What is the best time to visit Benin?

Best Time to Visit Benin

The best time to travel to Benin is during the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

Dry Season in Benin

The dry season in Benin is from November to April. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. The days are sunny and the nights are cool. This is the perfect time to explore the country’s attractions and festivals, such as the Abomey Carnival and the Fête des Masques.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Benin

Benin in January

Weather

January in Benin is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is common throughout the month, with an average of 8-9 days of rain.

Events

• The International Festival of the Arts and Crafts of Benin (FESTAC) takes place in January, typically lasting for two weeks. The festival celebrates Benin’s traditional culture and art, with performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• The annual carnival in Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, is held in January. The carnival is a week-long celebration featuring parades, music, and dance.
• The annual International Film Festival of Ouidah is held in January. The festival showcases African films and filmmakers from across the continent.
• The annual Festival of the Sacred Python is held in January in Ouidah, Benin. The festival celebrates the traditional belief in the sacred python and its importance in Benin culture.
• The annual Festival of the Sacred Crocodile is held in January in Abomey, Benin. The festival celebrates the traditional belief in the sacred crocodile and its importance in Benin culture.

Benin in January

Weather

January in Benin is typically hot and humid. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is common and the average monthly precipitation is around 200mm.

Events

• The Festival of the Sacred Mask, or Fête du Masque, is a traditional festival that takes place in January in the town of Ouidah. The festival celebrates the traditional masks of the region and features traditional music and dance.
• The International Jazz Festival of Cotonou is a three-day event that takes place in January. The festival features jazz musicians from all over the world and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Benin.
• The Festival of the Sacred Forest is a traditional festival that takes place in January in the town of Abomey. The festival celebrates the traditional beliefs of the region and features traditional music and dance.
• The Festival of the Sacred Drum is a traditional festival that takes place in January in the town of Allada. The festival celebrates the traditional drums of the region and features traditional music and dance.
• The Festival of the Sacred Fire is a traditional festival that takes place in January in the town of Natitingou. The festival celebrates the traditional beliefs of the region and features traditional music and dance.

Benin in March

Weather

March in Benin is the start of the dry season and temperatures generally range from 24°C to 32°C. Rainfall is minimal during this month, with an average of about 25mm of precipitation.

Events

• The Beninese celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 8th, with various activities and events throughout the country.
• The annual Festival of Arts and Culture in Ouidah is held in March and features traditional music, dance, and art from across Benin.
• The annual Festival of the Sacred Python is held in the village of Kpasse in March, and is a celebration of the traditional religion of the Fon people.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed in Benin on March 21st, with various events and activities held throughout the country.
• The International Day of Forests is celebrated in Benin on March 21st, with tree-planting activities and other events held throughout the country.

Benin in April

Weather

April in Benin is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from a low of 25°C (77°F) to a high of 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is common during this time of year, with an average of 8-10 days of rain during the month.

Events

• The International Day of the African Child is celebrated on April 16th, with events and activities held throughout the country to promote the rights of children.
• The National Festival of Music and Culture is held in Cotonou every April, featuring traditional music and dance performances from all over Benin.
• The annual Benin International Film Festival is held in April, showcasing the best of Beninese and African cinema.
• The Festival of the Arts is held in Abomey every April, featuring traditional art, music, and dance from the region.
• The Festival of the Sacred Forest is held in Ouidah every April, celebrating the area’s unique natural environment.

Benin in May

Weather

May is the start of the dry season in Benin, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius (mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit). Rainfall is minimal, with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.

Events

• The Festival of the Voodoo Cult is celebrated in Ouidah on May 10th. It is a celebration of the traditional religion of Benin, with music, dance, and traditional costumes.
• The International Jazz Festival takes place in Cotonou from May 24th to May 26th. It is a celebration of jazz music, featuring both local and international musicians.
• The Festival of the Sacred Forest is held in the town of Nikki on May 30th. It is a celebration of the local culture and traditions, with music, dance, and traditional costumes.
• The Festival of the Sacred Water is held in the town of Parakou on May 31st. It is a celebration of the local culture and traditions, with music, dance, and traditional costumes.
• The International Film Festival takes place in Cotonou from May 15th to May 19th. It is a celebration of film, featuring both local and international films.

Benin in June

Weather

June in Benin is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until September, with a peak in August.

Events

• Festival of the Dances of the Yoruba People: This festival is held in the city of Ouidah and celebrates the traditional dances of the Yoruba people. It usually takes place in early June.
• Festival of the Sacred Python: This festival is held in the city of Ouidah and celebrates the sacred python. It usually takes place in mid-June.
• Festival of the Sacred Crocodile: This festival is held in the city of Abomey and celebrates the sacred crocodile. It usually takes place in late June.
• Festival of the Sacred Forest: This festival is held in the city of Abomey and celebrates the sacred forest. It usually takes place in late June.
• Festival of the Sacred Lake: This festival is held in the city of Allada and celebrates the sacred lake. It usually takes place in late June.

