Clermont-Ferrand is at roughly 400 metres altitude and has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best months for visiting are May through September, when the Puy de Dôme and the Chaîne des Puys are most accessible and the weather most predictable. July and August are warm (25–30°C) but not oppressive. The International Short Film Festival in early February draws large crowds and is one of the most significant film events in France, but accommodation prices rise accordingly.
The Chaîne des Puys can be hiked year-round, though winter snow makes higher trails slippery. The Vulcania park is seasonal (April to November). The Panoramique des Dômes rack railway to the Puy de Dôme summit runs most of the year but with reduced winter frequency.