Cotonou experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round, sitting right on the Atlantic coast where the breeze offers occasional relief.

Two rainy seasons bookend the year, with the heaviest downpours arriving between April and July, followed by a shorter wet spell in October and November that demands quick-drying fabrics.

Temperatures hover consistently between 24°C and 32°C, with little variation throughout the year beyond a few degrees either way.

Humidity remains persistently high, often exceeding 80%, which makes even modest temperatures feel considerably warmer and turns cotton into a clingy nightmare.

The coastal winds pick up noticeably during the dry months, making lightweight layers useful for breezy evenings along the lagoon and oceanfront areas.