Iowa City in July

April through October gives you Iowa City at its best. Spring brings the Writers' Festival in April, when famous authors pack venues across town for readings and panels. Summer means fewer students but more outdoor concerts at the Summer of the Arts festival. September and October are peak season - perfect weather, football energy, and the trees along the Iowa River turn brilliant orange and red. But book accommodations early during home football weekends when hotels double their rates. Winter can be brutal with temperatures dropping below zero, though the Englert Theatre's season runs strong January through March. Avoid graduation weekend in May unless you enjoy crowds and inflated prices. Late August brings move-in chaos as 30,000 students return to campus.