Benin's Climate: Tropical Rhythms of Rain and Dust
Benin (West Africa, Gulf of Guinea) has a tropical wet-and-dry climate (Aw) with two distinct seasons driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the Harmattan trade wind.
Rainy Season (April – October)
- Peak: June–September (heaviest downpours, frequent thunderstorms).
- Temps: 24–29°C (75–84°F). High humidity (80–90%).
- Impact: Flooding in Cotonou/Porto-Novo (coastal lagoons), malaria surge, farming peak (maize, cotton, cassava).
- Regional split: South (two peaks: Apr–Jul, Sep–Oct); North (single peak: May–Sep).
Dry Season (November – March)
- Harmattan (Dec–Feb): Northeast wind from Sahara brings dust haze, low humidity (20–40%), cool mornings (18–22°C), hot afternoons (32–36°C / 90–97°F).
- No rain. Vegetation browns, bushfire risk high.
- Agriculture: Harvest, land prep, dry-season gardening (irrigated).
Regional Nuances
| Zone | Rainfall | Character |
|---|
| Coastal (Cotonou, Grand-Popo) | 1,300–1,500 mm | Humid, bimodal rains, mangroves, lagoons |
| Central (Abomey, Dassa) | 1,100–1,300 mm | Transition, savanna-woodland |
| Northern (Kandi, Natitingou) | 900–1,100 mm | Shorter wet season, Sudanian savanna, prone to drought |
Climate Change Signal
- Rainy season onset later, cessation earlier.
- More intense extreme rainfall events.
- Harmattan dust events more frequent/intense.
- Threatens cotton (export), food security, hydro power (Nangbeto).
Wanderlust World