WHEN TO TRAVEL to Benin

Choosing the right period for your trip to Benin can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Bénin

A visa is required to travel to Benign. But it is possible with Visamundi to obtain an electronic visa to go there.

Location

Climate

January 19.9→34.9°C
0.05mm
7:09→18:50
February 21.9→36.6°C
0.22mm
7:08→19:00
March 24.2→37°C
0.84mm
6:55→19:02
April 24.5→35.9°C
2.16mm
6:39→19:02
May 23.9→33.5°C
3.72mm
6:29→19:05
June 22.8→31.2°C
4.65mm
6:30→19:12
July 21.9→29.5°C
6.26mm
6:37→19:15
August 21.7→29°C
7.58mm
6:41→19:08
September 21.8→29.7°C
8.23mm
6:39→18:51
October 22.1→31.8°C
3.4mm
6:38→18:35
November 21.9→34.3°C
0.11mm
6:43→18:28
December 20→34.5°C
0mm
6:57→18:35
19.9→34.9°C
21.9→36.6°C
24.2→37°C
24.5→35.9°C
23.9→33.5°C
22.8→31.2°C
21.9→29.5°C
21.7→29°C
21.8→29.7°C
22.1→31.8°C
21.9→34.3°C
20→34.5°C
Jan 7:09→18:50
Feb 7:08→19:00
Mar 6:55→19:02
Apr 6:39→19:02
May 6:29→19:05
Jun 6:30→19:12
Jul 6:37→19:15
Aug 6:41→19:08
Sep 6:39→18:51
Oct 6:38→18:35
Nov 6:43→18:28
Dec 6:57→18:35
0.05mm
0.22mm
0.84mm
2.16mm
3.72mm
4.65mm
6.26mm
7.58mm
8.23mm
3.4mm
0.11mm
0mm

Climate seasons - When to go to Benin?

Benin's climate is characterized by two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. It is important to note that these seasons vary according to the region of the country.

Dry and rainy seasons in the south

In southern Benin, the rainy season generally runs from April to July and September to November, with heavier rainfall between May and June. Visit dry season is between December and March, as well as in August.

Dry and rainy seasons in the north

In the north of the country, the rainy season is shorter, from June to September. Visit dry season is therefore longer, from October to May.

Tourist season in Benin: low and high seasons

Depending on climatic conditions and tourist numbers, tourism in Benin can be divided into low and high seasons.

Low tourist season

There low tourist season generally corresponds to the rainy season, from April to July and September to November in the south, and June to September in the north. During this period, rainfall can make some roads impassable, and access to certain tourist sites may be compromised. However, this offers the advantage of lower fares and fewer visitors.

High tourist season

There high tourist season in Benin is during the dry season, from December to March in the south and from October to May in the north. The climate is then more clement and conducive to sightseeing. However, it's important to bear in mind that this period attracts more visitors, and prices can be significantly higher.

Public holidays and major cultural events in Benin

Benin has several major public holidays and cultural events that can have an impact on your trip. It may be worth planning your stay around these festivities to take full advantage of the country's cultural richness.

Public holidays

Here is a list of main public holidays in Benin :
  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • March/April (date varies) : Easter
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • December 25: Christmas
  • August 7: National Holiday
These public holidays may mean the closure of shops, institutions and tourist sites. So it's important to take them into account when planning your trip.

Major cultural events

Benin has a rich cultural tradition and several major events take place throughout the year. Here are a few examples of events you might want to include in your trip:
  • Porto-Novo International Festival This annual festival, usually held in January, celebrates the cultural and artistic diversity of the city of Porto-Novo. It features dance, music, theater and visual arts, as well as exhibitions and conferences.
  • Vodoun Festival Every year on January 10, the town of Ouidah celebrates Vodoun, a traditional Beninese religion. This religious and cultural festival brings together numerous followers to honor the voodoo deities through ceremonies, processions and dances.
  • Festival International des Musiques Béninoises (FIMUB) The Benin Festival: Held every two years in November, this festival showcases Benin's rich musical heritage through concerts, workshops and encounters between local and international artists.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

The West African country of Benin is a destination of growing interest for both tourists and those wishing to settle there.

Statistics on immigration to Benin

The data provided by general population and housing census (RGPH) provide an overview of immigration to Benin. The figures show that the number of immigrants has increased in recent years.

Immigrant origin

The majority of immigrants to Benin come from neighboring countries, notably Nigeria, Togo, Niger and Burkina Faso. However, there is also a significant presence of Europeans, mainly from France and Italy.
  • Nigeria: approx. 40%
  • Togo : about 30%
  • Niger and Burkina Faso: around 15%
  • Europe: approx. 10%

Immigrant profile

Immigrants to Benin are generally between the ages of 25 and 49.. Moreover, men outnumber women among these immigrants. The majority come for professional or family reasons.

Most popular visas in Benin

Several types of visa are available for those wishing to visit Benin, whether for tourism, work or study. The most popular visas are as follows:
  • Tourist visa
  • Business Visa
  • Work visa
  • Student visa

Tourist visa

The tourist visa is by far the most popular, due to Benin's growing popularity as a tourist destination. This type of visa is generally valid for 30 days, and can be extended on site.

Business Visa

The business visa is intended for people visiting Benin for professional reasons, such as attending meetings, conferences or training courses. It is valid for up to three months.

Work visa

A work visa is granted to foreigners wishing to work in Benin. To obtain this visa, it is necessary to present an employment contract and an employment authorization issued by the Beninese authorities.

Student visa

Finally, the student visa is intended for people wishing to pursue their studies in Benin. It is generally valid for the duration of studies, and can be renewed annually.

International tourism figures for Benin

Benin has seen a significant increase in the number of international tourists in recent years. Visit tourism figures show that the country is attracting more and more visitors to discover its cultural and natural riches.

Tourist numbers

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the number of international tourists to Benin has risen from 135,000 in 2005 to almost 300,000 in 2019. This growth reflects the country's growing appeal to foreign travelers.

Tourist origin

Tourists visiting Benin mainly come from France, Germany, the USA and Canada. However, there has also been an increase in the number of visitors from China and the United States.South Africa.

Tourism's contribution to the economy

Tourism is an important part of Benin's economy. According to a report published by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, it generates almost 3% of the national GDP. The sector also employs around 70,000 people, or 4% of the working population.

Main tourist attractions

Benin has many assets to attract international tourists. Among the most popular sites are :
  • Ouidahhistoric town and voodoo cultural center
  • Abomeyformer capital of the Danhomè kingdom and UNESCO World Heritage site
  • The Pendjarione of the last wildlife sanctuaries in West Africa
  • Ganviéa unique lakeside village