Climate Benin
The climate is marked by the alternation of a rainy season and a dry season. But it also differs between the North and the South of the country. The dry season is obviously the best time to travel. The tracks are more practicable, most of the festivals and voodoo ceremonies take place during this season and the wildlife parks are more interesting. In the south, the dry season extends from November to mid-April. In the north, from mid-October to mid-May. The periods of heavy rains are June and September in the South and July and August in the North. The high tourist season extends from mid-December to mid-May. But during the winter season (the rainy season), travel can be just as pleasant because the landscapes are very beautiful. Especially in the North, where nature becomes very green. Temperatures generally vary between 22°C and 36°C throughout the year and in the whole country.
Geographical particularities
In the southern part of the country, the climate is sub-equatorial (Guinean climate) and it is marked by a high humidity. It is not uncommon for the humidity level to reach... 94%! From Cotonou to Savé, there can be up to 1,400 mm of rainfall per year. And, in general, the average temperature does not go below 25°C. On the other hand, as one moves northward, the climate becomes subtropical (or Sudanian), which means that it is somewhat warmer and less rainy. It generally does not fall more than 1,000 mm of rain per year in the northwest and 850 mm in the northeast. Beware, the area of the Atacora mountain range has a particular tropical climate, which is characterized by cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. And you should not hesitate to pack a little wool in your suitcase for the evenings if you plan to spend in this region. Also note that the average temperature of the ocean varies between 26°C (August) and 29°C (April and May), but swimming is dangerous, whatever the season.
Distinct seasons in the South
These differences of climate between the North and the South are also found through the seasons. Indeed, the year in the south of the country is punctuated by four seasons.
From November to mid-April, it is the hottest season, a dry season with temperatures varying between 24 and 30 °C and obviously the season favored by travelers. Between mid-April and mid-July, the country experiences a rainy season, with particularly heavy rainfall in June. Then, good news for summer vacationers, the dry season returns from mid-July to mid-September. Finally, from mid-September to November, the south of the country experiences a small rainy season with temperatures varying between 24 and 29°C and showers.
A long dry season in the North
Unlike the south, the north of Benin has only one rainy season. This is followed by a long dry season that is divided into two periods. From mid-October to the beginning of March, the region experiences a dry season, but relatively cool with temperatures varying between 15 and 35°C. This is the time when the harmattan blows, a dry and cold wind coming from the northeast, loaded with dust, which lays an orange ochre veil in front of the sun and which can sometimes be a little painful (especially around January).
Then, from the beginning of March to mid-May, the dry and hot season begins, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 40°C. This is the most pleasant period in the north. Finally, from mid-May to mid-October, the rainy season appears with a large number of showers, especially in August. The temperature then varies between 22 and 34 °C.
