Winter in Cotonou doesn’t feel like the cool, dry season that comes to mind elsewhere. The city sits on the southern coast of Benin and stays warm all year, so winter is no real exception.
You’ll see daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows near 24°C (75°F), with barely any rain compared to the rest of the year.
This season usually brings some of the best conditions for getting outside and exploring the city or coastline. Rain hardly shows up, skies look clearer, and humidity drops just enough to make walks or beach days more pleasant.
The ocean keeps its warmth, so you can enjoy the beach just as much as museums or markets.
If you’re curious about what to expect in December, January, and February, it helps to check out the patterns of temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and air quality that shape Cotonou’s winter climate.
That way, you’ll have a better shot at planning your days and making the most of your trip.
Overview of Cotonou’s Winter Climate
Cotonou’s winter months bring slightly cooler air, less rain, and steadier weather than other times of year. You get warm but comfortable days, almost no rainy interruptions, and a stable tropical atmosphere that feels very different from the heavy rains of midyear.
Location and Climate Type
Cotonou sits right on Benin’s southern coast, facing the Gulf of Guinea. Its low elevation—just a few meters above sea level—really shapes its weather.
The city falls in a tropical wet and dry zone, or savanna climate (Aw) if you’re looking at the Köppen system.
This means you deal with two main patterns: a wet season with lots of rain, and a dry season when rain nearly disappears.
Winter lines up with the dry season, so you get clearer skies and lower humidity than during the rainy months.
Temperatures in winter usually bring highs near 30°C (86°F) and lows around 23–24°C (74–75°F). It’s warm enough for all sorts of outdoor plans, but you skip the heavy, sticky heat that comes with wetter months.
Sea temperatures hover at 27–28°C (80–82°F), so swimming or just relaxing by the water works year-round.
Winter Season Duration
Winter in Cotonou doesn’t follow the same calendar as in colder places. Here, it matches the dry season, which usually runs from December through February.
During these months, rainfall drops to its lowest point of the year.
December usually brings about 20 mm of rain, and January can get even drier, sometimes just 9 mm.
Rain falls on only 2–3 days per month, so this is definitely the driest stretch.
Daylight holds steady at about 11.8–12 hours per day. You can count on 6–8 hours of sunshine most days.
Humidity dips a bit, staying around 76–80%, which feels less stifling than in the rainy season.
Comparison With Other Seasons
If you look at winter next to the rest of the year, the difference is obvious. The wettest months, like May or June, dump over 200–350 mm of rain and bring as many as 15 rainy days.
Sunshine drops to just 4–5 hours daily and humidity soars over 80%, which makes everything feel muggy.
In winter, you get a break from all that. You skip the flooding rains of summer and the unpredictable skies of spring.
Temperatures don’t swing much throughout the year, but the lack of heavy downpours really sets winter apart.
You can plan city outings, beach trips, or cultural visits without checking the forecast every hour. UV levels stay high, usually 10–11, but the steady warmth and low rainfall make winter the most comfortable season in Cotonou.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Cotonou
Winter in Cotonou stays warm and humid, with only slight shifts in temperature from month to month. Daytime highs barely change, and nights don’t cool off much either.
Average Highs and Lows
In December, January, and February, average high temperatures in Cotonou hover around 31–32 °C (88–90 °F).
These highs barely budge, no matter what month it is.
Average low temperatures usually fall between 24–26 °C (75–79 °F). Even at night, the air feels warm and humid, so you won’t get those crisp evenings you might expect in other places.
Here’s a quick look at the typical winter range:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 32 °C | 25 °C |
| January | 32 °C | 25 °C |
| February | 32 °C | 26 °C |
These steady numbers really show how little the temperature moves in Cotonou, even during its so-called “cool” season.
Coldest Month Details
The coldest month in Cotonou is August, when the average drops to about 26 °C (79 °F), but that’s not during winter. Within the winter months, January is usually the least hot, but honestly, it’s only a touch cooler than December or February.
In January, you get average highs around 32 °C (90 °F) and lows near 25 °C (77 °F).
Humidity stays high, around 80%, which makes it feel warmer than the numbers suggest.
You’ll notice the air feels heavy and moist, even when the thermometer says it’s cooler than in summer.
Nighttime vs Daytime Temperatures
During winter days, you’ll get steady warmth, with highs around 31–32 °C. The sun and humidity combine to make the afternoons feel hotter than the numbers show.
At night, things only cool down a few degrees, settling near 24–26 °C.
That small drop means evenings are still warm, and you really won’t need much more than a t-shirt.
Since the difference between day and night is so small, you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about big temperature swings.
