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Travel Guides

Benin Travel Information

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When to Go to Benin

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Benin's climate is hot and humid. Annual rainfall in the coastal area averages 36 cm. (14 in.), not particularly high for coastal West Africa. Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons. The principal rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. Temperatures and humidity are high along the tropical coast. In Cotonou, the average maximum temperature is 31 °C (89 °F); the minimum is 24 °C (75 °F).

Seasonality

The best time to visit the Southern area is from December to March and July/August while the visiting period for the Northern part of the country is best between December and April.

National Holidays

Date	Description
01 Aug 09	Independence Day
15 Aug 09	Assumption Day
20 Sep 09	Korite - Muslim festival
01 Nov 09	All Saints Day
27 Nov 09	Tabaski - Muslim festival
25 Dec 09	Christmas Day
01 Jan 10	New Year's Day