Things to Do in Benin in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Benin
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Last chance for dry-season conditions before heavy rains arrive in May - most days are still sunny with manageable afternoon showers that last 30-45 minutes rather than all-day downpours
- Wildlife viewing peaks at Pendjari National Park as animals concentrate around remaining water sources and vegetation thins out, making elephants, lions, and antelope easier to spot than any other time of year
- Significantly fewer tourists than December through February - you'll often have Ouidah's Python Temple or Abomey's Royal Palaces practically to yourself, and accommodation prices drop 20-30% from peak season rates
- The humidity brings out incredible colors in the landscape - the red earth roads contrast beautifully with increasingly green vegetation, and photographers get that rich, saturated light without the haze of full dry season
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns as Benin transitions between seasons - you might get lucky with mostly sunny days, or you might hit a week where afternoon storms roll in daily around 3-4pm and disrupt outdoor plans
- Northern regions including Pendjari can hit 38°C (100°F) by midday, making wildlife drives genuinely uncomfortable between 11am-4pm - you'll need to structure your days around the heat rather than your preferences
- Increasing mosquito activity as rains create breeding grounds - malaria risk rises noticeably compared to January-March, requiring more vigilant prevention measures and potentially affecting your comfort level during evening activities
Best Activities in April
Pendjari National Park Safari Drives
April is genuinely the best month for wildlife viewing in West Africa's premier safari destination. As water sources shrink and the park hasn't received heavy rains yet, elephants, buffalo, lions, and various antelope species concentrate around the remaining waterholes, making sightings far more reliable than during wet season when animals disperse. The vegetation is also thinner after months of dry season, improving visibility. Morning drives starting at 6am offer the best conditions - animals are active, temperatures are tolerable at 22-25°C (72-77°F), and the light is spectacular. By 11am it's genuinely hot at 35-38°C (95-100°F), so most visitors return to lodges until late afternoon drives around 4pm. The park sees maybe 50-100 visitors total in April compared to 300+ during December-January peak season.
Ouidah Historical and Voodoo Cultural Tours
April weather is actually ideal for exploring Ouidah's outdoor historical sites - hot but not unbearable, with occasional afternoon shade from building clouds. The 4 km (2.5 mile) Route des Esclaves from the old slave auction site to the beach is best walked early morning around 7-8am when temperatures are 24-26°C (75-79°F). The Door of No Return on the beach, Python Temple, and Sacred Forest of Kpasse are all partially shaded. April 10th is particularly significant if you're visiting then - it's the anniversary of Benin's abolition of slavery, with ceremonies and cultural events in Ouidah. The city is quieter than peak season, so you'll have more meaningful interactions at voodoo temples and can often arrange private ceremonies with priests for 15,000-30,000 CFA. The humidity actually enhances the atmospheric quality of the Sacred Forest.
Ganvie Stilt Village Pirogue Canoe Tours
The lake level is perfect in April - high enough for easy navigation but not yet swollen with rainy season floods. Ganvie, Africa's largest lake village with 20,000 residents living entirely on stilts, is best visited early morning between 7-9am when the water is calm, fishermen are active, and temperatures haven't climbed above 28°C (82°F). The 90-minute pirogue rides through the village neighborhoods reveal daily life - floating markets, schools, even a floating hotel. April mornings offer excellent photography light reflecting off the water without the harsh midday glare. The 1.5 hour drive from Cotonou to the boat launch point is straightforward on paved roads. Afternoon visits are possible but expect more heat and occasional rain showers after 3pm.
Abomey Royal Palaces UNESCO Site Exploration
The former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom offers West Africa's most impressive collection of pre-colonial palaces, and April's weather makes the 2-3 hour walking tour through the palace complex manageable if you go early. Start by 8-9am when it's 26-28°C (79-82°F) rather than the brutal 35°C (95°F) midday heat. The museum houses incredible artifacts - King Ghezo's throne mounted on human skulls, elaborate appliqué tapestries depicting battles and ceremonies, and royal treasures spanning 12 successive kings from 1625-1900. The indoor museum sections provide welcome air-conditioned breaks. April sees very few tourists, so you'll often have entire palace sections to yourself. The 2 hour drive from Cotonou on decent roads makes this an easy day trip.
Grand Marche Dantokpa Market Immersion
West Africa's largest open-air market in Cotonou is genuinely overwhelming - 20 hectares (50 acres) with an estimated 60,000 vendors selling everything from voodoo fetishes to motorcycle parts to mountains of tomatoes. April mornings between 8-10am offer the best experience before the heat becomes oppressive and before afternoon rain threatens. The market is partially covered but still hot and humid. You'll find sections dedicated to fabrics, spices, traditional medicines, pottery, and a fascinating fetish market where priests sell ingredients for ceremonies. This is where locals actually shop, not a tourist market, so expect authentic chaos. The smells, sounds, and visual overload are intense - it's not for everyone, but it's the real Benin.
Coastal Beach Time and Seafood
Benin's Atlantic coast offers genuine local beach experiences rather than resort tourism. Grand Popo, 100 km (62 miles) west of Cotonou, has the best beaches with golden sand and reasonable surf. April weather is ideal for beach days - hot enough at 30-32°C (86-90°F) to enjoy the water, with afternoon clouds providing occasional relief from the intense UV. The ocean temperature stays around 27°C (81°F) year-round. Be aware that currents can be strong and there are no lifeguards - locals swim but cautiously. The real appeal is fresh grilled fish and lobster at beachside spots for 3,000-6,000 CFA, cold beer, and watching fishermen haul in nets. Weekdays are quiet, weekends see more locals from Cotonou.
April Events & Festivals
International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery
April 10th marks Benin's commemoration of slavery abolition with ceremonies in Ouidah, the primary departure point for enslaved people shipped to the Americas. The day includes cultural performances, wreath-laying at the Door of No Return monument, and voodoo ceremonies. It's not a massive tourist event but offers genuine cultural significance if your dates align. Hotels in Ouidah fill up, so book accommodation at least 2-3 weeks ahead if you're planning to attend.
Easter Celebrations
Easter dates vary but often falls in April - in 2026 it's April 5th. Benin's Christian population, particularly in southern regions, celebrates with church services, family gatherings, and traditional feasts. It's not a major tourist event but does mean some businesses close Good Friday through Easter Monday, and transport can be more crowded as people travel to family villages. Worth noting for planning purposes rather than as a reason to visit.