Parakou has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from October or November through to April: clear skies, dusty harmattan winds from the Sahara from December onward, and temperatures that can hit 40°C in March and April before the rains return. This is the easier time to travel — roads are passable everywhere and accommodation is readily available.
The rainy season runs roughly May to September, with rains typically heaviest in July and August. Roads to the northwest and toward Pendjari can become difficult or impassable after heavy rain, so check conditions before setting out. The upside is that the landscape greens dramatically and the heat is less punishing.
September is the best month to combine comfortable travel with the Gaani festival, Parakou's major cultural event. The rains are tapering off, the city is lively, and the surrounding countryside is at its most colourful.