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, 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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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.

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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.

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Benin has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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.

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

If you are planning to check out the beautiful Cotonou Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

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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