wb_sunny By topic
The weather in Fon
Is it raining? Is it hot? Benin has very distinct seasons. Here is the fɔ̀ngbè vocabulary for talking about the weather — a universal conversation topic.
Describing today’s weather
The seasons in Benin
Benin’s climate mainly distinguishes dry seasons and rainy seasons. No spring or fall as in Europe or North America.
Theharmattan (a dry wind from the Sahara) blows from December to February and brings temperatures down at night — an ideal time to travel.
Short weather phrases
Two rainy seasons
Southern Benin (Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo) has two rainy seasons: a major one (April-July) and a minor one (September-October). Bring an umbrella during these periods.
The climate in words
Talking about rain or sunshine in fɔ̀ngbè means catching the very rhythm of the country. Beninese people adjust their lives to the sky, and the language follows this seasonal reality.
Reading these words isn’t enough. You have to hear them.
In Fon, the pitch of your voice changes the meaning: à asks a question, ǎ says no. The Academy explains 818 forms, one by one, carried by a native voice — never a word without its meaning.
One free trial lesson when you sign up.
- Fon vocabulary: 102 essential words — by theme, checked against the course
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test