Ávila at over 1,100 metres is the highest provincial capital in Spain, and the weather reflects that altitude. Winters are cold and frequently snowy — the walls dusted with snow are striking, and the city is quieter. Summers are warm but not oppressive (24–28°C in July), making it a pleasant escape from the Madrid heat. Spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons.
The feast of Santa Teresa (15 October) is the city's major annual celebration, with processions, cultural events, and packed accommodation. Book well ahead if visiting around this date. The Plaza Mayor fills up completely on the feast day itself. Day-trippers from Madrid are heaviest at weekends from April to October; arriving on a weekday, or staying overnight, transforms the experience of the old town.