Question 1

What is the weather like in Cotonou during the wet season?

Accepted Answer

The wet season in Cotonou (May – October) brings daily afternoon thunderstorms and heavy downpours, though mornings are typically sunny and clear. Temperatures remain warm at 26–34°C (79–93°F). Humidity climbs to 70–90%, making feels-like temperatures noticeably higher than the thermometer reading. Pack a compact umbrella and expect occasional short-term flooding on low-lying streets.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit Cotonou for good weather?

Accepted Answer

The dry season (November – April) offers the most comfortable conditions: clear skies, lower humidity, and warm temperatures of 24–32°C (75–90°F). This is the peak tourist period in Cotonou for outdoor sightseeing and activities. Accommodation tends to book out early during this window, especially over public holidays.

Question 3

Does it ever get cold in Cotonou?

Accepted Answer

No — the tropical location of Cotonou at 6.4° latitude means temperatures almost never fall below 20°C (68°F), even overnight during the coolest months. Snow is impossible. The coolest period coincides with the dry season, when nights may dip to 20–22°C (68–72°F) — still warm by any global standard.

Question 4

Does Cotonou experience extreme weather events?

Accepted Answer

The primary weather risks in Cotonou are related to heavy rainfall: flash flooding, landslides in hilly areas, and tropical cyclones near coastlines within the cyclone belt (roughly lat 5°–20°). The city sits at 6.4° north, placing it in a zone where tropical cyclone tracks are possible during peak season.

Question 5

What causes the seasonal weather pattern in Cotonou?

Accepted Answer

The wet-dry cycle in Cotonou is driven by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) — a belt of low pressure near the equator where trade winds converge and cause heavy convective rainfall. As the ITCZ migrates seasonally toward the Northern summer, it brings the wet season. When it retreats, the dry season follows. Regional monsoon systems amplify this pattern across much of Asia and West Africa.

Weather in Cotonou

About Cotonou Weather

Cotonou Weather by Season

Wet Season

Dry Season

Related

Cotonou Weather — Frequently Asked Questions