Summer (June–August). Peak season — hot and dry, 27–30°C, blue skies, and a beach so crowded in August that it functions as a horizontal city. June is the most pleasant month. The International Jazz Festival runs for a week in June; in late June the Notte Rosa turns the entire 100-km Adriatic riviera pink for a single night of fireworks, music, and street parties.
Spring (March–May). Mild and increasingly sunny. Paganello, the international beach frisbee tournament held at Easter, fills the sand before the bathing crowds arrive. By late May the water is warm enough for early swimming and prices are still off-peak.
Autumn (September–November). September is still warm and busy. The Borgo San Giuliano festival in early September brings the old fishermen's quarter to life with murals, music, and street food. The Sagra Musicale Malatestiana brings classical music to the dzong and churches into October. November sees the start of the cheese and truffle fairs in the hills inland.
Winter (December–February). Quiet, mild, often grey. Hotels are cheaper and the museums are emptier. December has Christmas markets across the old town; February's Seafood Exposition is a serious local foodie event.