Lake Como benefits from the moderating effect of the lake, but its proximity to the Pre-Alps makes the climate humid and sometimes changeable. Summers are hot, winters are cool, and thunderstorms can develop in the late afternoon during the summer months. To visit the villages and enjoy walks, we recommend May, June, and September; July and August are better for swimming, with warmer weather and more people.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como? The quick answer
The best time to visit is generally between mid-April and mid-June, and then in September. According to the 1989–2020 averages available for the city of Como, maximum temperatures reach about 19 °C in April, 23 °C in May, 27 °C in June, and 23 °C in September. July and August average around 29 °C in the afternoon, but these months also mark the peak of the tourist season.
- Sightseeing and walks: May, June, and September offer the best balance.
- Swimming: July and August are the hottest months.
- Hiking: April, May, September, and early October are often the most pleasant months, provided you check the weather forecast on the day of your hike.
- A peaceful getaway: Winter is still an option, though temperatures are lower and some services may be limited. Our guide to Lake Como in winter provides more details about this time of year.
Weather at Lake Como, Month by Month
These data are climate averages, not forecasts. They apply to the city of Como; terrain, elevation, and aspect may cause conditions around the lake to vary.
| Month | Minimum Average | Maximum average | Average number of rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 °C | 8 °C | 6 |
| February | 1 °C | 10 °C | 6 |
| March | 5 °C | 15 °C | 8 |
| April | 8 °C | 19 °C | 9 |
| May | 12 °C | 23 °C | 12 |
| June | 16 °C | 27 °C | 10 |
| July | 18 °C | 29 °C | 7 |
| August | 18 °C | 29 °C | 9 |
| September | 14 °C | 23 °C | 7 |
| October | 10 °C | 17 °C | 7 |
| November | 5 °C | 12 °C | 8 |
| December | 1 °C | 8 °C | 6 |
Source: Climi e Viaggi, local averages for 1989–2020, secondary source accessed on September 9, 2026.
Rain and Thunderstorms at Lake Como
Lake Como is a humid destination: rain is possible year-round. According to the data, May is the wettest month, with about 160 mm of rainfall and 12 days of rain. Spring and fall can experience significant periods of rain; in late spring and summer, thunderstorms can develop in the afternoon or evening, even after a sunny morning.
Before going on a hike or a boat trip, checkARPA Lombardia’s same-day forecasts, radar, and alerts. A monthly average is not enough to predict a local thunderstorm.
Swimming at Lake Como: When’s the best time to go?
When it comes to swimming, July and August generally have the highest air temperatures. However, water temperatures vary from one area to another, particularly near rivers and streams: it’s best not to rely on a single figure for the entire lake.
Official swimming areas are inspected at least once a month from May through September. Before entering the water, check the local authorization and real-time conditions on the Italian Ministry of Health’s Portale Acque website. You can also check out our selection of beaches on Lake Como.
When is the best time to go to avoid the crowds?
The 2024 data for the Province of Como confirm that July and August are the peak months: these two months account for 27.5% of hotel overnight stays and 39.2% of overnight stays in non-hotel accommodations for the year. To avoid the height of the summer peak without having to deal with the winter cold, we would choose June or September. May is also pleasant, but it tends to be rainier on average.
What should you pack in your suitcase?
- A lightweight raincoat or windbreaker, especially in the spring and fall.
- Clothes that are easy to layer for mornings, evenings, and high-altitude locations.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle in the summer.
- Shoes with good traction for trails and cobblestone streets, especially after it rains.
- An extra warm layer for boat trips, where the wind can make it feel even cooler.
Plan Your Trip Around Lake Como
- To plan your itinerary, start with our guide to Lake Como. In it, we’ve compiled our tips for exploring Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Lecco, as well as our selection of beaches along the lake.
- To explore the shores from the water, check out our guide to visiting Lake Como by boat. If you’d rather cruise at your own pace, you can also compare rental options on SamBoat (affiliate link—your price won’t change).
- To extend your trip, check out our itinerary for a weekend in Milan.
Are you looking for a place to stay during your trip? Check out our guide to choosing where to stay on Lake Como, featuring the most convenient towns based on your itinerary and our selection of hotels.
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