to 35°C (95°F).
Summer weather in Benin
For the purposes of this analysis, the period from
June to
August is considered as
Benin's 'summer'. These months correspond to the peak of the wet season, and rainfall is at its highest, particularly in the south of the country. Despite the rainfall, temperatures remain high, typically fluctuating between 27°C (80.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Humidity levels are also quite high during these months, which can make the heat feel more intense.
Autumn weather in Benin
The months of
September to
November, representing 'autumn', mark another transitional period in
Benin's weather. Early September still experiences the tail end of the wet season, with high rainfall. However, by late
October and into November, the dry season begins to take hold, and the volume of rainfall reduces significantly. During this period, average temperatures vary between 27°C (80.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), providing a warm and increasingly dry climate.
Winter weather in Benin
'Winter' in
Benin corresponds to the months from
December to
February. However, unlike the typical cold associated with winter in many parts of the world, Benin's 'winter' is dry and warm. This period represents the dry season in Benin, characterized by minimal rainfall and the influence of the Harmattan wind, which can sometimes create a haze due to the dust it carries from the Sahara. Despite the dryness, temperatures remain relatively warm, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Benin marks the heart of the dry season, often characterized by warm, dry conditions with minimal rainfall. Average temperatures in January usually range between 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), creating a comfortable climate for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Benin,
February represents the tail end of the dry season, maintaining relatively warm and dry conditions that characterise
January. However, there is a slight increase in average temperatures, generally fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signifies the transition phase between the dry and wet seasons in
Benin. Although it is still a part of the dry season, this month experiences a noticeable change in the weather pattern, including a slight increase in both temperatures and precipitation compared to
February. Average temperatures in March range from 26°C (78.8°F) to 35°C (95°F), marking a gradual rise in warmth from the preceding months.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April in
Benin ushers in the first major phase of the wet season, presenting a significant change in weather patterns compared to the preceding dry months. This month sees a sharp rise in precipitation, with average rainfall around 80mm (3.15"), signifying the commencement of the monsoon. The temperature during April remains relatively high, with averages ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Benin marks a progression of the wet season, with increased rainfall and consistently high temperatures. The average rainfall in May surges to 140mm (5.51"), notably more than in
April, signifying that the wet season is in full swing. Temperatures in May remain high, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), closely mirroring those of April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Benin falls within the peak of the wet season, characterized by high rainfall, heightened humidity, and consistently warm temperatures. Average rainfall in June can reach up to 230mm (9.06"), representing one of the highest levels of precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures during June remain relatively stable compared to the preceding months, with averages hovering between 24°C (75.2°F) and 32°C (89.6°F).
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Benin is the height of the wet season, experiencing the highest rainfall throughout the year. The average precipitation can rise to 280mm (11.02"), making it the rainiest month, particularly in the southern part of the country. Temperature-wise, July mirrors the previous months with averages between 24°C (75.2°F) and 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Benin marks the beginning of a gradual transition from the peak of the wet season, particularly in the southern regions of the country. While the month still experiences high rainfall, there is a noticeable decrease compared to
July, with average precipitation around 160mm (6.3"). Temperatures in August remain stable, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Benin signifies the end of the wet season, particularly in the southern parts of the country. Average rainfall decreases to 100mm (3.94"), marking a significant reduction from the high levels observed in the previous months. Temperature averages during September remain consistent, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Benin signifies the beginning of the dry season, with the weather pattern shifting from the high rainfall and humidity of the wet season. The average rainfall in October decreases substantially to 60mm (2.36"), indicating the end of the monsoon period. Average temperatures in October range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Benin marks the progression of the dry season, with a further decrease in rainfall and a significant change in the overall climate. Average precipitation in November drops to less than 20mm (0.79"), making it one of the driest months of the year. Average temperatures in November range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Benin marks the continuation of the dry season, characterized by minimal rainfall and the prevalent influence of the Harmattan wind. The average precipitation in December is less than 10mm (0.39"), making it one of the driest months of the year. Temperatures in December range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 33°C (91.4°F).
Weather in December »