The Italian Lakes are one of our favourite areas of Italy. Comprising a number of lakes – Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, Lake Lugano and Lake Orta being the main ones – we think this beautiful area in the north of Italy ticks all the boxes. After all, it boasts stunning scenery, both sleepy lakeside villages and exciting cities to explore, delicious food, wonderfully refreshing clear blue waters and a fantastic climate. It’s certainly busiest in the peak Summer months of July and August but popular from early Spring through to late Autumn. However, it can be a surprisingly good place to visit during the Winter too. Here’s our guide to what you can expect month by month in this fabulously diverse region.

The Italian Lakes in January

Whilst not a popular time to visit, we think there is something magical about the Italian Lakes in January. The atmosphere in the Italian Lakes when surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks is definitely unique. Plus, it’s an ideal time to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds. The one thing to be aware of is that many hotels and restaurants in the more popular tourist towns will close during the winter months so choose your base carefully. We think Luino on Lake Maggiore is a great town to stay in for an Italian Lakes villa holiday in January – it has a strong local population so businesses are open all year round. Plus, it is in a great location to explore both the Italian and Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, all the way from Stresa in the South to Locarno in the North. Alternatively, the city of Como is another great base to choose. Again, it has a large local population so most shops and businesses will remain open. But it’s also easy to get from here to the smaller towns and villages on Lake Como too.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in January

Epiphany

January is a quiet month in the Italian Lakes. There aren’t any specific festivals in the area. However, 6th January marks Epiphany. This is a national holiday in Italy. It commemorates the Magi meeting the baby Jesus and marks the end of the Christmas period. It is also when the tradition of La Befana, integral to Italy’s Christmas celebrations, takes place. According to Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on the eve of Epiphany. Traditionally pictured as a witch travelling on a broomstick, she supposedly enters houses via the chimney and fills the stockings of well behaved children with toys and sweets. Those children who haven’t behaved during the year will find their stockings have been filled with lumps of coal instead! Visit the Italian Lakes in January and you will find supermarkets and stores selling stockings pre-filled with sweets to leave at the end of a child’s bed. You may also find some small celebrations to mark the event in some of the lakeside towns and villages. For example, in Cannobio, they wait for the arrival of Befana by boat.  People gather on the lake front and enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine. 

Christmas Markets

Some Christmas markets in the Italian Lakes will continue into the first week of January. Some of the largest Christmas markets on Lake Garda which continue into January include those at Arco, Trento and Bardolino. The Christmas market in Verona also continues until Epiphany. At this time, nativity scenes are also displayed in the arches of the Arena di Verona, adding to the festive spirit. On Lake Como, the festivities in Bellagio and Como will similarly last until 6 January. In Como, wooden huts are set up in the Piazza Cavour selling handicrafts and typical local products. In the Viale Corridoni, they will sell street food. And, there is even a temporary ice rink to enjoy in the city too. In Lecco on Lake Como, the Christmas markets often last even longer, going into the second and even third weekend of January. On Lake Maggiore, it’s the Swiss towns of Ascona and Locarno where you will find the largest Christmas markets. However,

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in January

 

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in January

Enjoy the Christmas markets

If you are visiting prior to 6 January, definitely try and visit one of the many Italian Lakes Christmas markets. The Christmas market in Como is one of the largest. Plus, Como cleverly lights up its historic buildings and monument in a myriad of colours during this time. The result is a city that feels like you’ve landed in the middle of a fairy tale.

Go hiking

January is a great time to enjoy hiking and walking. The Italian Lakes boast some wonderful hiking paths and trails. Hiking is a great way to learn more about the history of the region. Hiking on both Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda will reveal the fascinating history of this area during the First World War. However, the history stretches much further back than that. On Lake Garda for example, the trails around Torri del Benaco provide the opportunity to admire prehistoric rock carvings.

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in January

Are shops and businesses open in the Italian Lakes in January? 

Yes, many shops and businesses are open. However, this will not be the case for all. You will also find that, whilst hotels may be open during the festive season, some will close again at the end of the first week of January. As a result, we recommend you choose your Italian Lakes villa rental carefully. Choose a base that has a strong local population ensuring that businesses will be open all year round.

What is the weather like in the Italian Lakes in January?

