May to September is the obvious season — Exmoor is at its best, the coast path is dry underfoot, and the West Somerset Railway is running its full timetable. July and August get busy with British holidaymakers, especially around Butlin's, but the surrounding moor stays quiet even in peak.
Late spring (May, early June) is arguably best: the bluebells are out in the woods on North Hill, the days are long, and the prices are lower. Autumn is fine for walking and quieter still. The Minehead Hobby Horse festival on May Day weekend is the local must-see — a centuries-old folk tradition with a costumed horse dancing through the streets to drums and accordion.
Winter is mild here but wet and windy. Many cafés and the railway shut down between November and March.