Cotonou in August

In August, Cotonou averages 26°C (80°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 27 days of the month see precipitation (94 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

August offers comfortable temperatures in Cotonou, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
24°C
Avg low
27
Rain days
94 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Cotonou

12th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
12 h 20 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the coolest months in Cotonou (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (29°C). August runs roughly the same as July (27°C) and warms a further 1°C into September (27°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Cotonou

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:45 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:04 PM
Day length
12 h 20 min

Times shown for Cotonou local time (Africa/Porto-Novo), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Cotonou — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Cotonou's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:45 AM – 6:25 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:25 AM – 7:25 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:24 PM – 7:24 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:24 PM – 8:04 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Cotonou.

📅 When to book — Cotonou in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Cotonou's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in Cotonou

High season

This is a busy month in Cotonou — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Cotonou

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Cotonou in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 77°F 23 mm 16
February 30°C / 87°F 26°C / 79°F 31 mm 21
March 30°C / 86°F 27°C / 80°F 73 mm 25
April 30°C / 86°F 27°C / 80°F 71 mm 25
May 29°C / 85°F 26°C / 79°F 165 mm 30
June 28°C / 82°F 25°C / 77°F 236 mm 29
July 27°C / 80°F 25°C / 76°F 114 mm 29
August 26°C / 80°F 24°C / 75°F 94 mm 27
September 27°C / 81°F 25°C / 76°F 141 mm 30
October 28°C / 83°F 25°C / 77°F 147 mm 31
November 29°C / 85°F 26°C / 79°F 69 mm 28
December 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 78°F 21 mm 16

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cotonou in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Cotonou in August?

In August, Cotonou averages a high of 26°C (80°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Cotonou in August?

August is quite rainy in Cotonou, with about 27 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Cotonou?

August is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Cotonou in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Cotonou for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Cotonou on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.