Things to Do in Benin in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Benin
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Harmattan winds are finally gone - March marks the transition when the dry dusty air from the Sahara clears out, giving you brilliant blue skies and actually being able to see the ocean properly in Cotonou instead of through that characteristic haze
- Voodoo Day aftermath energy - January 10th is the big festival, but March still carries that cultural momentum with ceremonies continuing in villages around Ouidah and Abomey, minus the overwhelming tourist crowds and inflated prices
- Perfect timing for wildlife at Pendjari National Park - animals concentrate around remaining water sources before the rains fully arrive, making March one of the absolute best months for spotting elephants, lions, and hippos without the October-February peak season crowds
- Pre-rainy season pricing - accommodation rates haven't hit their April-May low-season discounts yet, but you're also avoiding the December-February high season premiums, typically saving 15-25% compared to peak months while still getting excellent weather
Considerations
- Heat builds aggressively through the month - early March starts around 35°C (95°F) but by month's end you're regularly hitting 38-40°C (100-104°F), and that humidity makes midday activities genuinely uncomfortable rather than just warm
- Unpredictable rain patterns as the season transitions - you might get 6 days of rain or 12, might be brief afternoon showers or day-long downpours, which makes planning beach days or northern park visits a bit of a gamble in the second half of March
- Dust hasn't completely settled - while better than January-February, you'll still get occasional Harmattan remnants that create hazy conditions and coat everything in fine red dust, particularly frustrating for photographers and anyone with respiratory sensitivities
Best Activities in March
Pendjari National Park wildlife safaris
March hits that sweet spot where the park is still accessible before heavy rains make roads difficult, but the December-February European holiday crowds have thinned out considerably. Animals gather predictably around waterholes as dry season resources dwindle - your chances of seeing elephants, buffalo, and big cats are legitimately better than most other months. The heat actually works in your favor since animals are more active at dawn and dusk, which aligns perfectly with safari timing anyway. That said, bring serious sun protection because the savanna offers zero shade and UV index of 11 is no joke.
Ouidah historical and voodoo culture experiences
March gives you the cultural depth of Ouidah without the January Voodoo Day chaos when the town swells to triple its normal size. The Door of No Return, Python Temple, and Route des Esclaves are far more contemplative experiences with smaller groups, and you can actually have meaningful conversations with priests and historians rather than being rushed through. Several voodoo ceremonies still happen in surrounding villages - locals are more willing to welcome respectful visitors in March than during the commercialized festival period. The heat is intense for the 4km (2.5 mile) walk along the slave route, so start before 8am or after 4pm.
Grand Popo beach stays and fishing village exploration
March catches the tail end of good beach weather before April rains make the coast less appealing. The ocean is still swimmable though currents remain strong year-round, and the fishing village atmosphere is authentically local rather than tourist-oriented. Early morning fish markets around 6-7am are genuinely fascinating - pirogues come in with night catches and the whole village mobilizes. The laid-back reggae bar scene picks up on weekends. That said, this isn't pristine white sand Caribbean beach territory - expect rustic charm, some litter, and powerful Atlantic waves. Best for travelers wanting coastal atmosphere rather than resort perfection.
Abomey Royal Palaces and Dahomey Kingdom historical sites
The former capital of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom is significantly more comfortable to explore in March than during peak hot season in April-May. The palace museums require several hours of walking between compounds, and you'll want energy to absorb the complex history of the Fon kings and the Amazon warriors. March timing means you might catch preparations for annual ceremonies honoring past kings - not the ceremonies themselves necessarily, but the cultural activity around them. The UNESCO World Heritage site gets surprisingly few visitors, giving you an unhurried experience that major West African historical sites rarely offer.
Ganvie stilt village boat tours
The African Venice experience is actually better in March than later in the year when water levels drop and navigation becomes trickier. The lake community of 20,000+ people living entirely on stilts remains fascinating despite increasing tourist traffic. March heat means going early morning around 7-8am is essential - both for light and temperature. You'll see the floating market, fish trap demonstrations, and daily life on the water. Worth noting this has become quite touristy, so manage expectations accordingly - it's still worthwhile but not an undiscovered experience. The boat ride from Abomey-Calavi takes about 30 minutes each way.
Cotonou Dantokpa Market immersion
West Africa's largest open-air market is genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way - a sprawling maze of sections selling everything from voodoo fetishes to motorcycle parts to fabric to live chickens. March heat makes this a morning-only activity, ideally 7-10am before temperatures become oppressive. The voodoo fetish section near the lagoon side is particularly fascinating for photography and cultural insight, though be respectful about photos and expect to pay subjects. This isn't a tourist market - it's where actual Beninese people do actual shopping, which means authentic chaos and occasional aggressive selling but also real cultural immersion.
March Events & Festivals
International Women's Day celebrations
March 8th is taken quite seriously in Benin with official ceremonies in major cities, particularly Cotonou and Porto-Novo. You'll see women's associations organizing parades, cultural performances, and discussions about women's rights and economic empowerment. While not a tourist event per se, it offers genuine insight into contemporary Beninese society and the role of women's cooperatives in local economies. Markets and some businesses close or operate reduced hours.