Benin in July

Weather

July is the hottest month in Benin, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night. Rainfall is relatively low, with an average of about 17mm (0.7in).

Events

• The Festival of the Dankoli Cult is held in July in the city of Abomey. It is a celebration of the traditional religion of the Fon people, and includes traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Grand-Popo Festival is held in July in the city of Grand-Popo. It is a celebration of the traditional culture of the town, and includes traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Benin International Film Festival is held in July in the city of Cotonou. It is a celebration of African cinema, and includes screenings of films from all over the continent.
• The Cotonou Carnival is held in July in the city of Cotonou. It is a celebration of the culture of Benin, and includes traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Festival of the Sacred Fire is held in July in the city of Ouidah. It is a celebration of the traditional religion of the Yoruba people, and includes traditional music, dance, and art.

Benin in August

Weather

August is the beginning of the dry season in Benin. Temperatures are hot and humid, with average highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is low, with an average of only 8mm (0.3in).

Events

• The annual Festival of the Dances of the Nations is held in August in Benin. It is a celebration of the diverse cultures of Benin, featuring traditional music, dance, and art.
• The annual Festival of the Sacred Forest is held in August in Benin. It is a celebration of the sacred forests of Benin, with traditional music, dance, and art.
• The annual Festival of the Arts is held in August in Benin. It is a celebration of the art and culture of Benin, featuring traditional music, dance, and art.
• The annual Festival of the Spirits is held in August in Benin. It is a celebration of the traditional beliefs and practices of Benin, featuring traditional music, dance, and art.
• The annual Festival of the Harvest is held in August in Benin. It is a celebration of the harvest season in Benin, featuring traditional music, dance, and art.

Benin in September

Weather

September in Benin is hot and humid. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F) with highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). The rainy season is in full swing during this month, with an average of 11 days of rainfall.

Events

• The International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21st. This day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
• The Fête du Vodou, or Voodoo Festival, is held in Ouidah on September 10th. This celebration honors the traditional religion of Benin, and includes traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Festival International de Musique is held in Cotonou from September 4th to 6th. This festival celebrates the traditional music of Benin, as well as other genres from around the world.
• The Festival International des Arts et de la Culture is held in Cotonou from September 18th to 20th. This festival celebrates the art and culture of Benin, and includes performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• The Festival International de la Culture des Jeunes is held in Cotonou from September 25th to 27th. This festival celebrates the culture of young people in Benin, and includes music, dance, and theatre performances.

Benin in October

Weather

In October, Benin experiences warm temperatures and high humidity. Average daily temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of 8 days of precipitation.

Events

• The International Day of the Girl is celebrated on October 11th in Benin. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the issues that girls face around the world.
• The Benin Cultural Festival is held in October. This festival celebrates Benin’s culture and traditions through music, art, and dance.
• The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated on October 17th in Benin. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of eradicating poverty and promoting economic growth.
• The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1st in Benin. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the issues that older persons face around the world.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated on October 25th in Benin. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevalence of violence against women and promoting gender equality.

Benin in November

Weather

November in Benin is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius. Rainfall is common, with an average of 11 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• The annual Fête du Coton (Cotton Festival) is held in the city of Parakou in November. This festival celebrates the importance of cotton production in Benin and features traditional music and dance performances.
• The International Jazz Festival of Cotonou is held in November. This festival features performances by local and international jazz artists in venues across the city.
• The Festival of the Arts is held in the city of Abomey in November. This festival celebrates the traditional arts of Benin, including music, dance, and visual arts.
• The annual International Film Festival of Abomey-Calavi is held in November. This festival showcases films from Benin and around the world.
• The annual Festival of the Horse is held in the city of Ouidah in November. This festival celebrates the traditional role of horses in Benin, with performances and competitions featuring horses and riders.

Benin in December

Weather

December is the start of the dry season in Benin, with temperatures ranging from 75-90°F (24-32°C) and low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, and the days are mostly sunny.

Events

• The International Festival of Music and Dance of Porto-Novo takes place in December, featuring traditional music and dance from Benin and other African countries.
• The International Festival of Cinema and Video of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is held in Benin in December, showcasing African films and filmmakers.
• The annual Festival of the Arts in Cotonou takes place in December, featuring music, dance, theater, and visual arts from Benin and other African countries.
• The annual Festival of the Arts in Abomey-Calavi is held in December, featuring traditional music, dance, and theater from Benin and other African countries.
• The International Festival of the Arts in Cotonou is held in December, showcasing traditional music, dance, theater, and visual arts from Benin and other African countries.