Banská Štiavnica is a year-round destination, though the castles, museum, and Calvary are best visited in the warmer months. Spring through early autumn (April to October) is ideal: the trails through the tajchy reservoirs are pleasant, all the museums are open on regular hours, and the town's numerous festivals take place during this period.
The most notable annual event is the Salamander Festival in September, which commemorates the town's mining heritage with a parade of costumed miners through the historic streets. The name comes from the salamander, an emblem of the mining profession in this region. It draws crowds and is worth timing a visit around. Summer weekends can be busy with day-trippers from Bratislava and Banská Bystrica; midweek visits are quieter. Winter is peaceful and the snow enhances the Gothic and baroque architecture considerably.