Best Time to Visit Benin
Benin is at its sunniest and driest in January–December.
The best time to visit Benin for sunny, dry weather is November–February — 4 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers August and November–April, while the wetter half runs through May–July and September–October. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 25.8°C / 78.4°F in August to 30°C / 86°F in March, and monthly rainfall from 5 mm / 0.2 in (January) to 191 mm / 7.5 in (September). Benin's climate is broadly consistently warm. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Benin can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.5°C81.5°F | 5 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Hot |
| February | 29°C84.2°F | 15 mm0.6″ | Sunny & Hot |
| November | 28°C82.4°F | 25 mm1″ | Sunny & Hot |
| December | 27.6°C81.7°F | 8 mm0.3″ | Sunny & Hot |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Benin?
The best time to visit Benin for sunny, dry weather is January, February, November, December. The warmest month is March (30°C / 86°F country-wide average) and the driest is January (about 5 mm / 0.2 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Benin?
The rainy season in Benin runs through May–July and September–October, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 104 mm / 4.1 in. The wettest single month is September, averaging 191 mm / 7.5 in.
What is the dry season in Benin?
The drier half of the year in Benin covers August and November–April, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 104 mm / 4.1 in. The driest single month is January with about 5 mm / 0.2 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Benin?
The least comfortable months for travel in Benin — based on our climate data — are June, July, August, September, October. These are Benin's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 191 mm / 7.5 in in September, and temperatures bottom out at 25.8°C / 78.4°F in August.
Is there a shoulder season in Benin?
Shoulder-season months in Benin — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include March, April, August, October. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.