La Spezia has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is September and October, when temperatures are warm but comfortable, the summer crowds have thinned, and the grape harvest is underway. Spring (May and June) is beautiful too, with wildflowers in bloom and reasonable prices.
Summer (mid-June to late August) brings peak heat and peak tourists, especially for the Cinque Terre. Expect higher prices and crowded trains. Winter is cold and rainy -- not ideal for a visit, though you will find the lowest prices.
Festivals
The Festival of San Giuseppe (19 March) is the city's biggest event: a three-day affair with over 600 market stalls along the seafront promenades. The Palio del Golfo, a rowing race between the gulf's thirteen villages, takes place on the first Sunday in August. The Festival of San Venerio (13 September) honours the patron saint of the gulf, and the Festival Internazionale del Jazz brings international performers to the city each year.