When planning on a trip to Toulouse, when to go is as important as where to go. Deciding which time of year is best for you depends on whether you're looking for good weather, fewer crowds or both. Here's what you can expect when visiting Toulouse during the 4 seasons of the year:

Spring

Springtime is fairly mild in Toulouse, so you'll find the second largest tourist crowd during the months of March through May. Expect temperatures to be somewhere between 43 and 80 degrees F, with an average around 60 degrees. Sunny days can make the daytime feel warmer and nighttime can lead to a sudden drop in temperature. Dressing in layers and packing a light coat or sweater can help you prepare for the fluctuating temperatures. Don't forget an umbrella or rain gear as well, as May is the month with the highest amount of rainfall.

Spring in Toulouse draws crowds to Le Printemps du Rire Comedy Festival in March and the Festival Flamenco Dance Festival in April.

Summer

August and July are the most popular months for tourists because the Midi-Pyrenees weather is warm and balmy without being scorchingly hot. Average temperatures are between 60 and 86 degrees F, but the air is fairly humid, so if you don't do well in warm temperatures, you might want to avoid the summer. Pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat along with your shorts and t-shirts. It doesn't hurt to pack a light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings or indoor activities.

Some of the many popular summer events in Toulouse include the Toulouse d'Ete Music and Architecture Festival and the Danse a Toulouse, an amateur and professional dance festival.

Autumn

Autumn may be the ideal time to visit Toulouse for the tourist who likes warm but not hot weather and the visitor who likes to avoid the crowds. After winter, autumn is the least popular time for tourists to visit, which means smaller crowds, but the temperatures are still nice enough that both outdoor and indoor activities are enjoyable. Expect temperatures to be between 43 and 77 degrees F, with the area starting to become below 60 degrees more regularly in November. Pack layers and expect to be a bit chilly after sunset.

In the autumn, you can take part in the Toulouse les Orgues, an organ music festival, and the Cinespana, a Spanish film festival, among other events.

Winter

Winter is a good time for tourists who like virtually no crowds, but it is cool enough outdoors that you may want to plan for more indoor activities. Average temperatures are between 39 and 55 degrees F, but because the temperatures don't often drop below freezing, snowfall is fairly rare, although there is a snow shower or 2 each season. If you bring a warm thermal coat that's not too bulky as well as gloves, a hat and scarf, you may be able to make the most of an otherwise empty tourist season.

Popular events in the winter include the Christmas Market in December and Made in Asia, a festival celebrating Asian culture, in January and February.