Spring in Cotonou, Benin, rolls in with steady warmth and a mix of sunshine and rain that shapes daily life along the West African coast. Daytime temperatures usually hover near 88°F, and evenings stay close to 84°F, so the season feels hot and humid nearly all the time.
This heat and moisture combo sets the tropical climate and really influences outdoor plans and travel choices.
You’ll notice spring’s rhythm through short bursts of rainfall, rising humidity, and breezes drifting in from the Gulf of Guinea. Showers cool the air a bit, but they also keep the city’s landscape lush and green.
Weather in Cotonou means coastal conditions, daylight hours, and sea temperatures all have a say in how you spend your time outside.
Understanding these patterns helps you plan for more than just the heat. If you want to explore the shoreline or walk the city, knowing what spring feels like in Cotonou can make your trip a lot smoother.
Overview of Spring Weather in Cotonou
Spring in Cotonou, Benin brings hotter days, high humidity, and more rainfall than the earlier months. You’ll get steady warmth, frequent showers, and strong sun exposure, all shaped by the city’s tropical coastal climate.
Spring Months and Climate Classification
Spring in Cotonou covers March, April, and May. The city sits in coastal West Africa and fits the tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) under the Köppen classification.
Here, you get two main seasons: a wet season with heavy rains and a drier season with lighter precipitation.
Rainfall jumps up fast in spring. In March, you might get about 70–80 mm of rain, but by May, totals often go over 190 mm.
Rainy days also climb from about 4 in March to more than 10 in May.
Temperatures stick around the same range. Highs average 30–31°C (86–88°F), and lows stay near 25–26°C (77–79°F).
The sea temperature holds around 29°C (84°F), so the air stays humid and warm all day and night.
Key Weather Characteristics in Spring
Spring weather in Cotonou stands out for its consistent heat, increasing rainfall, and intense UV exposure. The UV index often hits 12, which is just plain extreme.
You’ll need solid sun protection if you’re outside.
Humidity usually ranges from 76% to 84%, and the air feels heavy. Showers tend to come in short, intense bursts, then clouds linger.
Sunshine averages between 5 and 7 hours per day, less than in the drier months.
Even with all the rain, the sea stays warm and inviting for swimming. Sometimes sudden storms cut beach time short, but the Gulf of Guinea waters rarely get chilly.
This mix of heat, humidity, and rain signals the shift into the wetter part of the year.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared with winter (December–February), spring brings more rain and cloud cover. Winter usually gets 10–40 mm of rain per month, but spring totals shoot up much higher.
Temperatures feel about the same, but the extra humidity and rain can make spring less comfortable.
Spring is a bit drier than summer (June–August). Summer peaks with over 350 mm of rain in June and up to 15 rainy days.
Spring’s rainfall is heavy, but summer’s is even more relentless.
Autumn (September–November) shifts back toward drier weather. By November, rainfall drops to about 40 mm, far below spring levels.
So, spring acts as a bridge between the dry winter and the wettest summer months in Cotonou’s yearly cycle.
Temperature Trends During Spring
Spring in Cotonou, Benin stays warm and humid, with only small temperature changes from day to night. You’ll notice steady heat, barely any cooling, and a tight range between highs and lows.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During spring, the average high temperature in Cotonou sits close to 88–89°F (31–32°C). It almost never drops below 83°F (28°C) or goes above 91°F (33°C).
Afternoons stay warm, but not as scorching as some inland spots in West Africa.
Average lows hover around 78–80°F (25–27°C). Nights are warm and sticky, so don’t expect much relief after sunset.
Even the coolest nights rarely dip below 73°F (23°C).
This narrow gap between highs and lows creates a climate that feels pretty stable. You can plan for steady warmth without many surprises, which is typical for coastal cities near the Atlantic.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime heat in Cotonou doesn’t really let up, with highs near 88°F (31°C) most afternoons. The sun adds to the warmth, but the Gulf of Guinea helps keep things from getting out of hand.
