Paola is a year-round small town, but the most lively times to visit are the festivals: the Roots Festival in August (bluegrass and Americana music on Park Square), the Miami County Fair in mid-July (livestock, carnival, agricultural exhibits), and the Harvest Festival in mid-October when the trees on the square turn red and gold. Lake Miola is at its best from late May through September.
Summers are hot and humid in the typical eastern-Kansas pattern, with temperatures in the 30s C and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring brings tornado weather; winters are cold and dry with occasional snowfall. The shoulder seasons — May and October — are the most pleasant for walking the historic square.