Jining has a hot, humid summer (July–August) and cold dry winter. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable seasons for visiting. The Lotus Festival on Weishan Lake runs in late July and early August when the flowers are at their peak; this is a busy period for domestic tourism. September is ideal for combining Jining with Qufu, where the Confucius Birthday Festival on September 28 draws large crowds — it is worth timing a visit around if you are interested, but book accommodation well in advance.