Cotonou in September

In September, Cotonou averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 25°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 30 days of the month see precipitation (141 mm total).

Shoulder

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

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

27°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
30
Rain days
141 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Cotonou

10th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 9 min
daylight on the 15th

September is one of the coolest months in Cotonou (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (29°C). September runs 1°C warmer than August (26°C) and warms a further 1°C into October (28°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Cotonou

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:41 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:50 PM
Day length
12 h 9 min

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

Photography light in Cotonou — September

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:41 AM – 6:21 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:21 AM – 7:21 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:10 PM – 7:10 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:10 PM – 7:50 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 September

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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Cotonou's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — September in Cotonou

Shoulder

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 — September in Cotonou

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
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 September weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Cotonou in September?

In September, Cotonou averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 25°C (76°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Cotonou in September?

September is quite rainy in Cotonou, with about 30 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Cotonou?

September 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 September?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September 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.