Northern Benin, Benin: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northern Benin, Benin? If you're planning to go to Northern Benin, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Benin, Benin

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Benin, Benin, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Benin, Benin

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Benin, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Benin, Benin by month

January

If you visit Northern Benin during January, you might find that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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 Northern Benin 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • 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. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you visit Northern Benin during February, you are likely to find that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s 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 constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to find the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March is sizzling and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (high 30s C) 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.

  • 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts 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

April

If you visit Northern Benin during April, you will probably see that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

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 always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you 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 little 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs 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.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

May for Northern Benin is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

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 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

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.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Northern Benin 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 luggage 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.

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 surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

July

If you vacation in Northern Benin during July, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

August

August in Northern Benin can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 20s 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just 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 locations.

September

If you visit Northern Benin during September, you will probably find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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 frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in Northern Benin is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s 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 recently, an AirTag can help you 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 Northern Benin 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug 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 simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • 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 support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

If you visit Northern Benin during November, you are likely to see that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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 constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts 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 neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

December

If you visit Northern Benin during December, you are likely to notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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 Northern Benin may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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

  • 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 support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to find the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

What to do in Northern Benin, Benin

Northern Benin, situated in the west Africa region, is known for its rich history, exquisite culture, and stunning natural beauty that attract tourists from different parts of the world. The region is famous for its vibrant traditions, remarkable architectural structures, and thriving wildlife – from the Benin Wildlife Conservation Park to the National Park of Pendjari. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top tourist attractions in Northern Benin, Benin Republic.

1. The Royal Palace of Abomey

The Royal Palace of Abomey was formerly home to the Kings of Dahomey, who ruled over Benin from the 17th century until the arrival of the French in the 19th century. The palace is the largest and considered the cultural center of Benin. The palace is full of historical artifacts from the Dahomey Kingdom and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant contribution to Africa's cultural history.

2. Benin Wildlife Conservation Park

The Benin Wildlife Conservation Park is an excellent place for tourists to visit and experience the rich wildlife of Northern Benin. This park houses several species of animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, apes, and several other animals. The scenic beauty along with its diverse ecosystem provides the perfect environment for taking a walk or a safari drive, which is a lifetime experience.

3. The National Park of Pendjari

The National Park of Pendjari is one of West Africa's largest wildlife parks, measuring over 4500 square kilometers. It is located near the border of Burkina Faso, known for rare species of elephants, lions, cheetahs, monkeys, and other wildlife. The park is surrounded by various stunning mountains, waterfalls, and rivers that make the parks an excellent outdoor experience.

4. The Somba Houses

The Somba Houses are ancient residential structures typical to the Atacora region in Northern Benin. These houses are usually made of mud and have distinctive thatched roofs. These structures are a reflection of the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic tribes, who have roamed Northern Benin for centuries.

5. The Dassa-Zoumè Forest Reserve

The Dassa-Zoumè Forest Reserve is a nature lover's dream. This forest reserve is filled with unique flora and fauna that are uncommon in other parts of the world. Visitors can take long nature walks through the forest or camp in one of the designated areas. It is a habitat for many of Benin’s endangered species, such as chimpanzees, grey parrots, and bushbuck.

6. The Taneka Village

The Taneka village is located in the Atakora mountain region, where the Taneka tribespeople still reside today, preserving their traditions and customs. The village is home to the iconic Taneka architecture, where houses are built into the mountainside. The village has an illustrious history and unique style of pottery and carving that can be seen in their artwork and handicrafts. Tourists can experience Taneka music, dance, and food while learning about their traditions.

In conclusion, Northern Benin, Benin Republic, is a place to explore and experiences the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the country. The region's unique tourist destinations provide numerous opportunities for visitors to enrich their lives with new and exciting experiences. A trip to Northern Benin can prove to be a fantastic and memorable African adventure that combines history, culture, and biodiversity.

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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