Cotonou in December
In December, Cotonou averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (21 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Cotonou, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Cotonou
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cotonou (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (29°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (29°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Cotonou
Times shown for Cotonou local time (Africa/Porto-Novo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cotonou — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Cotonou's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cotonou in December
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 December's tier (Shoulder) and Cotonou's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Cotonou
Cotonou is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Cotonou
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cotonou in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cotonou in December?
In December, Cotonou averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 25°C (78°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cotonou in December?
December is quite rainy in Cotonou, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Cotonou?
December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cotonou in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Cotonou for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.