Budapest's best months are April through June and September through October. Spring brings mild temperatures, 14C to 22C, and blooming parks. The city is lively without the summer peak. Late April's Palinka and Sausage Festival and May's Budapest Spring Festival are highlights. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures hitting 28C to 34C. The Sziget Festival in August draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to a Danube island near the city. Book well ahead for accommodation during Sziget week. September is lovely: the summer heat fades, the Budapest Wine Festival fills the Buda Castle district, and outdoor thermal baths are still enjoyable. October has golden colors in Margaret Island and Buda hills but temperatures start to drop toward 10C. Winter (November to February) is cold, around 0C to 5C, but Budapest sparkles with Christmas markets on Vorosmarty Square and atmospheric thermal bath visits. January and February are the cheapest and quietest months.