Climate Insights for Cotonou

The climate in Cotonou is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1175mm of precipitation falls per year. June is the wettest month, receiving around 269mm of rainfall. Cotonou sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Cotonou has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 4°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 25°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 1°C between highs and lows.

Cotonou is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1175mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 98mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 269mm of rainfall. October and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 18mm. That's 251mm 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.

Cotonou is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 18km/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 22km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 15km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 7km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 16km/h in winter, 19km/h in spring, 21km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.

It is currently autumn in Cotonou, which began on September 23, 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 25°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).

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 99mm per month. By contrast, April can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 29°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

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.