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Weather in Benin in May – is it worth traveling to?

Going to Benin in May? Historical weather data will show you the chances of sun and heat or snow and wind.
Check flight prices to Benin on Avionero:
May

Is the weather good in Benin in May 2025?

OK Weather
Warm
🌧️
Rainy

For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Benin during May have been around +84°F.

In Benin the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +84°F in Cotonou to +84°F in Cotonou. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.

Temperature, wind and humidity in May

Average
Cotonou
☀️
+84°F
Avg. max. temperature
+73°F
Min.
+90°F
Max.
164 mm
Total precipitation
83%
Avg. humidity
3 m/s
Avg. wind
0 ☀️
Sunny Days
2 ⛅️
Cloudy
21 🌦
Rainy
Our opinion: Benin has OK weather in May.
Benin in May – what city is the…
  • rainiest? Cotonou, with an average of 5 mm of rain and humidity of 83%;
  • warmest? Cotonou, with daytime temperatures averaging +84°F;
  • windiest? Cotonou, with an average of 3 m/s;
  • coolest? Cotonou, with daytime temperatures averaging +84°F;

How good is the weather in Benin in May?

During May, the Benin is characterized by variable weather with air pressure around 1010 HPa and therefore elements of sun, rain, and wind – with a little extra emphasis on the latter two. The humidity in May ranges between 83% in Cotonou and 83% in Cotonou.

How warm is it in Benin during May?

Variable weather with sun, rain and wind: +84°F in average daily temperature.

This is how hot it usually is in May

The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Benin. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for May:
Average
Cotonou
  • Average maximum temperature for the month: +84°F;
  • Average minimum temperature for the month: +79°F;
  • Highest monthly temperature: +86°F;
  • Lowest monthly temperature: +77°F;

Monthly temperatures:

Average
Cotonou
  • Warmest: February with an average +86°F during the day;
  • Coldest: August with an average +79°F of the day;
  • Hottest month in hottest city: February in Cotonou;
  • Coldest month in coolest city: August in Cotonou;

Winds in Benin during May

Wind speed in Benin in May based on historical data:
Average
Cotonou

May tends to offer light winds averaging 3 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.

Comparison between cities in May:

  • Highest average wind speed: Cotonou with 4 m/s;
  • Lowest average wind speed: Cotonou with 4 m/s;
  • Windiest day of the month: Cotonou with 4 m/s;
  • The least windy day of the month: Cotonou with 3 m/s;

Humidity and precipitation in Benin in May

Amount of rainfall in mm during May in Benin based on historical data:
Average
Cotonou
May tends to be an extremely humid month with 85% humidity and 93 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.

Comparison between cities in May:

Average
Cotonou
  • Highest average rainfall: Cotonou with 164 mm;
  • Lowest average rainfall: Cotonou with 164 mm;
  • Most number of rainy days: Cotonou with 21 rainy days;
  • Least number of rainy days: Cotonou with 21 rainy days;
  • Highest risk of rain during the day: Cotonou with 68%;
  • Least risk of rain during the day: Cotonou with 68%;
  • Highest average humidity: Cotonou with 83%;
  • Lowest average humidity: Cotonou with 83%;

Tips for traveling to Benin in May

Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Benin? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.

Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Benin based on the weather that May is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.

rainy, warm weather with light winds and very high humidity in May
Avionero

Pack right for May

The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
  • For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
  • Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
  • Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
  • High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Benin in May:

What can you do outside when it's warm in Benin?

Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.

Is May a good time to visit Benin?

It’s always a good time to visit Benin, but the weather is changeable in May, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality.

Monthly weather in Benin

Source of the data

For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Benin, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.

For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.