What is the weather like in Cordoba in May?

Is May a good time to visit Cordoba?

Yes. For most travelers, May is the best month to visit Cordoba if you want patio season, long daylight, and lively streets without peak summer heat.

Is May the busiest month in Cordoba?

Yes. May is Cordoba's peak month thanks to Cruces de Mayo, the Patios Festival, and the Feria. Expect the old town to feel busy almost every day.

When is the Patios Festival in Cordoba?

For 2026, the **Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba** is expected from **May 4–17, 2026**. It usually takes place during the first 2 weeks of May.

How long are patio queues in May?

At the most popular courtyards, waits can reach 1–2 hours, especially mid-morning. Go at opening time or after 8pm if you want shorter lines.

Should I book Cordoba accommodation early for May?

Absolutely. May is the month to lock in hotels well in advance. Central stays can cost 50–100% more than quieter periods.

What should I book before arriving?

At minimum, book your hotel, Mosque-Cathedral tickets, any guided patio visit, and flamenco if you want a specific evening. Medina Azahara is also worth reserving ahead.

Is the Mosque-Cathedral worth visiting in May if the city is crowded?

Yes. Just go early. A first-slot visit still feels manageable, and the cooler interior is a welcome break from the street crowds.

Which Mosque-Cathedral ticket works best in May?

If you want flexibility, **11353 – Official Entry Tickets to Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral** works well because it includes an audio guide and access to the Route of the Fernandina Churches. If you want speed and context, **10651 – Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Skip-the-Line Guided Tour** is the stronger pick.

Can I combine the Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, and Alcázar in one day?

Yes. **10652 – Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour with Optional Alcázar Visit** is built for that exact plan and works especially well in May's long daylight.

Is Cordoba too hot in May?

Not usually. May is warm rather than punishing. The real extreme heat tends to arrive in July and August, when temperatures can exceed 40°C.

What should I wear in Cordoba in May?

Bring breathable clothes, a light layer for morning and night, and comfortable walking shoes. For religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

Is there a dress code for the Mosque-Cathedral?

Yes, on the ticketed experiences listed here. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and tank tops may not be allowed, and this rule applies because it is a religious site.

Is May a good month for food in Cordoba?

Yes. It is one of the best months for **salmorejo**, **habas con jamón**, **wild asparagus dishes**, and long terrace lunches with local wine.

Is the Feria de Cordoba worth it for visitors?

Yes, if you like local festivals more than quiet evenings. It is less about monuments and more about late-night social energy, fairground rides, food, and dressing up.

Can I visit Medina Azahara in May?

Yes, and May is one of the better months to do it. Go in the morning, wear solid shoes, and bring water because shaded areas are limited.

Is Cordoba walkable in May?

Very much so. The historic center is compact, and May evenings are ideal for long walks. Just expect cobblestones in the Judería and old neighborhoods.

Is Cordoba good for a day trip in May, or should I stay overnight?

You can do a day trip, especially from Seville by AVE, but May is better with at least one night. Staying over lets you do patios early and enjoy the city after dark.

Córdoba in May | Flowers, Festivals and Warm Sunshine

May in Córdoba is a sensory overload: temperatures climb from 13°C (55°F) to 28°C (82°F), sunrise at 7:15 AM, sunset at 9:25 PM. The Cruces de Mayo, Patios Festival, and Feria pack the calendar, drawing crowds from around the world. Patios burst with geraniums and jasmine, while casetas and flamenco fill the fairgrounds. Queues for popular patios can exceed two hours, but the city’s energy and color are unmatched. Book accommodation months ahead.

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Cordoba in May at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 28°C

Minimum temperature: 13°C

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Daylight

Around 14 hours 10 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 7:15am

Sunset: 9:25pm

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Key events

Cruces de Mayo, Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba, International Museum Day (Córdoba)

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Crowds

Tourist-heavy, with long queues at attractions, crowded streets, and seasonal events adding to the buzz.

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What to pack

Short sleeves, sun hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, light sweater for evenings, camera for patios, comfortable sandals.

