Besançon has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The best months to visit are May to September, when the city's parks and riverside walks are at their best and the outdoor café life in Battant is in full swing. July and August can be warm, with temperatures occasionally reaching 30°C.
Winter is cold and can bring snow, which looks attractive on the citadel but makes the uphill walk less pleasant. The International Young Conductors Competition, held each September, draws music lovers from across Europe and has been a fixture of the city's calendar since 1951.