Cotonou, Benin: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]
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Ready to pack for Cotonou, Benin? If you're planning to go to Cotonou, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cotonou
- Important essentials for Cotonou
- Activities for Cotonou
- Cotonou in January: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in February: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in March: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in April: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in May: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in June: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in July: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in August: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in September: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in October: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in November: weather and what to pack
- Cotonou in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Cotonou, Benin
Based on the climate and weather in Cotonou, Benin, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Cotonou, Benin
Already know when you're traveling?
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cotonou, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
What to wear/what to pack for Cotonou, Benin by month
January
If you go to Cotonou in January, you will notice that it is consistently hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
thisWaterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
February
If you are traveling to Cotonou in February, you will notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
thisTravel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.So your things stay dry. Even the most durable luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
March
March is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
thisWaterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel neck support pillow
A great choice is this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you pick the right type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
April
Traveling to Cotonou in April, you will notice that it can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
thisBreatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Travel pillow
A great choice is this one
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
May
If you are traveling to Cotonou in May, you will notice that it can be sweltering, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
thisSunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
A good option is this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
June
June here is hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
thisWaterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Skirts
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
July
In July, Cotonou is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Cotonou, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Safety + Security
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
August
If you vacation in Cotonou during August, you may notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Extra socks
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck support pillow
Our fave is this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.
September
September for Cotonou is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Bug repellent
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel pillow
An excellent option is this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Travel adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the right kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.
October
If you visit Cotonou during October, you may see that it is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans contaminants:
thisWaterproof sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Health
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Safety + Security
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this
Travel neck support pillow
What we like is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
November
If you are traveling to Cotonou in November, you will notice that it is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
thisBug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.So your things stay dry. Even the best luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.
Anti-theft backpack
For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this
Voltage step down adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to find the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
Travel neck pillow
A great choice is this one
December
If you visit Cotonou during December, you may find that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Clothes + Footwear
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans dangerous contaminants:
thisBug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Safety + Security
AirTag to track your luggage
With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cotonou may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
Anti-theft backpack
For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.
Comfort + Essentials
Travel voltage adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.
Travel neck pillow
An excellent option is this one
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Luggage scale to avoid fees
Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this
Airplane phone mount
Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount
What to do in Cotonou, Benin
Cotonou, the largest city and the economic capital of Benin, is a fascinating travel destination that deserves to be on every traveler's itinerary. The city has a blend of African and European cultures, a lively nightlife, and numerous tourist attractions that make it an ideal place to visit. Here are the top tourist attractions in Cotonou, Benin:
1. Fidjrosse Beach
Fidjrosse Beach is one of the best beaches in Cotonou. It is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is popular among locals and tourists and has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
2. Ganvie Village
Ganvie Village is a unique tourist attraction in Cotonou. It is a village built on stilts on the water, and it is known as the Venice of Africa. The village is home to over 20,000 people and has schools, clinics, and churches built on stilts. You can take a boat ride to the village and enjoy the breathtaking views of the village on the water.
3. Dantokpa Market
Dantokpa Market is the largest market in Benin and one of the biggest in West Africa. The market has everything you need from textiles, electronics, jewelry, and art to food and spices. It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and experience the local culture.
4. The Palace of the King of Abomey
The Palace of the King of Abomey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved palaces in West Africa. It is located in the historic city of Abomey, which is about an hour's drive from Cotonou. The palace has several museums and galleries that showcase the history and culture of the Benin Kingdom.
5. The National Museum of Benin
The National Museum of Benin is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of the country. The museum has a collection of traditional artifacts like statues, masks, and textiles, as well as modern art from local artists. The museum is located in the heart of Cotonou, and admission is free.
6. W National Park
W National Park is a protected area that straddles the borders of Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and antelopes. You can take a safari tour to the park from Cotonou and experience the beauty of the natural environment.
In conclusion, Cotonou is a traveler's paradise with a variety of tourist attractions that appeal to all kinds of visitors. From the stunning beaches to the unique Ganvie Village, the fascinating Dantokpa Market to the historic Palace of the King of Abomey, and the cultural National Museum of Benin to the awe-inspiring W National Park, there is something for everyone in Cotonou.
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
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