Climate Overview
The climate in Cotonou is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1121mm of precipitation falls per year. June is the wettest month, receiving around 251mm of rainfall. Cotonou sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Cotonou has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 5°C range. The warmest month is April, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 24°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 2°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Cotonou is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1121mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 93mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 251mm of rainfall. October and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 14mm. That's 237mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Cotonou is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 5km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is August, averaging 6km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
93 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Cotonou, which began on June 21, 2026. Cotonou sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in April at around 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 24°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 27 to 29°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 269mm for the season, averaging 90mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 24 to 27°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 417mm across the season with a monthly average of 139mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 358mm across the season with a monthly average of 119mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 26 to 29°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 76mm over the season and a monthly average of 25mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cotonou is during August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 25°C with modest rainfall averaging 66mm per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 29°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Cotonou based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