At night, temperatures drop by only about 8–10°F (4–5°C). Evenings stay hot and humid, often around 78°F (25°C).
The city’s coastal spot and constant moisture in the air keep things muggy.
Muggy conditions stick around both day and night. Air conditioning or a good fan feels pretty necessary, especially if you’re not used to tropical humidity.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From March through May, the temperature in Cotonou barely changes.
March tends to be the warmest spring month, with highs averaging 89°F (32°C) and lows near 80°F (27°C).
By April, highs are steady at about 88°F (31°C), and lows stay around 79°F (26°C). Humidity starts to climb as the rainy season gets closer.
In May, you’ll still see highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C). The air feels heavier mostly because of more clouds and rain, not because of big temperature swings.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
Spring in Cotonou, Benin brings a sharp rise in rainfall. Showers become more frequent as the season goes on.
Humidity stays high, making for a warm and damp atmosphere that shapes daily routines and travel.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Cotonou picks up quickly from early March through May.
In March, you’ll usually see around 1 to 2 inches of rain during the month. By April, totals go up to about 4 to 5 inches.
May gets much wetter, often hitting 6 inches or more.
This steady increase marks the move toward the main wet season. Rain usually comes in heavy bursts, not light drizzles, so you can expect short but intense showers.
Sometimes drainage is slow in low-lying spots.
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| March | ~1–2 |
| April | ~4–5 |
| May | ~6 |
May stands out as one of the wettest spring months in Cotonou, setting up the peak rainy season that follows in June.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days ramp up fast during spring.
In early March, rain might fall on only 3–4 days in the month. By April, that jumps to about 8–10 days.
In May, you can expect rain on 12–15 days, making it the most unsettled month of the season.
Rain doesn’t spread evenly across each week. Sometimes you’ll go days without any, then suddenly get back-to-back storms.
When it rains, storms are often brief but strong, with sudden downpours and sticky air lingering afterward.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings are usually drier. Afternoons and evenings bring a higher chance of showers.
This pattern is pretty common along the West African coast, where sea breezes help trigger rain.
Humidity Levels in Spring
Humidity in Cotonou stays high all spring, rarely dropping below 80–90%. The air feels muggy day and night, with little relief after sunset.
Unlike rainfall, humidity doesn’t really change much from March to May.
High dew points mean sweat won’t evaporate easily, so the heat feels more intense than the thermometer says.
Even an 85°F day here can feel much heavier than in a dry climate.
With humidity so steady, you’ll want to expect sticky conditions whether you visit in early or late spring.
Light clothes, plenty of water, and indoor breaks during the stickiest hours help make the weather easier to handle.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Spring in Cotonou brings a mix of longer days, steady sunshine, and strong ultraviolet radiation.
You get a balance of warm daylight hours and some cloud cover, but the high UV index means sun protection is always a good idea.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During spring, Cotonou averages between 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day.
March gets a bit more sun than February, but clouds take over through April and May as rain increases.
The sunniest part of spring usually falls in early March, when skies are clearer.
By May, frequent showers and high humidity cut down on bright hours, so you get shorter windows of direct sun.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| March | ~6.5 hours |
| April | ~6 hours |
| May | ~5 hours |
If you want to be outside, mornings are usually your best bet. Afternoons often bring more clouds and rain.
Length of Daylight
Spring daylight in Cotonou stays pretty steady, ranging from 12.1 to 12.4 hours per day.
Since Cotonou sits near the equator, day length doesn’t really change much.
In March, daylight averages about 12.1 hours. April stretches a bit longer to 12.3 hours.
May holds steady at around 12.4 hours.
The difference is tiny, so you can count on almost equal amounts of day and night all season.
This steady pattern makes it easier to plan travel, sightseeing, or beach trips without having to worry about changing sunset times.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Cotonou during spring is extremely high, often reaching 12, which is considered “very extreme.”
This level of sun can cause skin damage in less than 15 minutes if you’re not careful.
