Benin
Benin in May
Where it is warm, dry and good for swimming in Benin in May — compared across the country’s main destinations.
Quick answers
- Where is it warmest in Benin in May?
- Malanville is the warmest of the 16 destinations compared, with highs of 38°C (100°F) in May; Cotonou is the coolest at 31°C (88°F).
- Can you swim in the sea in Benin in May?
- Yes, in places: the warmest water is at Cotonou (29°C (84°F)), and 3 of the coastal destinations have a sea of 21 °C or more.
Warmest
38°
Malanville
Coolest
31°
Cotonou
Driest
71 mm
Malanville
Warmest sea
29°
Cotonou
May in Benin ranges from 31°C (88°F) in Cotonou to 38°C (100°F) in Malanville — a spread of 7 degrees across the country. On average it is 2 °C (3 °F) cooler than April. Rain is frequent in most destinations. Best bets this month: Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Ganvié.
Best places in Benin in May
73 
Cotonou
Littoral Department · Benin
31° / 25° 192 mm May
71
Porto-Novo
Ouémé Department · Benin
32° / 24° 199 mm May
73
Ganvié
Atlantique Department · Benin
31° / 24° 180 mm May
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72
Ouidah
Atlantique Department · Benin
32° / 24° 178 mm May
48
Natitingou
Atakora Department · Benin
33° / 23° 118 mm May
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49
Abomey
Zou Department · Benin
32° / 23° 137 mm May
48
Parakou
Borgou Department · Benin
33° / 22° 135 mm May
48
Djougou
Donga · Benin
33° / 22° 127 mm May
Weather in May by city
| Place | Day | Night | Rain | Sea | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotonou | 31° | 25° | 192 mm | 29° | 73 |
| Ganvié | 31° | 24° | 180 mm | 29° | 73 |
| Ouidah | 32° | 24° | 178 mm | — | 72 |
| Porto-Novo | 32° | 24° | 199 mm | 29° | 71 |
| Adjarra | 32° | 24° | 197 mm | — | 70 |
| Avrankou | 32° | 24° | 190 mm | — | 69 |
| Abomey | 32° | 23° | 137 mm | — | 49 |
| Nikki | 33° | 22° | 132 mm | — | 49 |
| Natitingou | 33° | 23° | 118 mm | — | 48 |
| Parakou | 33° | 22° | 135 mm | — | 48 |
| Djougou | 33° | 22° | 127 mm | — | 48 |
| Gogounou | 35° | 24° | 112 mm | — | 40 |
| Ségbana | 36° | 25° | 101 mm | — | 37 |
| Kandi | 36° | 25° | 108 mm | — | 37 |
| Banikoara | 36° | 25° | 97 mm | — | 36 |
| Malanville | 38° | 27° | 71 mm | — | 31 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Benin in May?
Average daytime highs range from 31° in Cotonou to 38° in Malanville.
Can you swim in Benin in May?
Yes — the sea is warmest around Cotonou at about 29°.