Cotonou in January
In January, Cotonou averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (23 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Cotonou. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Cotonou
January is one of the warmest months in Cotonou (3rd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (29°C). January runs roughly the same as December (30°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Cotonou
Times shown for Cotonou local time (Africa/Porto-Novo), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cotonou — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Cotonou's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cotonou in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Cotonou's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cotonou in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cotonou in January?
In January, Cotonou averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cotonou in January?
January is quite rainy in Cotonou, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Cotonou?
January 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Cotonou for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.