Argeles-sur-Mer has a Mediterranean climate -- warm and sunny from April through October, wet and windy from November to March. Summer is peak season and the town gets extremely crowded, so May, June, and September are the best months to visit if you want good weather without the crush.
Spring
Les Deferlantes, a music festival running since 2006, takes place in the spring with an eclectic mix of acts in an open-air setting. Past performers include Patti Smith, Iggy and the Stooges, and Suzanne Vega. In May, the Rencontres Cinemaginaires film festival screens features, shorts, and pre-release films around a different theme each year. It has been running for over 20 years.
Summer
The markets are the main draw from June to September. An evening craft market runs nightly at Centre Plage, an antiques and furniture market sets up at the village dock from June to August, and you can buy organic produce at Place de Nouveau Monde. The Carnival parade, held on the first suitable day in March, kicks off with locals in colourful dress parading through town with homemade floats, balloons, and bandas dancers.
Autumn
September brings the Aplec de Valmy, a Catalan gathering with traditional sardana dances and music, plus the Festival of Saint Come and Saint Damien -- the town's patron saints -- celebrated with parades, food, and shows. The International Art Exhibition runs from late September into October, with some 375 works from around 200 artists displayed at the Park of Valmy. October also sees a table-game championship with bridge and chess competitions.