You should take precautions every day, even when it’s cloudy.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear light long-sleeved clothing, and maybe grab a wide-brimmed hat.
Sunglasses with UV protection help, too.
Because the UV index stays high from March through May, it’s smart to avoid the midday sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays get through, so daily protection is a must.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Spring along Cotonou’s coast brings steady warmth to the sea and pretty reliable swimming conditions.
Water stays warm, while rainfall and wind shape how nice the shoreline feels for outdoor fun.
Average Sea Temperatures in Spring
From March through May, the sea around Cotonou keeps a warm, stable temperature.
You’ll find water temperatures ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 29°C (84°F), with March sometimes peaking a bit higher near 30°C.
This warmth hardly changes, even as the air temperature averages highs of about 31°C (88°F) and lows near 25°C (77°F).
The sea’s steady warmth makes it predictable, even when rainfall picks up in April and May.
Humidity stays high during this season, often above 75%, making the air feel heavier near the coast.
Still, the sea holds its warmth and offers a cooling break against the humid afternoons.
| Month | Avg. High Air Temp | Avg. Sea Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 29°C / 84°F | 74 mm |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 29°C / 84°F | 135 mm |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 29°C / 84°F | 197 mm |
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
You’ll find Cotonou’s waters surprisingly warm in spring, so swimming feels inviting and easy. With sea temperatures hovering around 28–30°C, you won’t need a wetsuit, and it’s honestly hard to resist a long swim.
April and May bring more rain, which sometimes stirs up the waves and makes the water a bit murkier. If you’re planning beach time, mornings usually have gentler seas before those afternoon showers roll in.
Locals and visitors use the coast for fishing and small boat trips too. When May’s rains hit, the water can get choppy, so it’s smart to keep your plans flexible.
If you love the beach, you’ll appreciate the warm sea, long daylight hours, and soft sandy shore. Just don’t forget the sun protection—the UV index gets close to 12, and that’s no joke.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Spring in Cotonou
Spring in Cotonou feels hot and sticky, with plenty of rain showers from April through June. Expect warm seas, heavy humidity, and days that swing between sunshine and clouds, which really shapes what you’ll want to do and pack.
Best Outdoor Activities
The beaches along the Gulf of Guinea steal the show in spring. The water stays toasty, around 28–29 °C, so swimming or hopping on a boat feels great. Early mornings usually mean calmer water before the afternoon rain kicks in.
You might want to check out Dantokpa Market, which is massive and lively. Going early helps you dodge the worst of the heat and the rain.
Nature lovers can squeeze in quick trips to nearby lagoons or mangroves. The humidity does bring out more mosquitoes, so bring some bug spray. If you’re up for a walk, try the coastal roads or local parks, but stick to the cooler hours before midday.
Packing Recommendations
Go for light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen works best in all that humidity. Toss in some long sleeves and pants to keep bugs and sunburn at bay. A light rain jacket or a small umbrella comes in handy since the rain can be heavy but doesn’t usually last long.
You’ll want comfortable sandals for dry days, and water-resistant shoes when it’s wet. Don’t skimp on sunscreen, either—the UV rays are strong, even if it looks cloudy.
A small backpack and a refillable water bottle help you stay hydrated as you explore. Pack anti-mosquito spray for evenings, especially if you’ll be outside for a while. If you’re planning to swim a lot, quick-dry clothes and swimwear make life easier.
Local Events and Festivals
Spring in southern Benin usually brings a mix of cultural and religious celebrations. Around April, you’ll probably notice Easter festivities popping up—people gather for church events, and the city fills with local music.
Traditions blend with city life in interesting ways during these times. Markets and community spaces get a real boost, with food stalls and music everywhere.
You might stumble upon smaller Vodun-related ceremonies too, showing off the region’s spiritual roots.
Most festivals don’t make it onto tourist calendars, so it’s worth checking community schedules or just chatting with locals. If you join in respectfully, you’ll get a genuine taste of Cotonou’s culture.