May · Benin
Best time to visit Cotonou in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Cotonou in May
Average temperature 28°C, 145 mm of rain, about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 86% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
4.2/10
Ranked #8 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 145 mm
- Humidity
- 86%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 19
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Cotonou scores 4.2/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #8 of 12. Expect around 28°C, 145 mm of rain, and roughly 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Cotonou is Benin's largest city, set between the Atlantic and Lake Nokoue, with a huge market and stilt-village trips.
May in Cotonou — off-season conditions
Days in May average 28°C (82°F) and humidity near 86% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
145 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 4.2/10 on the same scale — 8th of 12 months, versus 7.6/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, December is materially better in Cotonou — 3.4 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Cotonou in May?
- In May, Cotonou averages 28°C, 145 mm of rain, and about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.2/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Cotonou?
- May earns a 4.2/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Cotonou in May?
- Expect about 145 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 86% and there are about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Cotonou
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Cotonou
Cotonou, Benin. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.