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Seasonal treats

Salmorejo, cerezas del Jerte (cherries), pastel cordobés, tinto de verano, flamenquín, early Montilla-Moriles wines

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Cordoba in Spring: How May compares

Category	April	May	June
Weather	10–23°C	13–28°C	17–35°C
Crowds	Moderate to high around Semana Santa	Very high, the busiest month	Moderate, but heat starts thinning midday crowds
Atmosphere	Holy Week processions, spring build-up	Flowers everywhere, patio routes, fairground nights	Slower afternoons, later evenings, more heat management
Key events	Semana Santa, Batalla de las Flores, patio prep	Cruces de Mayo, Patios Festival, Feria, Rejas y Balcones	Corpus Christi, Guitar Festival begins, San Juan
Public holidays	Easter dates can affect openings	No major month-defining public holiday in the tourism calendar	Corpus Christi brings processions
Budget	Spikes during Holy Week	Highest spring prices, especially Patios and Feria windows	Slightly easier than May, except event nights
Best for	Religious traditions, milder sightseeing	Festival energy, patios, long evenings, classic Cordoba trip	Night visits, music events, summer-style evenings
Book early?	Yes for Semana Santa	Absolutely, 3+ months ahead for hotels is smart	Yes for night visits and festival dates
Transport tips	Historic centre slows during processions	Walk the old town early; taxis get busy late	Sightsee before 11am and move indoors mid-afternoon

Top things to do in Cordoba in May

🌸 Patio-hopping during the Fiesta de los Patios

Why this month: This is the main reason many travelers pick May; 50+ private courtyards open during the festival.
Best time: 8:30am opening or after 8pm
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for guided access
Crowds: High, especially mid-morning in San Basilio
Geraniums, jasmine, tiled wells, and resident-run courtyards make this feel more personal than a standard monument visit.
Don't miss: The San Basilio and Alcázar Viejo routes
Insider tip: Skip the longest lines by starting with lesser-known patios in Santa Marina before circling back.
Matching experiences: Authentic Patios of Cordoba Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

✝️ Cruces de Mayo plaza walk

Why this month: The floral crosses are a May-only street tradition, with neighborhood groups decorating plazas and corners.
Best time: Early evening to midnight
Book by: No booking needed
Crowds: Moderate to high near central plazas
You get music, casual drinks, flower displays, and a good excuse to wander beyond the Mezquita zone.
Don't miss: Plazas where locals linger rather than just pass through
Insider tip: Treat this as a walking night, not a checklist; the best stops are the ones you hear before you see.

🕌 Early visit to the Mosque-Cathedral

Why this month: Warm May weather makes an early indoor monument visit especially comfortable before patio queues build outside.
Best time: Opening hour
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead
Crowds: High by late morning
The striped arches, columns, chapels, and layered Islamic-Christian history land better before the big tour groups arrive.
Don't miss: An audio-guided self-paced loop if you like moving slowly
Insider tip: Dress conservatively; several ticket options list strict shoulder and knee coverage rules.
Matching experiences: Entry Tickets to Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral or Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

🏰 Jewish Quarter and Alcázar combo walk

Why this month: Long daylight lets you cover Cordoba's core historic layers without rushing from one site to the next.
Best time: Late morning into early afternoon
Book by: 1 week ahead
Crowds: High around the Judería lanes
Synagogue lanes, patios, fortress gardens, and mosaics make a strong one-block-at-a-time history route.
Don't miss: The Alcázar gardens once the lunch-hour lull begins
Insider tip: If you're sensitive to crowds, do the Judería first and save the Alcázar for later afternoon.
Matching experiences: Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour or Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs

🍷 Long lunch of salmorejo and Montilla-Moriles wine

Why this month: May is warm enough for cold soups, spring produce, and long shaded taberna lunches.
Best time: 1:30pm–3pm
Book by: Same day, except festival weekends
Crowds: Moderate
Salmorejo, habas con jamón, and a chilled fino fit the season better than heavier winter dishes.
Don't miss: A side-by-side taste of salmorejo and mazamorra
Insider tip: In Cordoba, ordering un fino gets you the local Montilla-Moriles style, not imported sherry.

🐦 Sunset at Sotos de la Albolafia

Why this month: Spring light, river activity, and manageable evening temperatures make this the best month for a riverside pause.
Best time: 7:30pm to sunset
Book by: No booking needed
Crowds: Low to moderate
Below the Roman Bridge, the wetland zone adds birds, reeds, and a softer side of a monument-heavy city.
Don't miss: The noria silhouette in late light
Insider tip: Cross the bridge first, then look back toward the old town for the better view.

🚣 Kayaking on the Guadalquivir

Why this month: May gives you warm weather without the 40°C-plus punishment that makes summer outdoor activity hard work.
Best time: 9am or around sunset
Book by: A few days ahead
Crowds: Low
A river-level view of Cordoba breaks up a trip otherwise built around churches, stone lanes, and queues.
Don't miss: The stretch near the Roman Bridge
Insider tip: Pick the earliest slot if you want calm water and the least glare.