Winter Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall in Cotonou drops sharply during winter. You’ll notice shorter showers, barely any rainy days, and long stretches of dry weather. January stands out as the driest month.
Average Rainfall Amounts
In winter, Cotonou gets much less precipitation than the rest of the year. December, January, and February usually see 20–40 mm of rain per month, which is just a fraction of what you get in rainy months like June, when totals can top 250 mm.
This big drop in rain leaves the ground drier and outdoor conditions more predictable, so getting around or planning your day is easier.
Each year, you see this same pattern, so you can count on drier weather in winter.
Unlike the wet season, when storms can mess up your plans, winter showers are brief and rare.
Rainy Days in Winter
Rainy days drop off a lot, too. In January, you might get 1–2 days of measurable rain, while December and February average a bit more, closer to 3–5 days.
This matters because rain isn’t just lighter, it’s also less frequent. You can plan outdoor stuff without much risk of getting caught in a downpour.
For comparison, June can bring rain on 15–18 days, often in heavy bursts.
Winter, though, means mostly dry skies, with just an occasional passing shower.
Driest Month Overview
January stands out as the driest month in Cotonou. Average precipitation drops to about 25–30 mm, and it often comes all at once in a single quick burst.
Daytime temperatures stay warm, usually close to 30°C (86°F), but the lack of rain makes the air feel less suffocating than in the wet season.
With the fewest rainy days and lowest rainfall, January is the most reliable time for outdoor plans and beach trips.
You’ll usually get sunny weather with almost no storm interruptions.
Humidity, Dew Point, and Air Quality in Winter
Even in winter, Cotonou feels the strong maritime influence from the Gulf of Guinea. Moist air, steady ocean breezes, and stable pressure patterns all play a part in how the air feels.
Typical Humidity Levels
High humidity sticks around through the winter in Cotonou. Average relative humidity often stays above 80%, even during the driest hours.
Mornings usually feel stickier, while afternoons drop off just a bit.
This constant moisture comes from the city’s coastal spot. The Atlantic brings in a steady flow of damp air, keeping things heavy.
Unlike places farther from the ocean, Cotonou doesn’t see sharp drops in humidity.
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably notice a sticky feeling on your skin. Locals are used to it, but travelers might want to pack lightweight clothes.
Indoor spaces without AC can feel muggy, so a fan or open window helps.
Dew Point Trends
Cotonou’s winter dew point usually sits between 22°C and 25°C (72°F to 77°F). These numbers show that the air holds a lot of water vapor.
When the dew point stays this high, the air just feels humid, even if the temperature isn’t extreme.
You almost never see the dew point drop enough for the air to feel crisp or dry.
Nights might feel a touch cooler, but the moisture sticks around. That’s why sweat doesn’t really evaporate quickly, making outdoor activities feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Knowing the dew point helps when planning your day. Mornings and late evenings are usually the most comfortable times to be outside.
The midday sun mixed with high dew points can get uncomfortable if you’re moving around a lot.
Atmospheric Pressure
Pressure patterns in Cotonou stay pretty steady in winter. Average sea-level pressure hangs near 1012–1014 hPa, without much day-to-day change.
The Atlantic’s influence and the lack of strong cold fronts keep things level.
You won’t get big pressure swings that sometimes trigger headaches or joint pain in sensitive people.
Instead, the pressure stays consistent, which makes the weather more predictable.
Stable pressure means fewer sudden storms in winter. Light showers might pop up, but they’re usually brief and tied to coastal breezes, not big low-pressure systems.
That stability keeps winter weather in Cotonou easy to handle.
Wind and Sunshine During Winter Months
Winter in Cotonou brings steady breezes off the Gulf of Guinea and shorter, but reliable, hours of sunshine. The sky looks clearer than in the wet season, so you get more chances to enjoy being outside.
Average Wind Speed
In December and January, you’ll feel moderate coastal winds, usually between 8 to 15 km/h (5 to 9 mph).
These breezes often come from the southwest or south, thanks to the Atlantic.
The wind feels steady, not gusty, so it helps keep the air comfortable even when it’s hot.
At night, the wind usually calms down, so evenings feel a bit less humid.
For travelers, these wind conditions work out well. The breeze takes the edge off the heat without kicking up dust or causing problems.
If you’re near the coast, you’ll notice the wind more than in the city center.
Sunshine Duration
Cotonou’s winter months usually give you about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. December tends to be the driest month, so you’ll spot clearer skies and brighter days with less rainfall.
You get close to 11.7 to 11.8 hours of daylight, but it’s not all sunny time. The sunshine hours beat the rainy season, though, when thick clouds can chop daylight down fast.
