When to go · Benin

Benin, month by month

The best months for Benin: Feb, Dec. Months to avoid: Jun.

Plan around it

Month by month

JanuaryGoodDry; Vodun Days in Ouidah around 8–10 January. Book early.Coast and lagoons: best weather · Plateau: smoke haze · North savanna: smoke hazeCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
FebruaryGreatDry and hot; clear coastal days, Harmattan inland.Coast and lagoons: best weather · Plateau: best weather · North savanna: smoke hazeCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
MarchMixedVery humid; first storms late in the month.Coast and lagoons: hot · Plateau: hot · North savanna: hotCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
AprilMixedLong rains begin on the coast.Coast and lagoons: rainy · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: hotCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
MayMixedRainy; lagoon villages and Ganvié still work between showers.Coast and lagoons: rainy · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: rainyCrowds: Low · 3 festivals or holidays
JuneAvoidWettest month on the coast; roads flood in Cotonou.Coast and lagoons: rainy · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: rainyCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
JulyMixedRain eases; the dry break begins late in the month.Coast and lagoons: fine · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: rainyCrowds: Low
AugustGoodShort dry spell on the coast; Independence Day on 1 August.Coast and lagoons: fine · Plateau: fine · North savanna: rainyCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
SeptemberMixedSecond rains start.Coast and lagoons: rainy · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: rainyCrowds: Low
OctoberMixedRainy in the south; lagoons are high for boat trips.Coast and lagoons: rainy · Plateau: rainy · North savanna: fineCrowds: Low
NovemberGoodDry season returns; green and quiet.Coast and lagoons: fine · Plateau: fine · North savanna: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
DecemberGreatDry and warm; festive season in Cotonou.Coast and lagoons: best weather · Plateau: best weather · North savanna: smoke hazeCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday

Weather by region

How each climate zone rates each month.

Weather rating by region and month
Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Coast and lagoonsCotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Grand-Popo, Ganvié	Best	Best	Hot	Wet	Wet	Wet	OK	OK	Wet	Wet	OK	Best
PlateauAbomey, Bohicon, Dassa-Zoumé	Haze	Best	Hot	Wet	Wet	Wet	Wet	OK	Wet	Wet	OK	Best
North savannaParakou, Natitingou, Atakora, Pendjari	Haze	Haze	Hot	Hot	Wet	Wet	Wet	Wet	Wet	OK	Best	Haze