What's the best time to visit Lake Como?
The best time to visit Lake Como is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant, perfect for outdoor adventures and exploring historic sites. These seasons offer a mix of local festivals and fewer tourists, especially in April and October. Be sure to book early due to high demand for accommodations, particularly in sought-after locations like Bellagio.
Lake Como is a beautiful travel destination located at the foot of the Alps in Italy. People come from all over for rides on the lake and to visit the surrounding picturesque towns with their cobbled streets and historic architecture.
But while there’s much to see and do, when’s the best time to visit Lake Como? Here’s what you need to know.
Overall Best Time to Visit Lake Como
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The overall best time to visit Lake Como is in the spring, which includes the months of March, April, and May. The weather is pleasant while the landscape is starting to fill with lush vegetation and colorful flowers.
The lake can get quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter, making spring the best choice for those wanting to spend most of their time outdoors.
The average temperature in April is 58 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a little cool most days, but still great for walking around the small alleyways and waterfront promenades. Everywhere you go, you’ll find full, vibrant plant life, historic architecture, and friendly people.
You’ll also want to check out some of the most popular attractions in the Lake Como area, such as Orrido di Bellano, as many of the natural attractions are at their peak beauty in the springtime.
If you visit toward the end of spring, you may get to experience a few of the local festivals and events. Many are held in and around the lake during the warmer months. This includes several sailing events and the Festival of San Giovanni, which features a large fire display.
The fall season is also a fantastic time for a visit. The temperatures range from 59 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit between September and October, which is perfectly comfortable weather for strolling around.
Spring and fall are beautiful times to visit Lake Como, but you may need to plan weeks in advance to book a hotel that fits your travel date. Spring and fall months are popular times to visit, which means fewer rooms and slightly higher prices compared to the winter months.
For example, you may need to book a few months ahead of your trip when staying in Bellagio. It’s the most famous city around Lake Como and the place that most people imagine when thinking of the region.
If you still want to visit in the spring or fall, but don’t want to face large crowds, try visiting in April or October.
April marks the very start of spring, so the area isn’t quite at capacity yet. October is the end of the fall season, at which point most tourists have already packed up and gone home.
Cheapest Time to Visit Lake Como
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The cheapest time to visit Lake Como is in the winter, from November until early March. Hotels and other businesses often offer lower prices to deal with decreased demand.
During this time, you can expect an average low of 29 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of around 43 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Due to the cold weather, there aren’t a lot of events or festivals during the winter season – except for around Christmas.
Several of the nearby villages, including Madesimo and Como, hold large Christmas markets around the holidays. The one advantage of visiting during the winter weather is that you’ll have more room to yourself.
Many of the nearby villages are less crowded compared to during the spring and fall. When visiting during the winter, you’ll likely save on restaurants, boat tours, and other tourist services.
However, some attractions may be closed for the season or switch to reduced operating hours. The weather is also colder, which means you may not want to spend too much time outdoors.
Least Busy Time to Visit Lake Como
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The least busy time to visit Lake Como and the surrounding regions is in the winter, as the weather isn’t ideal for spending time on the lake or exploring the area.
Fewer tourists visit the area between November and March. This is considered the off-season. Tourism declines throughout the winter months before picking back up in the spring.
Of course, visiting during the off-season comes with its own perks. With fewer tourists, you may find it more relaxing to explore the nearby towns. Attractions, restaurants, and shops are also less crowded. Yet, as mentioned, some places are closed for the season or close earlier in the day.
You’ll also need to face the cold weather. The average high in January is just 43 degrees and it’s even colder when dealing with strong lakefront winds. While winter is cold, snow isn’t common in the area immediately around the lake. December, January, and February are a few of the driest months of the year.
If you’re looking for snow, you can head over to some of the nearby villages, such as Bormio or Bobbio. These spots offer skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
The Worst Time to Visit Lake Como
Bellagio, Lombardy, Italy – September 5, 2022: People visiting the picturesque small village Bellagio on Lake Como./Elesi/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Lake Como is the peak summer months of July and August, as the area experiences high levels of tourism and high temperatures during this time. The lake attracts many tourists in the middle of the summer.
You’ll find popular towns and attractions more crowded, which leads to longer lines and an overall less enjoyable experience. The summer months also tend to bring higher prices.
