St. John's weather is notoriously variable and generally unkind. Fog, rain, and wind are facts of life for most of the year. That said, July and August bring the best conditions: warmer temperatures (though rarely hot by mainland standards), long evenings, and the best chance of clear skies. This is also iceberg and whale-watching season along the coast.
The Royal St. John's Regatta on the first Wednesday of August is the city's biggest day — a public holiday in the city, a raucous celebration around Quidi Vidi Lake, and a hard time to find accommodation. The George Street Festival in late July and early August draws large crowds. Winter is raw and dark but the city doesn't close down: indoor venues and the pub culture keep things lively through the cold months.