The Italian Lakes in January is relatively mild but you will need to wrap up warm as daytime temperatures average between just 6° and 7°. At night time it’s not unusual for temperatures to drop below freezing. However, you can still expect around 9 hours of sunshine a day and minimal rainfall. Average rainfall on Lake Garda in January is just 51 mm. It is rare to snow one the lakeside itself however the surrounding mountains often see snowfall.

The Italian Lakes in February

Italy’s lakes may not be top of the list when you are considering a skiing holiday but, actually, there are plenty of opportunities to ski in the lakes region of Italy, making February an ideal time for an Italian Lakes holiday. You can reach ski resorts in just a 20 minute drive from Lake Como whilst on Lake Maggiore there are ski slopes on the Eastern banks of the lake at Passo Forcora, in the North at Cardada above Locarno and at the Mottarone above Stresa in the south. And on Lake Garda, the Cableway Malcesine Monte Baldo has 7 ski lifts and 40 km of snow covered slopes across January and February. All are perfect for beginners and families, who perhaps want to combine a skiing holiday with sightseeing.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in February

Carnivals 

February is carnival season in Italy and the Italian Lakes is no different. Some of the most well-known carnivals in this area include the carnivals in Bagolino on Lake Garda, Cantù and Schignano on Lake Como and Locarno, Ascona, Brissago and Cannobio on Lake Maggiore. The carnival at Schignano is probably the most traditional of them all. The traditional village band accompanies the procession in which people are disguised by hand carved wooden masks. Elsewhere on Lake Como in lakeside towns such as Erba, Como and Menaggio, you can expect big floats and processions through the streets, plenty of food and music, lots of masks and colourful streamers and confetti.

Lago di Garda in Love

Between the 14th and 16th February each year is Lago Garda in Love. This is a chance for romance galore! Lake Garda will be set up with plenty for couples to enjoy. Whether it’s a heart-shaped selfie station, a romantic walk along the Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love), a message board for you to leave your love notes on, shop windows decorated with a Valentine’s Day theme, or monuments lit up in red, this is the perfect destination to woo your beloved.

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in February

Go skiing

It’s not unusual to expect to see snow on the mountains around the lakes in the Winter and so a trip to the Italian Lakes in January can be a great option for skiers. As well as local ski resorts, it is also easy to access some of the larger ski resorts using the Italian Lakes as a base.

For example, the well-known Swiss ski resorts of Airolo, St Bernadino, Maccugnaga, Domobianca, the Aosta valley (Pila) and St Moritz all within easy reach of Lake Maggiore. However, there are also plenty of smaller ski resorts at the lakes themselves. For novice skiers and families, Passo Forcora above Luino is a great option. Or, the Mottarone above Stresa or Cardada above Locarno are both great for beginners as well as for more experienced skiers and snowboarders.

On Lake Como, the largest resort is at Mandesimo. Here you will find 1 beginners slope, 15 intermediate slopes, 13 advanced slopes and 5 expert slopes. Or in Lecco there are smaller resorts such as Valsessina, Bobbio and Valtorta, Giumello and Paglio. This is a cheaper and quieter option. Or you can reach the famous Swiss resort of St Moritz from Lake Como in as little as 90 minutes by bus.

And on Lake Garda, the cable car from Malcesine will take you to Monte Baldo, Or just 2 hour north of Lake Garda, there is the Dolomiti Superski area. Here there are 12 ski resorts and approximately 1200 km of pistes in the setting of the stunning Italian Dolomites. 

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in February

Do the public boats operate in February?

Yes, the public boat network operates all year round in the Italian Lakes. However, the winter timetable is a far more reduced one than in the Spring and Summer months. As a result, you do need to plan your trips a little more carefully. Or you may even need to consider using the car on occasion. You can view the Italian Lakes boat timetable at Navigazione Laghi.

The Italian Lakes in March

An Italian Lakes holiday is the perfect option for those with a love of the great outdoors. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in the Italian Lakes and March offers the perfect temperatures in which to enjoy them. It’s perfect for both hiking and biking as well as for those who simply wish to explore the lakeside towns and villages. Average high daily temperatures may only be in the mid teens but they will get warmer as the month goes on.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in March

March is a quiet month in the Italian Lakes when it comes to annual events. However, should Easter fall into March, there are a number of Easter celebrations you should be aware of.

