La Mancha is one of the most extreme corners of Spain weather-wise — fierce summers, sharp winters, very little rain. The best months for a visit are April to early June and September to early November, when the days are warm rather than scalding and the plains are at their greenest in spring or their gold-and-red harvest colours in autumn.
July and August bring temperatures regularly above 35°C and the city feels emptied out, though hotels are cheap. Winter is cold, with frosts at night, but bright skies and almost no crowds — and the perfect time to eat a heavy game stew.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) sees solemn processions through the old town, and the Pandorga de Ciudad Real in late July is the main local festival, in honour of the city's patron the Virgen del Prado.