Thinking about Christmas in Cotonou? You’ll get warm tropical weather and almost no rain. Late December usually brings daytime highs around 30°C (86°F), nighttime lows near 24°C (75°F), and barely any rainfall. It’s honestly one of the driest stretches of the year, so you can wander the city or hit the coast without much worry about storms.
Humidity sticks around, but the sea breeze makes things feel more comfortable than in the wetter months. You’ll notice longer stretches of sunshine, too, compared to the rainy season. There’s plenty of daylight for exploring or just relaxing outdoors. The sea stays warm, usually 27–28°C (80–82°F), so swimming and lounging by the shore feel great.
Overview of Cotonou’s Climate in December
In December, Cotonou gets hot and humid. Daytime highs settle around 30°C, while nights stay warm near 25–26°C.
Rainfall drops off compared to the earlier part of the year. Sunshine is plentiful, making the weather easy to plan around.
Location and Climate Classification
Cotonou sits right on the southern coast of Benin, next to the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Its spot near the equator gives it a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen classification).
Humidity barely lets up, usually staying above 75%. In December, it averages around 80–83%, so the air feels warmer than the thermometer says.
The Atlantic Ocean keeps the local weather steady. Sea temperatures hover near 28°C, which helps keep the air and breezes consistent. Winds average about 3 m/s, just enough to cool things off a bit.
Seasonal Context: Dry vs. Wet Season
Cotonou has two main seasons. The wet season runs from April to July and again in September to October. The dry season stretches from November through March.
December lands right in the dry season. Rainfall averages just 30–40 mm for the month, with only 1–2 rainy days.
That’s a big change from June, when totals can top 200 mm. Less rain means clearer skies and more direct sunshine, usually over 220 hours in December.
Humidity doesn’t really drop, though. Evenings can feel muggy. Still, the lack of heavy rain makes December a good time for outdoor plans, travel, or heading to the coast.
Comparison to Other African Coastal Cities
If you compare Cotonou’s December weather to other West African coastal cities, you’ll see some similarities and differences. Accra, Ghana gets similar temperatures but tends to be a bit less humid.
Lagos, Nigeria, just a few hours away, matches Cotonou with warm nights and not much rain.
Farther south, Luanda, Angola averages cooler December temps around 26°C, thanks to the Benguela Current. Dakar, Senegal to the northwest is drier, windier, and gets cooler at night.
So, Cotonou in December is more humid and warmer at night than many other coastal spots. Its mix of sunshine, warm seas, and low rain sets it apart in West Africa.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
At Christmas, Cotonou brings warm days and mild nights. Temperatures hold steady, and while the air stays humid, it’s not as intense as during the wettest months.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Late December daytime highs usually hit 30°C (86°F). That’s pretty standard for coastal Benin and rarely dips much.
The sun feels strongest in the afternoon, so you’ll notice the heat then. At night, temperatures average 23–24°C (73–75°F).
Evenings cool off a bit, but you won’t need heavy clothes. Air conditioning or a fan helps for sleeping, but extra layers aren’t necessary.
The sea temperature sticks close to 27–28°C (81–82°F), which feels great for swimming or beach days.
Temperature Variations During the Holiday Period
Cotonou’s spot on the coast keeps temperatures pretty stable. You won’t see big swings between day and night.
The difference usually runs about 6–7°C (10–12°F), which isn’t much compared to other places. During Christmas week, temperatures barely budge from day to day.
Clouds or sea breezes might cause small shifts, but nothing major. Humidity often stays above 75%, but with less rain, the air feels less stifling than in the wet season.
This combo gives you a warm, manageable climate for outdoor plans.
Historical Temperature Trends
Looking at the long-term data, December stands out as one of the driest and most stable months in Cotonou. Highs have hovered near 30°C (86°F) for decades, and lows rarely slip below 23°C (73°F).
Unlike the rainier months, December keeps temperatures steady and skies sunny. This pattern hasn’t changed much, so you can count on warm, reliable weather if you’re planning a holiday visit.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall around Christmas in Cotonou shows the clear shift from the wetter part of the year to the drier season. December is much less rainy than mid-year, though you might still catch a shower or two.
Average Rainfall in December
December usually brings about 30–40 mm of rain for the whole month. That’s a huge drop from June, the wettest month, which can get over 250 mm.
Rain falls on 3–5 days in December. Showers tend to be quick, and dry spells are common.
Humidity sticks around, even with less rain. Daytime temps stay near 29–30°C, so it can still feel heavy.
Most travelers enjoy more dry days than wet ones, but a quick shower might pop up and interrupt plans.
Chance of Rain on Christmas Day
The odds of rain on December 25 are pretty low compared to the wet season. Long-term averages put the chance of measurable rain on Christmas Day at about 10–15%.
If it does rain, it’s usually light and doesn’t last long. You’re more likely to see a passing afternoon shower than a washout.
With so few rainy days, most Christmas activities happen outside without much worry. Still, it’s smart to bring a light rain jacket or umbrella if you’ll be out for a while.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
December marks the transition into the dry season in Cotonou. By now, the heavy rains of May–July and the second peak in September–October have faded.
The dry season lasts through January and February, with the lowest rainfall of the year. This change brings more sunshine and fewer interruptions from rain.
