Lake Como is a ferry-and-stairs trip. You'll hop boats between towns and climb steep stepped lanes in Varenna and Bellagio, and late spring brings more rain than most people expect. These numbers are from Lugano, 23 km (14 miles) away, with a similar lake-level climate.
Lake Como weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 23°C73°F | 18°C64°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 17°C63°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 6 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
Season by season
Spring
March–MayMild and wet. Highs go from 14°C (57°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in April and 21°C (70°F) in May, with lows of 7–13°C (45–55°F). May is the wettest month at 15 rain days. Pack a rain jacket and layers for chilly ferry decks.
Summer
June–AugustWarm and still showery. Highs are 26°C (79°F) in June, 28°C (82°F) in July and 29°C (84°F) in August, with lows of 17–19°C (63–66°F). Expect 10 rain days in June and July and 7 in August, often as storms. Bring light clothes and a packable rain layer.
Autumn
September–NovemberCooling and damp. September reaches 23°C (73°F) with 11 rain days and October 18°C (64°F) with 10. November drops to 13°C (55°F) with 4 rain days. Pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and quiet. Highs are 9–11°C (48–52°F) and lows 2–4°C (36–39°F), with 4–6 rain days a month. Many hotels and some ferry routes slow down. Bring a warm coat.
What to bring to Lake Como
0 of 21 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Varenna and Bellagio are steep stepped lanes, so you want a sneaker with grip.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, for stone steps and ferry docks.
May averages 15 rain days and summer storms are common, so pack a real rain jacket.
The men's version, for wet springs and windy ferry decks.
- Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30LBags & Luggage
A carry-on backpack is easier than a roller on ferries and stairs.
Italy uses Type C, F and L sockets, so US and UK visitors need an adapter.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A day bag that handles rain while you hop between towns.
Clothing
- Light layers for ferry decks · 2Ferry decks get windy and chilly.
- Smart casual dinner outfits · 2People dress a little nicer at dinner.
- Light summer clothes · 4 setsAugust highs reach 29°C.
- Shawl or shirt that covers shoulders · 1Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
- Warm coat · 1Winter highs are 9–11°C, Dec–Feb.
- Swimsuit · 1
Footwear
- Dressier flats or loafers · 1 pairSkip heels on the stepped lanes.
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1May averages 15 rain days.
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Basic toiletries
Documents and money
- Passport
- Some cash in euros
Tech
- Phone charger · 1Chargers are fine at 230V.
What shoes should you pack for Lake Como?
Comfortable sneakers with grip. Varenna and Bellagio are built on steep stepped lanes, and stone gets slippery in rain. Leave heels for dinner by taxi.
What do people wear in Lake Como?
Smart casual. People dress a little nicer here, especially at dinner. Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
How do you get around Lake Como?
Mostly by ferry. Pack a light layer for the wind on deck and a small bag you can carry up and down steps, since many towns are stairs from the dock.
What plugs does Lake Como use?
Italy uses Type C, F and L sockets at 230V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Lake Como
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Lake Como.
What should you leave at home for Lake Como?
Heels and a big rolling suitcase. Stepped lanes and ferry boarding are easier with a bag you can lift.
Around Lake Como
Packing for Lake Como: questions people ask
What should I wear in Lake Como in May?
Layers and a rain jacket. May averages a 21°C (70°F) high, a 13°C (55°F) low and 15 rain days.
Is Lake Como hot in summer?
Warm. August averages a 29°C (84°F) high and a 19°C (66°F) low, with 7 rain days.
Does it rain a lot at Lake Como?
Yes, from spring to autumn. May has 15 rain days and most months from March to October have 9–11.
Is Lake Como cold in winter?
Yes. Highs are 9–11°C (48–52°F) and lows 2–4°C (36–39°F).
What adapter do I need for Lake Como?
Italy uses Type C, F and L sockets at 230V. US and UK visitors need an adapter.
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