Fiera de Giovedi Santo

This is a large Easter market that takes place on Maundy Thursday through to Easter Monday. Market stalls will line the Viale Varese as well as spilling out from the Piazza Cacciactore. Expect to find plenty of regional crafts and foods , including the famous dove-shaped Italian Easter cake known as colomba.

Easter Processions

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in March

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in March

Go cycling

The Italian Lakes are perfect for cyclists of all abilities. With a plethora of paths, you can choose between a leisurely lakeside cycle route  or a challenging climb in the surrounding hills and mountains. Should you want to explore an Italian Lake in its entirety, you could even opt to cycle all the way round the perimeter. The circumference of Lake Lugano, for example, is just 67 km and Lake Orta is just 34 km. Even Italy’s largest lake – Lake Garda – is only 140 km. In fact, in many ways, this is the best lake to choose to cycle around. Garda by Bike is putting the finishing touches to a continuous path that will take cyclists all the way round. Some stretches such as the suspended section at Limone are incredible, providing wonderful views over the lake. Also near Lake Garda is a section of the Ciclopista el Sole (Sunshine Route) which is a cycle route that runs all the way from the Austrian border to Sicily in the south.

For a more challenging ride, opt to try the climb from Lake Garda to neighbouring Lake Iseo. Or on Lake Como, we can recommend the climb from Como to Bellagio. It’s not easy but the views are well worth the effort!

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in March

The Italian Lakes in April

A Springtime holiday in the Italian Lakes is wonderful. This is where the lakeside gardens start to become filled with colour. Head to the Camellia Festival in Locarno, the beautiful Borromean Islands, or to the gardens of Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore for the Tulip Festival. Or head to neighbouring Lake Como to visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. The best way to get out and about in the Italian Lakes is by using the public boat network and April sees the start of the Summer timetable when boats criss cross the lake even more regularly, making sightseeing super easy too.

 

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in April

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in April

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in April

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in April

The Italian Lakes in May

Temperatures in May are rising nicely but the region is still relatively quiet. As a result, visit in May and you will find that you can explore the popular spots without the crowds. Just be aware that May is typically the month that sees the highest amount of rainfall. But don’t let this put you off. There is plenty to see and do in the Italian Lakes when it rains.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in May

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in May

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in May

Visit the gardens

We think that Spring is the best time to visit the beautiful gardens of the Italian Lakes.

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in May

The Italian Lakes in June

Holiday in the Italian Lakes in June and you will still be visiting before the bulk of the Summer crowds arrive. This is the time of year you can enjoy the best of both worlds – sunny days perfect for lazing on the beach and enjoying a swim in the lake waters, but typically not too hot if you’re looking to enjoy time sightseeing. It’s also a great time if you’re a music lover – Ascona Jazz takes place in June and the month also sees the start of the Opera Festival at the Arena di Verona. (Incidentally, the musical theme continues throughout July and August with events such as Settimane Musicali in Stresa along with Moon & Stars in Locarno).

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in June

Verona Opera Festival

This annual Summer festival kicks off in mid June and runs until September. Concerts are performed in the spectacular Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the Piazza Bra. It is the largest open air opera venue in the world and has unique acoustics. It is an event we think everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Over the years, it has played host to some of the world’s greatest opera singers. These include Placido Domingo, Maria Callas, Montserrat Caballé as well as countless others. 

Chiaretto Wine Festival

In Bardolino, the Palio del Chiaretto is hosted at the end of May and beginning of June each year. This is when the new season’s Bardolino Chiaretto DOC is presented, sampled and enjoyed! Chiaretto is a fresh young rosé wine. Tastings will be accompanied with music and entertainment through the town.

Festival of San Giovanni 

June 24th marks the Saint’s Day of San Giovanni Battista (St John the Baptist). However, the festival on the island of Comacina on Lake Como takes place on the nearest Saturday and Sunday to this date. All of the nearby villages will also take part, among them Ossuccio, Sala Comacina and Bellagio. The festival’s origins are rooted in a legend, according to which nearby residents were protected from devastating hailstone storms by praying to St John the Baptist. These days, the saint is honoured by a procession by boat to the island and a spectacular firework show. Polenta and snails are the traditional dishes eaten during the festival. And the empty snail shells are then turned into lamps. The event starts at dusk and the fireworks usually start just after 10 pm.

Sonata Organi

On Lake Maggiore, June sees the start of the Sonata Organi. This is an annual international organ festival that takes place in the churches of Arona. It continues through July and into August.