🎡 Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud

Why this month: Late May brings Cordoba's biggest annual party, with casetas, rides, horses, and very late nights.
Best time: After 8pm
Book by: Reserve accommodation months ahead; fair entry itself is straightforward
Crowds: High
This is when the city shifts from flower festival to fairground rhythm, with flamenco dresses and fried food everywhere.
Don't miss: The jump in energy after dinner, when locals arrive dressed for the night
Insider tip: Pace yourself; the fairground sits outside the old town, so save taxi time for the ride back.

Offbeat experiences in May

Palacio de Viana courtyard circuit

Location: Plaza de Don Gome 2, 14001 Córdoba, Spain
When: Weekday mornings in May 2026
Twelve courtyards in one palace make this the smart alternative when Patios Festival lines get punishing.
Tip: Go before patio-route opening if you want flowers without queue math.

Baños del Alcázar Califal

Location: Campo Santo de los Mártires, s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
When: Weekday late mornings in May 2026
These 10th-century caliphal bath ruins sit below street level, cool and quiet while the old town crowds build above.
Tip: Pair it with the Alcázar area, not the Judería core, to avoid doubling back.

International Museum Day rounds

Location: Archaeological Museum, Fine Arts Museum, and Julio Romero de Torres Museum, central Córdoba
When: May 18, 2026
Free or reduced-entry museum visits make this one of the best-value culture days in a pricey month.
Tip: Start with the Julio Romero de Torres Museum before lunch; afternoons get busier.

Rejas y Balcones self-guided walk

Location: Historic centre, especially around San Lorenzo and Santa Marina
When: Early evenings throughout May 2026
Decorative window grilles and balconies get dressed up alongside patio season, but far fewer visitors chase them.
Tip: Look up more than forward; some of the best displays are above eye level.

Mercado Victoria spring tasting stop

Location: Paseo de la Victoria, s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
When: Friday evenings and weekend lunchtimes in May 2026
Good for Pedroches cheese, local wine, and seasonal fruit without committing to a formal sit-down meal.
Tip: Do one loop first, then buy; the central aisles tempt people into ordering too early.

Blue-hour walk to Calahorra Tower

Location: Puente Romano to Torre de la Calahorra, 14009 Córdoba, Spain
When: Sunday–Thursday around sunset in May 2026
Once the day heat drops, the bridge takes on a different mood: softer light, more locals, fewer group tours.
Tip: Wait until church bells start carrying over the river; that's your cue the crowds are thinning.

Festivals and events in Cordoba this May 2026

Cruces de Mayo

Dates:May 3, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Córdoba

Neighbourhoods build floral crosses in plazas across Córdoba. Music and food stalls keep it social. Go early evening for the best atmosphere.

Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba

Dates:May 4, 2026 to May 17, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Córdoba

Private courtyards open in competition, packed with flowers and scent. Queues can hit two hours. Visit at 8:30am or after 8pm.

Concurso de Rejas y Balcones

Dates:May 1, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Córdoba

Historic-centre balconies and window grilles compete for floral decoration. It rewards slow walks. Go at golden hour for softer light.

Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud

Dates:May 25, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Recinto Ferial de El Arenal

Late May fair week at El Arenal brings casetas, horse parades, rides, and fireworks. Nights run late. Take a taxi back from the recinto.

Noche en Blanco Córdoba

Dates:May 1, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Córdoba

One-night culture sprint with free late access to museums and monuments. Expect queues at big sites. Plan a short, walkable circuit.

International Museum Day (Córdoba)

Dates:May 18, 2026
Event type:Exhibitions
Location:Córdoba

Participating museums offer free or reduced entry with extra tours and activities. Expect queues at top sites. Arrive early for timed slots.

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Planning your May visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
3–4 months ahead	Hotels in the historic centre	Book for May 3–17 and late-May Feria week; this is Cordoba's tightest accommodation window	May festival periods: +50–100% vs quieter winter periods
3–6 weeks ahead	Authentic Patios of Cordoba Skip-the-Line Guided Tour	Best for May 4–17; guided patio access saves time when queues stretch past 1 hour	Ticket pricing is usually stable; availability is the issue
2–4 weeks ahead	Official Entry Tickets to Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral	Book early for morning slots during Patios weeks, when city-center sightseeing stacks up fast	Usually near standard rates; prime morning capacity goes first
2–3 weeks ahead	Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs	Reserve before May weekends if you want a single guided day through the old town	Usually flat vs standard ticket price; weekends sell out before prices shift
1–2 weeks ahead	El Cardenal - Flamenco Show	May evenings are busy with festival visitors; smaller tablaos fill first	Often stable; last-minute central seats become scarce
1 week ahead	Medina Azahara Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets	Good backup on non-patio days; mornings work best before heat builds	Usually stable; transport-added options fill faster than entry-only
3–7 days ahead	Feria-night taxis and late dinners	Late May fairground trips create evening bottlenecks after 9pm	Transport costs are generally metered; time cost rises more than price

May highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers

Families with kids

Must-experience: Patio routes with shorter guided access through Authentic Patios of Cordoba Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. Less waiting, more color, better attention spans.
Better in May: The city feels outdoorsy without summer heat, and plazas stay lively well into the evening.

Couples

Must-experience: A Mezquita morning, patio evening, and late flamenco show such as El Cardenal - Flamenco Show. Book early and make a night of it.
Better in May: Flowers, long sunsets, and warm nights do half the work for you.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Pair Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with International Museum Day if your dates line up.
Better in May: You get major heritage sites plus a city-wide cultural calendar in the same trip.

Solo travelers

Must-experience: Join Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour for easy structure and built-in conversation.
Better in May: Street life is constant, the old town is walkable, and evenings rarely feel empty.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Feria stalls for fans, shawls, and accessories, then Mercado Victoria for edible gifts.
Better in May: Festival shopping beats generic souvenir browsing, especially during patio and fair weeks.

Friends groups

Must-experience: A Cruces crawl followed by a Feria night. Sort your ride home before midnight.
Better in May: Cordoba finally runs on group energy, with more happening after dark than usual.

Foodies

Must-experience: Benchmark salmorejo across tabernas and order local fino with spring dishes. Start around Plaza de la Corredera.
Better in May: Cold soups, broad beans, and long terrace lunches make more sense now than in winter.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Morning kayaking on the Guadalquivir, then a riverside walk to the Roman Bridge.
Better in May: You get usable outdoor weather without the furnace-level heat of July and August.

Cordoba in May: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: Start at 8:30am with the Mosque-Cathedral before the patio lines take over the center. If you want context, book Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Skip-the-Line Guided Tour; if you prefer your own pace, Official Entry Tickets to Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral adds an audio guide and access to the Route of the Fernandina Churches. The interior feels cool even when the streets are already warming.
Breakfast: Grab toast with olive oil and tomato plus a cortado near the Mezquita. Stand at the bar if you want to eat like a local and save a couple of euros.
Midday: Walk into the Judería through Calleja de las Flores, then head toward San Basilio for patio visits while energy is still high. If you booked Authentic Patios of Cordoba Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, this is where it earns its keep.
Lunch: Sit down for salmorejo and flamenquín at a traditional taberna near the old town. Lunch in Cordoba starts late; arriving around 1:30pm feels normal here.
Afternoon: Slow down at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The gardens are easier once early tour groups drift off. If you like guided visits, Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs keeps the history straight.
Evening: Cross the Roman Bridge at sunset, then eat somewhere around the Ribera or Corredera. If your dates match Feria week, save dinner for later and take a taxi out to El Arenal after 9pm.

Morning: Give the city center a break and head west to Medina Azahara, 8km from Cordoba. Medina Azahara Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets is the easiest way to handle entry, museum access, and the on-site shuttle. Go early; the ruins are far less forgiving once the sun settles in.
Breakfast: If you have time before leaving, keep it simple with a pastry and coffee near your accommodation. This is not the day for a long sit-down breakfast.
Midday: Back in town, wander the quieter side of the center: Plaza del Potro, the lanes around it, and, if you want something cooler and less obvious, the Baños del Alcázar Califal area.
Lunch: Head to Mercado Victoria for a flexible lunch. Pick at Pedroches cheese, local wine, and whatever seasonal produce looks best rather than committing to one heavy meal.
Afternoon: Use the hottest part of the day for indoor culture. If your dates hit May 18, make the most of International Museum Day; otherwise, drop into one museum and keep the rest of the afternoon loose.
Evening: Book a flamenco performance. El Cardenal - Flamenco Show lasts 1 hr 20 min and includes 1 drink, which works well after a light dinner. If you want a different setting, Tablao Flamenco in Cordoba takes place in the Arab Baths of Santa Maria and can be upgraded with lunch or dinner.

