The Italian Lakes are one of our favourite areas of Italy. Comprising six lakes – Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, Lake Lugano and Lake Orta – 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.
January in the Italian Lakes
Whilst not a popular time to visit, we think there is something magical about the Italian Lakes in January. It’s certainly 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 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 the lake, all the way from Stresa in the South to Locarno in the North.
February in the Italian Lakes
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.
March in the Italian Lakes
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.
April in the Italian Lakes
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.
May in the Italian Lakes
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.
June in the Italian Lakes
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).
July in the Italian Lakes
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.
August in the Italian Lakes
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.
September in the Italian Lakes
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.
October in the Italian Lakes
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.
November in the Italian Lakes
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.
December in the Italian Lakes
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.
Fancy an Italian Lakes holiday for yourself to discover the very best that this region has to offer? They contact Italian Lakes villa rental specialists, Bookings For You, who will help you find the perfect place to stay.