What is the best time to give charity?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

Voluntary charity is recommended and encouraged at all times. Its reward is multiplied and it being encouraged intensifies at certain times and places. Its optimum time is the month of Ramadan and the first ten days of the month of Thul Hijjah, based on the Hadeeth narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas that he said, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of all people and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel met him. Jibreel would meet with him every night of Ramadan to recite the Quran with him. During this time, the Prophet would be more generous than a swift wind bearing rain." [Al-Bukhari]

It is also narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas that he said, "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Thul Hijjah)." Then, some Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "Not even Jihaad?" He replied, "Not even Jihaad, except that of a man who sets out sacrificing himself and his wealth for the Sake of Allaah and does not return with anything (i.e. he is martyred)."  [At-Tirmithi] [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]

Giving charity is even more confirmed in times of need such as famines, droughts and other similar situations.