Morning: Start slower with coffee around Plaza de la Corredera, then walk north toward San Lorenzo or Santa Marina, where May's decorated balconies and grilles reward people who look up. This part of the city feels less stage-managed than the patio circuit.
Breakfast: Order churros only if the morning is cool; otherwise, keep it lighter with tostada, jam, and fresh juice.
Midday: If you missed it earlier, take Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour with Optional Alcázar Visit or Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour to tie the city's main layers together in one pass. Guided old-town touring works especially well today because you'll have the basics already in your head.
Lunch: This is a good moment for spring dishes: habas con jamón, revuelto de espárragos trigueros, and another glass of local fino. Eat in the historic center and plan a real break after.
Afternoon: Go back to your room, nap, or sit somewhere shaded. In May, Cordoba is lively all day, but your best evening starts if you do not force a packed schedule through 5pm.
Evening: Spend your last night at the Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud if it is running during your stay. Dress a bit sharper than usual, arrive after 8pm, and expect the fairground to build slowly before it suddenly gets loud. If Feria is not on yet, do a final patio-area paseo and dinner near the Mezquita.

Best day trips from Cordoba in May

Medina Azahara

Travel time: About 20 min by shuttle from Cordoba
May is one of the best months for the caliphal palace-city: warm, greenish light, and still manageable before summer heat takes over.

Seville

Travel time: About 45 min by AVE train
Fast, easy, and realistic for a full day. Go early, expect more heat than Cordoba by afternoon, and book return seats if traveling on a weekend.

Montilla-Moriles wine country

Travel time: Around 40–50 min by road south of Cordoba
Good in May for cellar visits and long lunches. This trip suits food-first travelers more than monument chasers.

Priego de Córdoba and olive-oil country

Travel time: Around 1 hr 30 min by road
Best if you want hill-town views and serious olive-oil culture. Spring countryside is easier to enjoy before the dry season hardens the landscape.

What to eat in Cordoba in May: Seasonal delicacies

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Salmorejo Cordobés (Córdoba cold tomato soup)

Thick tomato, bread, and olive-oil soup returns with May heat. Eat at lunch, add egg and jamón.

Where to get: Taberna Salinas

Tinto de Verano (Summer red wine drink)

Red wine with lemon soda over ice starts in May terraces. Order with tapas in Plaza de la Corredera.

Where to get: Córdoba

Cerezas del Jerte (Jerte Valley cherries)

Market cherries flood stalls in May and early summer. Buy a small bag, snack before evening patio visits.

Where to get: Córdoba

Pastel Cordobés (Córdoba puff pastry)

In May, Pastel Cordobés shows up during Patios and Feria season. Pick a slice mid-afternoon with coffee.

Where to get: Córdoba

Flamenquín (Breaded pork roll)

Ham-wrapped pork roll, fried and crunchy, suits long May sightseeing days. Share as tapa at a taberna.

Where to get: Taberna San Miguel (El Pisto)

Go shopping in Cordoba in May

When: Late May 2026
Where: Recinto Ferial de El Arenal, Córdoba
Go here for flamenco fans, shawls, hair combs, and fair-night accessories. Browse before 9pm if you want space; later on, the point shifts from shopping to socializing.

When: May 4–17, 2026
Where: San Basilio and Alcázar Viejo routes, Córdoba
The best buys are ceramic flowerpots, painted tiles, and small patio-themed souvenirs that actually fit in hand luggage. Shop after your route, not before, unless you enjoy carrying fragile ceramics through queues.

When: Friday evenings and weekends in May 2026
Where: Paseo de la Victoria, s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
Buy Pedroches cheese, Montilla-Moriles bottles, and seasonal cherries in one stop. Do a full lap first; the wine counters near the middle pull people in before they've seen the food end.

Pro tips for visiting Cordoba in May

• Book accommodation at least three months in advance; May is Córdoba’s busiest month and prices can double.
• Go early (8:30 AM) or late (after 8 PM) to the Patios Festival to avoid the longest queues; midday lines can exceed two hours.
• Reserve tables at top tabernas in advance, especially during the Patios and Feria weeks; spontaneous dining is tough.
• Head to the Feria fairgrounds for evening festivities; casetas and flamenco shows run late into the night.
• Choose guided tours for the Mezquita and Alcázar to skip lines during festival weeks.
• Avoid driving or parking in the city center; many streets are closed for events and processions.
• Skip popular patios in the Judería at midday; opt for less-known patios in San Basilio for a quieter experience.
• Go early to Mercado Victoria for seasonal cherries and festival treats before crowds arrive.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Cordoba in May

Cordoba in May is usually warm and dry, with average temperatures around 13–28°C (55–82°F). Mornings are comfortable, afternoons can feel quite hot in direct sun, and evenings are pleasant for walking.