About Benin
Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Niger to the northeast. The majority of its population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Porto-Novo, and the seat of government is in Cotonou, the most populous city and economic capital. Benin covers an area of 112,622 km2 (43,484 sq mi), and its population in 2026 was estimated to be approximately 15 million. It is a tropical country with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture and the exports of palm oil and cotton.
Climate in Porto-Novo
Warmest March, coolest August, driest January, sunniest December. Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, August, November, December.
Monthly climate normals for Porto-Novo, 2020| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Sunshine |
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| January | 33.9°C | 21.9°C | 3mm | 313h |
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| February | 34.8°C | 23.9°C | 10mm | 300h |
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| March | 32.4°C | 25.7°C | 62mm | 280h |
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| April | 32.1°C | 25.3°C | 60mm | 283h |
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| May | 31.2°C | 25°C | 140mm | 296h |
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| June | 29°C | 23.7°C | 331mm | 221h |
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| July | 27.7°C | 23.2°C | 483mm | 250h |
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| August | 28.3°C | 22.5°C | 24mm | 310h |
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| September | 28.7°C | 23.4°C | 208mm | 241h |
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| October | 29.4°C | 23.5°C | 197mm | 282h |
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| November | 31°C | 24.4°C | 112mm | 310h |
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| December | 31.5°C | 24.4°C | 42mm | 318h |
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Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)
Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.
Travel guide
Benin is a country in West Africa. You'll find culture through a large collection of palatial ruins and temples of the once powerful Kingdom of Dahomey (1800s–1894). Moreover, Benin is the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo) and all that goes with it. Vodun is the official religion of the country, and an important part of the life of ordinary Beninese. Many important tourist sites are linked to Vodun or the slave trade. The national parks of Benin are well worth a visit for their wildlife. It is also one of the most stable and safest countries in the region. With its rich history, vibrant culture, protected wildlife, Grand Popo ocean beach, and artisan market in Se, Benin is one of the best kept tourist secrets in West Africa.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Koutammakou
- Royal Palace Museum
- Royal Palaces of Abomey
- W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Upcoming public holidays
Full source list on About.
Benin
Bouvet Island
