Best time to visit Benin
Benin experiences a strong north-south divide between its cultures as well as its climate.![]()
Tourists are likely to spend most of their time in southern Benin, which has a tropical, equatorial climate. Rains fall here from April to the end of October, with a brief dry spell in mid-July to August. High humidity means that even the “cooler” months of June to September are still very warm. The desert-like north experiences more extreme temperatures, with November to June searingly hot, and June to October wetter and cooler. The best time to visit Benin is from November to February; not only is it dry, but you’ll be able to attend the annual Vodoun Festival in Ouidah in January.
When to go to Benin month by month
Benin Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
23
31
19
FEB
25
32
40
MAR
25
32
76
APR
25
32
127
MAY
24
31
195
JUN
23
29
334
JUL
23
28
148
AUG
23
28
71
SEP
23
29
142
OCT
24
30
146
NOV
23
31
57
DEC
24
31
21
Our top trip
Ghana,Togo and Benin experience tour
Experience the culture, history and wildlife of West Africa
From
£5595
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IN BENIN
Jim O’Brien, from our supplier Native Eye Travel, shares his tips on the best time to go to Benin:
“A good thing to do in December is to go and see the Gelede dances at a place called Cové. It’s not really voodoo but it shares a lot of the same characteristics, with people getting dressed up as representations – not necessarily of gods but perhaps spirits. It’s the state religion; it doesn’t have the same connotations in Benin as Hollywood has given it.”
“A good thing to do in December is to go and see the Gelede dances at a place called Cové. It’s not really voodoo but it shares a lot of the same characteristics, with people getting dressed up as representations – not necessarily of gods but perhaps spirits. It’s the state religion; it doesn’t have the same connotations in Benin as Hollywood has given it.”
BENIN FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Did you know about…?
The Vodoun Festival
The Vodoun Festival is the greatest event in the voodoo calendar. Taking place on 10th January every year in Ouidah, it is one of the best ways to get under the skin of this often misunderstood religion. People dress up as voodoo gods, complete with colourful, swirling costumes and masks, drums beat hypnotically, and goats and chickens are sacrificed throughout the festival.
More Benin articles
Our travel guide explores this little-visited West Africa nation, revealing stories of temples, villages and festivals.
From the coast to the floating village of Ganvie to Somba in the north, there is no shortage of places to go.
What not to overlook when choosing things to do in Benin, from national parks to border hops.
Most cultural vacations to Benin focus on visiting traditional villages over exploring its contemporary culture.
Rhythmic drumming, extraordinary costumes and performers channeling spirits – find out more about this event.
Many vacations to Togo and Benin explore the vibrant Vodou culture of these nations.
Here’s our top Benin travel advice and recommendations as shared with us by our expert partners.
Responsible tourism is vital – and any travelers here must educate themselves.
