Lake Como
Italy · Europe
The best time to visit Lake Como is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 27°C (81°F), with peaks around 31°C (88°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -6°C (21°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Lake Como – What you should know
Lake Como does not have the Mediterranean microclimate familiar from Lake Garda. It lies deeper in the Alps, hemmed in by steep slopes — and the figures show it: 26°C (79°F) in July, but only 6°C (43°F) in January with night frost. The palms and lemon trees along the promenades of Bellagio and Varenna thrive thanks to the body of water buffering temperatures, not to southern warmth.
The most striking figure is the rainfall. At 180 mm (7.1 in) in May, 168 mm (6.6 in) in November and 160 mm (6.3 in) in October, the area is among the wettest in Italy — the Alps trap moisture arriving from the south. Even in midsummer 150 mm (5.9 in) falls per month across nine rain days, usually as heavy afternoon thunderstorms over the mountains.
The best time is therefore early summer and early autumn. June and September offer 21–24°C (70–75°F), either side of the peak season. For walks above the lake — the paths above Menaggio, for instance — these are the most dependable months. Anyone who only wants to see the villas and lakeside towns will find passable conditions in April and October too, with far fewer people.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, ↑ warmestØ day↑ warmest | 6° (43°)11° (52°) | 8° (46°)14° (57°) | 12° (54°)19° (66°) | 16° (61°)23° (73°) | 20° (68°)26° (79°) | 24° (75°)29° (84°) | 27° (81°)31° (88°) | 26° (79°)30° (86°) | 21° (70°)26° (79°) | 16° (61°)21° (70°) | 11° (52°)16° (61°) | 7° (45°)12° (54°) |
Ø night, ↓ coldestØ night↓ coldest | 0° (32°)-6° (21°) | 0° (32°)-5° (23°) | 3° (37°)-3° (27°) | 7° (45°)0° (32°) | 11° (52°)5° (41°) | 15° (59°)10° (50°) | 17° (63°)11° (52°) | 17° (63°)11° (52°) | 13° (55°)7° (45°) | 9° (48°)3° (37°) | 4° (39°)-3° (27°) | 0° (32°)-5° (23°) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 5 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 | 4h UV 2 |
🌧Rain Days | 5d64mm (2.5") | 5d78mm (3.1") | 6d90mm (3.5") | 8d132mm (5.2") | 12d180mm (7.1") | 10d149mm (5.9") | 9d150mm (5.9") | 9d154mm (6.0") | 8d139mm (5.5") | 8d160mm (6.3") | 8d168mm (6.6") | 5d93mm (3.7") |
Best travel timeØ = average · ↑ warmest day · ↓ coldest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Lake Como with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
- The best time to visit Lake Como is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Lake Como?
- In summer, daytime highs in Lake Como average 27°C (81°F), with peaks around 31°C (88°F); in winter, nights average 0°C (32°F), dropping to around -6°C (21°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Lake Como get?
- Lake Como has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and March.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