For visitors, this is one of the best times to explore the city. You get less rain, more predictable weather, and better conditions for outdoor fun than during the wet months.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Late December in Cotonou brings a good mix of bright sun and some light cloud cover. The city’s spot near the equator keeps daylight hours steady, and the dry season helps keep skies clearer.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You’ll usually get 6 to 8 hours of sunshine per day around Christmas. December’s dry weather means less rain and more clear skies.
The sun hits hard at midday, so outdoor plans are more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon. UV levels stay high, so sunscreen and a hat make sense, even if it looks a bit cloudy.
Compared to the rainy months, December feels sunnier and less muggy. The heat is easier to handle, giving you more pleasant days for sightseeing or beach trips.
Typical Cloudiness in December
Cloud cover in December is generally sparse and scattered. Sometimes, dry Harmattan winds blow in haze from the Sahara, which softens the sunlight but doesn’t block it.
Overcast days are rare. Most days, you’ll see long stretches of blue sky, with just a few afternoon clouds.
Rain clouds don’t show up much, making December one of Cotonou’s driest months. So, you can count on steady sunshine most of the day.
The lighter cloud cover also means clearer evenings, which makes nights more comfortable.
Day Length Around Christmas
Cotonou sits close to the equator, so day length barely changes all year. Around Christmas, sunrise comes at about 6:30 AM, and sunset is close to 6:30 PM.
That’s roughly 12 hours of daylight every day. You don’t have to worry about short winter days here.
This makes planning simple. You always get plenty of daylight for shopping, markets, or exploring.
The steady sunrise and sunset times help locals keep routines predictable. As a visitor, you’ll find it easy to schedule your day.
Wind Conditions and Humidity
December in Cotonou brings steady breezes and high humidity that shape the holiday weather. You’ll notice moderate wind speeds that keep the air moving, along with moisture that never really goes away in this coastal city.
Average Wind Speed in December
Cotonou’s average wind speed in December is about 3 meters per second (m/s), or 11 km/h (7 mph). That’s a light to moderate breeze.
You’ll see leaves and small branches moving, and flags waving. The winds aren’t strong enough to mess with outdoor plans, but they do help take the edge off the humidity.
July and August get windier, with speeds up to 6 m/s, but December stays calmer. The lighter breeze makes it nicer for walks along the coast or just being outside without fighting gusts.
Prevailing Wind Directions
The Gulf of Guinea shapes Cotonou’s wind patterns. In December, winds usually blow from the northeast, tied to the Harmattan season across West Africa.
These winds feel dry and aren’t as strong as the southwesterlies that come during the wet season. You might notice clearer skies and slightly less sticky air compared to the middle of the year.
Occasionally, local sea breezes shift things a bit. These quick changes are normal in coastal areas and can bring a little coolness during the day.
Humidity Levels During Christmas
Humidity stays high all year in Cotonou, and December is no exception. Around Christmas, relative humidity sits between 75% and 85%, so the air feels moist even with less rain.
Warm daytime temperatures—often around 31°C (88°F)—make the weather feel hotter thanks to the humidity. Nights cool off a bit, but the sticky feeling doesn’t go away.
If you’re spending time outside, expect it to feel muggy. Light clothes, lots of water, and taking breaks in the shade will help you stay comfortable.
Travel and Local Tips for Christmas Weather
December in Cotonou feels hot, humid, and mostly sunny, with only a bit of rain here and there. Expect warm days, sticky nights, and weather that lets you get outside or just take it easy for the holidays.
What to Pack for Cotonou in December
Pack light clothes—cotton or linen works best. Daytime highs usually hit around 32 °C, and nights barely cool down, staying close to 25 °C.
Loose, breathable fabrics will keep you from overheating in the humidity.
You’ll want comfortable sandals or light shoes for walking around town. Planning to check out markets or the coast? Grab a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen since the sun can get pretty intense.
Even though December doesn’t bring much rain, toss in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket just in case you get caught in a quick shower. If you don’t handle heat well, a small travel fan or cooling towel might come in handy.
You won’t need heavy layers for evenings. Sometimes a thin long-sleeve shirt is enough, especially if you’re sitting outside and want to avoid mosquitoes.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
December’s weather works well for beach visits. The sea stays warm at about 28.5 °C, so swimming feels great.
You can take long swims or go for a boat ride without worrying about the water being chilly.
Humidity sits around 80% most days, so be ready for that sticky feeling, especially around midday. Try to plan outdoor things like checking out Cotonou’s Dantokpa Market or heading to the coast in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s less intense.
Rain barely shows up—just about 20 mm across two days—so outdoor plans usually work out. Still, bring water and keep hydrated, because the heat and humidity together can wear you down fast.
If you’re thinking about visiting nearby towns or cultural spots, December’s dry weather makes road trips a lot easier than during the rainy months.
Local Events and Holiday Atmosphere
Christmas in Cotonou feels like a blend of religious traditions and that breezy coastal vibe. Churches put on midnight masses, and sometimes you’ll catch processions or see people gathering around the local parishes.
You’ll spot holiday decorations scattered through the city’s streets and markets, though honestly, the celebrations seem a bit more low-key than what you’d find in colder places. There’s usually lively music, family get-togethers, and food stalls with grilled fish, rice dishes, and some local snacks.
Hotels and restaurants sometimes roll out special Christmas meals with a mix of local and international flavors. Thanks to the warm weather, a lot of events spill outdoors, so you can soak up the holiday spirit under tropical skies instead of snow.
If you’re staying near the beach, you might stumble onto small community events or just informal gatherings. Locals love to celebrate with music and dancing that often lasts late into the evening.