Cotonou Weather in January
January in Cotonou typically sees daytime highs of 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows of 26°C (79°F). With the least rainfall of the year, it's a reliably dry month.
Rainfall in Cotonou in January
With the least rainfall of the year, this month offers good conditions for outdoor exploration. Take advantage of the dry weather to plan your activities. On average, there are about a single day with rain during this month, averaging 29 mm (1.1 in). If rain does fall, it tends to arrive as a fairly heavy shower rather than light drizzle.
Temperature in Cotonou in January
January is a perfect month in Cotonou, with 30°C (86°F) during the day and 26°C (79°F) at night. Indoor breaks or shaded spots can make the warmer part of the day much more comfortable. Nights are warm at 26°C (79°F). It's worth making sure your accommodation has decent ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine in Cotonou in January
With approximately 214 hours of sunshine, the days are filled with clear skies. It makes it a perfect month for being outside.
Wind Speed in Cotonou in January
January sees wind speeds averaging 4 m/s (8 knots). You'll experience variable conditions with moderate winds that create small waves on water and keep branches moving. Conditions range from light winds to moderate breezes throughout the month.
Average water temperature in January
The water is 28°C (82°F) this month — warm enough that getting in requires no effort at all. Good conditions for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around.For Cotonou itself, August generally stands out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Benin, check out our Cotonou's climate page.
Cotonou Temperature in January
Min Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Water Temperature
28°C (82°F)
Chance of Rain
4%
Precipitation
29 mm (1.1 in)
Rainy days
a single day
Humidity
82%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
214 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cotonou typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 25°C (77°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Cotonou in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cotonou spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cotonou historical weather extremes in January
Our historical data for Cotonou spans 2000 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest January day on record in Cotonou reached 36°C (97°F) (January 25, 2024).
- Cotonou experienced its chilliest January day on January 19, 2008, reaching only 27°C (81°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 19°C (66°F) on January 27, 2008, marking the coldest January night on record.
Best Places in Benin in January
Find out more about the weather in Benin and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Benin in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Cotonou in January
Warm but pleasant conditions in Cotonou in January. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Light rain is possible, so consider bringing a small umbrella or rain jacket. The water temperature sits at about 28°C (82°F), making it perfect for swimming and water activities. Don't forget to pack your favorite swimwear and perhaps some snorkel gear. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Cotonou in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Benin, check out our Cotonou's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Cotonou climate overview or explore weather in Benin.
