Cotonou, Littoral, Benin uses Africa/Porto-Novo, currently WAT (UTC+01:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Cotonou is a city in Benin, with a population of about 679,000. Unlike many places, it does not observe daylight saving time.
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
Central Cotonou, near the main markets and administrative areas, is the most convenient base for reaching the rest of the city. Coastal districts offer a quieter alternative, generally a short taxi ride from downtown's busier streets.
Cotonou's large central market and waterfront areas are best visited in the cooler morning hours, before the day's heat and humidity build. The stilted lake village nearby, reachable by boat, is a striking contrast to the mainland city.
Zemidjan motorcycle taxis are a common and quick way to get around, while shared taxis and buses also cover much of the city. Traffic can be heavy in central areas, particularly around the main market.
The drier months, roughly November through March, bring somewhat lower humidity and more comfortable conditions for getting around. The wetter season that follows can bring heavy rain and more congested roads.
Benin uses the XOF, calling code +229.
Benin uses the West African CFA franc, and French is the official language, with local languages such as Fon widely spoken as well. A warm, patient approach to greetings and small talk is customary before discussing business.
