Benin: When to Go

If you don't want to get wet, avoid Southern Benin's rainy seasons in April to mid-July, and mid-September to late October. Northern Benin gets a soaking from June to early October. The hottest time of the year is from February to April when temperatures can soar to 46°C in the north (the coastal south is significantly cooler). Harmattan winds billow out of the Sahara between December and March, so November and February are your windows of opportunity for a pleasant stay.

Parts of the northern Atakora region occasionally receive heavy rainfall, and smaller roads throughout Benin may be impassable during the rainy seasons; notably those in the wildlife parks, particularly Parc Regional du W.

Weather

While the northern area of Benin stays hot and dry from October to April, with temperatures sometimes topping 40°C (104°F), the country's diminutive coastal region has two rainy seasons (in May-June and October) and more comfortable conditions throughout the year. December to February is the time to visit the south, as the temperature remains constant around 25°C (77°F).