Nyon is pleasant from late spring through early autumn, when the lake and the Alps are at their best. Summers are warm but rarely oppressive, and the long evenings are ideal for lakeside walks.
The big draw is the Paleo Festival, held each July on the fields west of town. It is Switzerland's largest open-air music festival, running for six days and drawing over 200,000 visitors. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to be here during Paleo week.
Earlier in summer, the Caribana Festival takes place at the Port de Crans, about half an hour's walk from the centre. It is a smaller, more relaxed affair with two stages, a mix of world music and pop, food stalls, and a family-friendly atmosphere. A shuttle runs from Nyon during the event.
Nyon also hosts Visions du Reel, an international documentary film festival held each April, which draws filmmakers and cinephiles from across Europe.