New Haven has a classic New England climate: cold winters, warm and humid summers, and vivid autumn colour in October and early November. The most pleasant time to visit is May through June and September through October.
Spring (April–June) is the best time for the campus: undergraduates are still in session, the cherry blossoms in Wooster Square peak in late April, and the weather is mild. The International Festival of Arts and Ideas runs in June, filling the Green and indoor venues with free and ticketed performances.
Summer (July–August) brings heat and humidity, and the university is largely quiet with most students gone. Long Island Sound beaches are within reach, and Lighthouse Point Park is at its most popular.
Autumn (September–October) brings the new academic year and with it a renewed energy across the city. The autumn foliage along Elm Street and in East Rock Park is genuine. October is the best month for hawk watching at Lighthouse Point.
Winter (November–March) is cold and occasionally snowy. The campus looks its most Gothic under a light snowfall, but outdoor sightseeing is limited. The theatre season is in full swing.