Cotonou in March
In March, Cotonou averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 27°C (80°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (73 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
March is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Cotonou. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How March compares to the rest of the year in Cotonou
March is one of the warmest months in Cotonou (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (29°C). March runs roughly the same as February (30°C) and stays flat into April.
March sunrise & sunset in Cotonou
Times shown for Cotonou local time (Africa/Porto-Novo), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cotonou — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Cotonou's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cotonou in March
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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Cotonou's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cotonou in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cotonou in March?
In March, Cotonou averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 27°C (80°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cotonou in March?
March is quite rainy in Cotonou, with about 25 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Cotonou?
March 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 March?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Cotonou for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.