Piacenza has a Po Valley climate — cold and foggy winters, hot and humid summers, with spring and autumn the most comfortable seasons. April to June and September to October are ideal visiting months.
The city doesn't have dramatic annual festivals, but the Fiera di Sant'Antonino in June is a traditional market fair that has been held since medieval times in the area around the basilica. The Piacenza Jazz Club (November) brings good jazz musicians to the city. Summer can be hot and slow; many restaurants close for August.
Piacenza is an easy day trip from Milan, Parma, or Cremona, but it rewards a stay of at least one night — the city feels quite different in the evening when the tourists have gone and the restaurants fill with locals.