December to February are the coldest and darkest months and not the best time to visit, so rather hold off until around May when the flowers in chateaux gardens begin to bloom. Temperatures in July and August are hot and humid, but in September and October, the weather becomes more bearable. This is also harvest time, so spending your days out in the countryside will be rewarded with plenty of activity and beautiful scenery. If you’re wanting to spend time exploring the castles away from the crowds, aim from April to June, or September and October.