Climate in Benin

Benin has a tropical or equatorial climate, and is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures and humidity particularly high along the coast. In Cotonou, the average maximum temperature is 87F (31C) and the average minimum temperature is 75F (24C). Rainfall varies in Benin. There are two rainy seasons in the south, from April to mid-July, and from mid-September to late October; and a rainy season in the north from June to early October. During the rainy season smaller roads in Benin often become impassable and national parks tend to close during the wet season for this reason. The Harmattan wind blows in from the Sahara Desert between December and March, during the dry season, bringing heat and dust; but the hottest time of year is between February and April. The best time to visit Benin is between November and February, when travellers may have to contend with the hot Harmattan winds, but miss the rain and the worst of the heat.