The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm temperatures in the summer months and cold, snowy weather in the winter. Spring and fall in Hannibal are particularly beautiful, with blooming flowers, colorful foliage, and pleasant temperatures that make outdoor activities a popular pastime for residents and visitors alike.

Hannibal is home to several major attractions that draw tourists from near and far. Perhaps most famously known as the hometown of Mark Twain, the city offers a variety of Twain-related sites, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, the Mark Twain Riverboat, and the annual National Tom Sawyer Days festival. Other notable attractions include the Rockcliffe Mansion, the Hannibal History Museum, and the Hannibal Trolley Company. In terms of institutions and schools, Hannibal is served by a number of public and private schools, as well as higher education options such as Hannibal-LaGrange University. The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events that showcase the talents of local artists and performers.