Košice has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best months to visit are May through September, when outdoor café life on Hlavná ulica is at its most pleasant. July and August are warm and can be quite hot. Spring and autumn are good shoulder-season choices with fewer visitors than the major tourist cities of Slovakia.
Winter is cold but the old town looks attractive in snow and the city is considerably cheaper than visiting in summer. Košice also hosts a large international marathon in autumn — one of the oldest marathons in Europe — which brings a festive atmosphere but can affect accommodation availability and Hlavná ulica access.