Best time to visit · Lake Como · Italy
The best time to visit Lake Como
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Yiyi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best months for Lake Como are April to June and September, when villa gardens are open, ferries run a full timetable and the weather suits walking. July and August are hot and crowded but best for swimming. From November to mid-March most central-lake hotels, villas and many restaurants close, so winter works only for a Como-based trip.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and September
- Shoulder season
- March, July–August and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 7°C (45°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~12 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and November
Seasons
Lake Como has mild, sheltered weather by Alpine standards: warm summers, cool winters with occasional frost, and rain concentrated in spring and autumn, with thunderstorms on summer afternoons.
March–May
Spring
Gardens reopen and flower, with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons at Villa Carlotta; showers are frequent and Easter and May weekends get busy.
June–August
Summer
Warm lake swimming, long evenings and the fullest ferry service, but crowded villages, high prices and afternoon thunderstorms.
September–November
Autumn
Settled, warm September days, autumn colour in October and seasonal closures from late October onwards.
December–February
Winter
Cold and quiet, with snow on the mountains, a reduced ferry timetable and most central-lake villas and hotels closed; Como city stays open with Christmas lights.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C | 0°C | 6 | 9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 9°C | 1°C | 5 | 10.3 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 13°C | 4°C | 7 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 8°C | 10 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 12°C | 12 | 14.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 25°C | 15°C | 10 | 15.7 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 28°C | 18°C | 8 | 15.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 27°C | 17°C | 8 | 14.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 23°C | 14°C | 7 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 17°C | 9°C | 9 | 10.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 11°C | 4°C | 9 | 9.4 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| December | 7°C | 1°C | 6 | 8.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival parades in Como and some lake towns (usually February) |
| April | Easter weekend brings the first big wave of visitors (March or April) |
| May | Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este — classic car show at Cernobbio (usually May) |
| June | Sagra di San Giovanni — boats and fireworks around Isola Comacina (usually the weekend nearest 24 June) |
| August | Ferragosto — fireworks and festivities in lake towns (15 August); Feast of Sant'Abbondio, Como's patron saint (31 August) |
| September | Palio del Baradello — historical pageant in Como (usually September) |
| November | Città dei Balocchi — Christmas lights and markets in Como (usually from late November) |
| December | Città dei Balocchi continues in Como (usually until early January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February and November, and the sights are quietest in January–February and November. Many visitors avoid January and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Lake Como?
The best months for Lake Como are April to June and September, when villa gardens are open, ferries run a full timetable and the weather suits walking. July and August are hot and crowded but best for swimming. From November to mid-March most central-lake hotels, villas and many restaurants close, so winter works only for a Como-based trip.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Lake Como?
Usually in January–February and November. Cold and quiet; many central-lake hotels, restaurants and villa gardens are closed, but Como city carries on and clear days give sharp mountain views.
+What is the rainiest month in Lake Como?
May, with about 12 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Lake Como get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).