Le Mans has a temperate Atlantic climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. The city is pleasant to visit from April through October. June brings the famous 24 Hours race, which is an experience in itself but also means dramatically higher hotel prices, booked-out restaurants, and clogged roads for the entire race weekend (mid-June). If the race is your reason for coming, book accommodation six months to a year in advance.
Outside race weekend, summer is ideal for exploring the old town on foot and for river activities on the Sarthe. Spring (April–May) is pleasant, with the gardens and riverbanks in good condition. Autumn is quiet and the local restaurants are at their best, with game and foraged mushrooms appearing on menus.
The 24 Heures Motos — the motorcycle equivalent of the car race — takes place on the Bugatti Circuit in April each year, drawing a smaller but equally passionate crowd.