Monte Carlo in January

May through June gives you perfect weather without the summer crowds. Temperatures hover around 22°C, and you can actually get restaurant reservations. July and August bring sweltering heat and impossible crowds—every billionaire's yacht seems docked in Port Hercules. September and October offer the sweet spot: warm seas, fewer tourists, and the Monaco Yacht Show in late September if you want to see how the other half lives. Winter isn't terrible—January averages 13°C—but half the restaurants close and the glamour factor drops significantly. The Grand Prix in late May transforms the city into chaos. Hotel prices triple, and you can't walk down the street without bumping into Formula 1 fans. Book six months ahead if you want to experience the madness, or avoid those dates entirely if you prefer a calmer visit. Spring brings the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in April—less insane than the Grand Prix but still crowded.