When to go au Bénin ?
The tourist season corresponds to the dry season and therefore also to the opening of the parks. It runs from mid-December to mid-May. The trails are more practicable and most festivals and voodoo ceremonies take place during this season. But during the winter (rainy season), the scenery is very beautiful, especially in the verdant north. Temperatures generally vary between 22°C and 36°C throughout the year.
Benin's weather is characterized by a tropical climate and 2 seasons:
The high season, from November to April, is dry;
The low season, from May to October, corresponds to the rainy season, with more frequent showers in the north.
Temperatures in Benin oscillate between moderate heat on the coast and more intense temperatures in inland regions. In fact, the coast offers a refreshing sea breeze all year round. Get ready to feel the tropics!
When is the best time to visit Benin and take full advantage of its treasures? This West African country reveals its many facets depending on the season:
The best time to visit Benin is from November to February. During these months, the weather is milder, so you can enjoy visits to the historic towns of Abomey and Ouidah, or explore the wildlife of the Pendjari National Park.
From June to October, Benin experiences its peak tourist season and the rainy season. This is also the period when traditional festivals, such as the famous International Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, are in full swing. Bear in mind, however, that there's plenty of rain to go around.
March to July is the rainy season in the south, but don't forget it! Nature is in full bloom, the landscapes are lush, and it's a great time for photography. However, some travel may be more complicated due to the rains.
If you travel to Benin in January, this not-to-be-missed event plunges you into the heart of voodoo rituals, in a whirlwind of dance and color. It's the incredible Festival International de Porto-Novo, a fascinating immersion in the country's arts and traditions.
When should you travel to Benin if you're looking for the best rates? The low season, from April to October, although rainy, offers more affordable accommodation rates. For an authentic experience at a lower cost, this is an opportune time to discover Benin. The months in between, like September and October, offer a compromise between weather and crowds. They're ideal for enjoying Benin without the crowds of the peak months. Each time of year reveals a different face of Benin. Immerse yourself in the cultural effervescence or lose yourself in the tranquility of the natural landscapes, Benin welcomes you with open arms, whatever the time of year.
Travel au Bénin
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks au Bénin
Le Bénin s’étend du nord au sud sur quelque 800 km, ce qui permet de découvrir, même durant un séjour relativement court, différents aspects du pays, de sa culture et de ses paysages. Cependant, les trajets sont relativement longs et il faudra compter une dizaine d'heures pour monter dans le Nord du pays depuis Cotonou. Pour avoir un bon aperçu du Sud du pays, explorer le littoral et découvrir la capitale administrative Porto-Novo et les cités historiques de Ouidah et d'Abomey, il faudra compter au moins une semaine, idéalement une dizaine de jours. Pour envisager de remonter dans le Nord-Est et ajouter à ce programme la découverte des tata somba et s'offrir un safari dans le parc de la Pendjari, il faudra compter un minimum de 2 semaines. A noter, pour les excursions dans le parc ou sortir des « sentiers battus », un 4x4 s’avère nécessaire. Afin de vous donner un bon aperçu du pays, divers itinéraires vous sont proposés.
Services

Find a hotel with Booking.com

Rent a car with Bsp-auto

Create a blog and travel journal

Find an agency with Quotatrip
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
Discover le Bénin
Benin is a small country that seems to have everything Africa has to offer. First and foremost, it's the cradle of vodoun (voodoo), the traditional religion that crossed the Atlantic with the slaves. Benin is also home to Ouidah, one of the African ports that saw the most men leave in chains for the New World, and also boasts some fine examples of Afro-Brazilian architecture... The former Kingdom of Dahomey has a rich history, which you'll want to discover by following the trails that cut through a wide variety of natural landscapes, from the Atlantic coast to the Sahel, via the Atacora mountain range. It's also home to the Parc de la Pendjari, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary for African wildlife (still closed for security reasons in summer 2024), Lake Ahémé and its fishermen, and immense sandy beaches for a refreshing siesta after a grilled fish.