December and January feel like great months for sightseeing, walking tours, or just hanging out at the beach. The sea stays warm, usually around 27°C to 28°C (80°F to 82°F), and with steady sunshine, swimming or boating feels pretty comfortable.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cotonou’s winter skies are usually partly cloudy to mostly clear. The dry season keeps heavy clouds away, so the sky often looks brighter and way less hazy than during the wet months.
Clouds might show up a bit more in the morning, but the sun burns them off by midday. Evenings sometimes bring a light haze, though heavy overcast skies almost never happen.
You get more steady daylight and fewer interruptions for your outdoor plans. A few clouds might hang around, but they rarely block the sun for long, so winter is one of the clearest times of year here.
Monthly Breakdown: December, January, and February
In Cotonou’s winter, you’ll feel warm temperatures, low rainfall, and calm sea conditions. Sunshine hours change a bit, but outdoor activities are easy to enjoy thanks to mild weather and not many rainy days.
December Weather Highlights
December brings the driest weather in Cotonou. You’ll see just 20 mm (0.79 in) of rain and about 2 rainy days. Outdoor plans rarely get disrupted this month.
Daytime highs stick around 30°C (86°F), and nights cool off to about 24°C (75°F). Humidity drops a bit compared to the wetter months, so the air feels lighter.
You get 11.8 hours of daylight, and the sun shines for about 7 hours a day. The UV index stays high at 10, so don’t forget sun protection. Sea temperatures hold at 27–28°C (80–82°F), which is perfect for swimming.
January Weather Details
January keeps the dry pattern going. Rain drops even lower—just 9 mm (0.35 in), with only 2 rainy days. This is probably the clearest stretch of the year, making weather really dependable for sightseeing or the beach.
Daytime highs reach 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to 23–24°C (74–75°F). Heat and humidity are still there, but it’s more comfortable than during the rainy season.
You’ll get 7 hours of sunshine daily, and daylight lasts almost 12 hours. The UV index measures 10–11, so keep up with sun care. The Gulf of Guinea stays at 27–28°C (81–82°F), so water activities are still a good idea.
February Weather Overview
February starts to warm up a bit. Rainfall rises to 41 mm (1.6 in), spread over 3–4 days. Showers don’t last long, but they hint at the wetter months coming up.
Highs climb to 31–32°C (88–90°F), and lows hover around 25°C (77°F). Humidity starts to creep up, and the UV index peaks at 12, which is as high as it gets.
Daylight stretches to about 12.1 hours, and you’ll see 7–8 hours of sunshine. The sea is still warm at 28–29°C (82–84°F), so swimming and boating are great options. The heat picks up, but the dry air still makes travel pretty comfortable.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Cotonou’s Winter Weather
Cotonou’s winter falls during the dry season, so expect hot days, high humidity, and barely any rain. You’ll get steady warmth, lots of sunshine, and good conditions for exploring the city and coast.
Best Activities in Dry Season
From December to February, clear skies and less rain make outdoor activities a safer bet. Spend time at Fidjrosse Beach, where the water usually sits at 27–28 °C—just right for swimming or relaxing by the shore.
You can also wander through Dantokpa Market, the largest open-air market in West Africa. With so few rainy days, you can move around easily without worrying about sudden showers.
Cultural spots like museums, art centers, and traditional neighborhoods are way easier to check out when the humidity drops and the streets aren’t muddy.
If you’re up for day trips, dry conditions make it simpler to visit lagoons and fishing villages nearby. Roads are easier to navigate, and it’s better for boat tours or snapping photos.
What to Pack for Winter
Pack light, breathable clothing since average daytime highs reach 31–32 °C. Cotton shirts, shorts, and linen dresses are your friends. Still, toss in a long-sleeved shirt and light pants for evenings—mosquitoes can get pesky.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves. The sun’s strong, with about 7 hours of daily sunshine in January and February.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring markets and the city. Sandals work for casual outings, but if you’re heading beyond the city center, closed shoes are better.
A small umbrella or a light rain jacket isn’t a bad idea. Rain’s rare in winter, but a quick shower can always surprise you.
Health and Comfort Considerations
Humidity in Cotonou usually sits around 78–80% during winter. That can feel pretty heavy, honestly. Try to drink lots of water, and find some shade when the afternoon sun gets intense.
Mosquitoes are a thing here. Grab some repellent, sleep under a treated net if you can, and wear light long sleeves in the evenings.
The harmattan winds sometimes blow in dust from the Sahara, messing with air quality. If you deal with allergies or asthma, it’s smart to carry a mask or your usual meds.
Sun exposure stays strong all year this close to the equator. Use sunscreen often, and maybe skip the midday sun if you can—nobody likes heat stress.