Festival of Theatre and Comedy

Luino on the Eastern shores of Lake Maggiore plays host to the annual Festival of Theatre and Comedy. Luino is not the only town to host events. You’ll also find events taking place in nearby towns such as Gallarate, Porto Valtravalgia, Angera and Busto Arsizio as well as other towns and villages on Lake Maggiore. Access to events is free and the venues are theatres and open air spaces on the lake front. Please note that events will continue through the Summer months and into the early Autumn. 

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in June

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in June

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in June

The Italian Lakes in July

An Italian Lakes holiday in July is ideal for beach lovers and sun worshippers. The lake waters are crystal clear and wonderful for swimming in and July temperatures are perfect for lazy days in the sunshine. Just be aware that the weather can never be guaranteed, even in peak Summer months. This region tends to beautifully green all year round and there is a reason for that – it does get its fair share of rain. But, across July and August, it’s most typical that rain will fall at night. Prepare yourself for some dramatic thunderstorms overnight which will leave clear, dry sunny weather during daytime hours.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in July

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in July

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in July

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in July

The Italian Lakes in August

August is a busy month in the Italian Lakes. If you prefer to visit when it’s quieter but are constricted by school holiday dates, then try and visit in the last week of August when many of the Dutch and German holidaymakers have returned home. As in July, this is the time to enjoy time on the lakeside beaches and lidos. Cool off in the lake waters and enjoy the many opportunities to enjoy water sports in this area. Windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, canoeing and more are all super popular here.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in August

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in August

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in August

Go to the beach

There is normally plenty of sunshine in the Italian Lakes in August. As a result, it’s the perfect time to head to the lakeside beaches. 

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in August

Are the Italian Lakes crowded in August?

July and August in the Italian Lakes are certainly the two months when visitor numbers peak. At this time, some of the lakeside roads (particularly those around Lake Como) can get snarled up with traffic. 

The Italian Lakes in September

Wine lovers should look to book an Italian Lakes villa holiday in September. This is the time when the grapes are harvested. Head to the wine festival on Lake Garda which takes place annually at the end of September and beginning of October. It’s always a great time for golfers to visit the Italian Lakes too. Lake Como is home to the famous the famous Menaggio and Cadenabbia golf course, whilst Lake Garda can boast four 27 hole courses, six 18 hole courses and one 9 hole course.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in September

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in September

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in September

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in September

The Italian Lakes in October

Autumn temperatures are still pleasant in October and this is a time when this region is again awash with colour. Trees turn beautiful shades of orange, red and yellow and, like earlier in the year in March, it’s a great time to enjoy mountain biking and hiking. Just be aware that the public boat network tends to move to its Winter timetable at some point this month, so you may just need to be a little bit more organised with some of your plans.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in October

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in October

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in October

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in October

The Italian Lakes in November

November is a quiet time to holiday in the Italian Lakes but, with a mild climate and relatively little rain this month, it is a lovely time to visit. It’s also a good time to visit if you want to enjoy time not just on the lake but also in some of the cities within the wider region such as Milan or Verona. November is the perfect month to visit some of these busier centres, whilst having the peace, calm, tranquility and beauty of the Italian Lakes to come back to after a day sightseeing.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in November

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in November

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in November

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in November

The Italian Lakes in December

The Italian Lakes is a great Italian villa holiday destination if you’re looking to soak up some festive spirit. Head to the smaller towns and villages to admire their nativity scenes and to some of the larger towns in the region to enjoy their Christmas markets and entertainment. On Lake Maggiore, an ice rink is set up in the Piazza del Popola Verbania in Arona whilst in Locarno you will find an ice rink in the central Piazza Grande. On Lake Como the centra Piazza Cavour in Como is transformed into a Winter Wonderland each December with charming wooden chalets filled with festive stalls. On Lake Garda, some of our favourite Christmas markets are in Arco, Bardolino and Malcesine. Or head to Riva del Garda to visit Father Christmas inside the castle there.

Festivals and events in the Italian Lakes in December

Best places to visit in the Italian Lakes in December

Best things to do in the Italian Lakes in December

FAQ about travelling to the Italian Lakes in December

Fancy an Italian Lakes holiday for yourself to discover the very best that this region has to offer? Then contact Italian Lakes villa rental specialists, Bookings For You, who will help you find the perfect place to stay.