Perugia in July

April through June is peak perfection. The weather's mild, the students are in session keeping things lively, and the countryside explodes in green. October's equally lovely — harvest season means truffle festivals and wine celebrations. Summer gets hot and sticky, but the Umbria Jazz Festival in July draws world-class musicians to intimate venues across the city. If you can handle the heat, it's worth it just for the music. Winter is quiet, almost too quiet. Many restaurants close for vacation in January and February. But December has Christmas markets in Piazza IV Novembre, and hotel rates drop by half. The city takes on a different character when it's just you and the locals. Spring and fall remain your best bets for the full Perugia experience.