The increase in tourism creates more demand, resulting in increased prices at restaurants, hotels, and various services. The weather is also very hot throughout the summer. The average temperature in July is about 79 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it’s also typically very humid, which can make the temperature feel higher. It often becomes hot and sticky outside. Due to higher demand, you’ll also need to deal with limited availability.
You may need to book hotels and other services far in advance. Basically, the summer months are hot, humid, and crowded. It’s better to go when the weather is cooler, such as the spring or fall. The winter is less busy, but also fairly chilly.
Lake Como by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Lake Como? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
In January, Lake Como experiences winter temperatures from 1 to 6°C (34-43°F). This month is ideal for cozy stays in lakeside villas, exploring quaint villages like Bellagio, and enjoying Italian hot chocolate in local cafés.
February
Continuing the cold, February is perfect for indoor activities like visiting the Como Cathedral, exploring the history in the Museo Didattico della Seta (Silk Museum), and savoring hearty Italian cuisine in intimate restaurants.
March
As spring begins in March, Lake Como’s temperatures range from 3 to 13°C (37-55°F). March is great for leisurely boat tours on the lake, visiting the gardens of Villa Carlotta as they begin to bloom, and exploring the historic center of Como.
April
Spring temperatures in April range from 7 to 17°C (45-63°F). It’s an ideal time for walking along the scenic lakeside promenades, visiting the picturesque village of Varenna, and enjoying outdoor dining with lake views.
May
May sees warmer temperatures from 11 to 21°C (52-70°F). Explore the gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, enjoy hiking in the surrounding mountains, and partake in the local spring festivals.
June
In June, summer arrives in Lake Como with temperatures between 15 to 25°C (59-77°F). June offers opportunities for swimming and water sports in the lake, taking a cable car to Brunate for panoramic views, and exploring the weekly markets in lakeside towns.
July
July has warm temperatures from 18 to 28°C (64-82°F). It’s a popular month for yacht tours on the lake, attending outdoor concerts and festivals, and exploring the Castello di Vezio with its stunning views.
August
Temperatures in August range from 18 to 28°C (64-82°F). Enjoy the Lido di Bellagio for beachside relaxation, take part in the vibrant nightlife of Como, and visit the historic villas and their gardens.
September
As fall begins in September, Lake Como’s temperatures range from 15 to 24°C (59-75°F). September is perfect for hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como, wine tasting in local vineyards, and attending the Lake Como Festival of Light.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 10 to 19°C (50-66°F). It’s a great month for a scenic drive around the lake, visiting the charming town of Menaggio, and enjoying the autumn colors in the peaceful gardens.
November
Fall temperatures range from 5 to 12°C (41-54°F). November is ideal for relaxing in luxury lakeside spas, exploring indoor attractions like the Volta Temple, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the lake.
December
In December, winter returns to Lake Como with temperatures ranging from 1 to 8°C (34-46°F). December is festive with Christmas markets in Como, holiday lights along the lake, and celebrating New Year’s Eve with spectacular fireworks over the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bellagio, Lombardy, Italy – September 5, 2022: The Ferry boat with tourists at the pier of the picturesque village Bellagio on Lake Como/Elesi/Shutterstock
If you’re still not sure when to visit Lake Como, use the following FAQ to help you decide when to go:
Does Lake Como have a rainy season?
April, May, and October are a few of the rainiest months in the Lake Como area. April typically gets about ten days of rain while it rains just about every other day in May and October.
If you plan on visiting during either of these months, you may want to avoid following a strict itinerary. Staying flexible with your plans makes it easier to find alternative things to do when heavy rainfall hits.
What is the coldest month to visit Lake Como?
January is the coldest month, with an average low of just 37 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 46 degrees. It typically starts getting colder in October. It stays cold throughout the rest of the year and into February before starting to warm in March.
How many days do you need to visit Lake Como?
Spending at least two to four days in the Lake Como region should be enough time to give you a full travel experience. You should set aside one full day for spending time on or around the water.
Also be sure to give yourself one day for each town that you want to explore. Some of the most popular towns in the area include Bellano, Colico, Como, Griante, Lecco, Menaggio, and Nesso.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Lake Como?
Spring is the best overall time to plan a trip to Lake Como. This includes the months of March, April, and May. The fall months of September and October are also good choices.
These seasons include comfortable weather and beautiful changes to the landscape, from the spring flowers to the fall leaves. Both seasons are also ideal for spending time out on the lake or exploring the nearby villages. Happy travels!