Szeged sits in the hottest and driest part of Hungary. Summers are long and genuinely warm — July and August regularly hit 35°C — which makes the riverside terraces and outdoor cafes central to city life. The Open-Air Festival (Szegedi Szabadtéri Játékok), held in Dóm Square from late July through August, is Hungary's largest outdoor performing arts event and a good reason to time a visit. Accommodation fills up during festival weekends, so book ahead.
Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to explore on foot. May and September offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the city's architecture at its most photogenic. Winter is cold and sometimes foggy, but Szeged has a relaxed, student-city atmosphere year-round that makes a low-season visit worthwhile if you enjoy a city without the tour groups.