Budapest has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The peak tourist months are July and August, when temperatures hover around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and the outdoor pools and ruin bar terraces are in full swing. Spring is lovely, with mild weather and the Budapest Spring Festival in late March bringing opera, jazz, and theater. Autumn is arguably the best time to visit, with warm days, golden light, and thinner crowds. Winter can be bitterly cold, but the Christmas markets are excellent and soaking in a steaming outdoor thermal bath while snow falls is one of Budapest's great pleasures.