Are you considering visiting Lake Como in May but unsure what to expect?
As a recent visitor to this stunning northern Italian region in May, I’m here to offer my firsthand insight. (Spoiler Alert: It’s totally worth it!)
Here’s my two cents on why spring in Lake Como should definitely be on your short list.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
In a rush? Pin this post for later!
FAQ About Visiting Lake Como in May
Is May a Good Time for Lake Como?
Not only is May a good time to visit Lake Como, it’s arguably one of the best. With comfortable daytime temperatures and fewer tourists than in peak summer season, a springtime visit can be much more enjoyable.
Plus, you might even save a bit on (otherwise cost-prohibitive) accommodations by booking in the shoulder season.
Which is the Best Italian Lake to Visit in May?
Along with Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, Lake Como is easily one of the best Italian lakes to visit in May. This elegant destination offers visitors breathtaking vistas, fragrant gardens, and the utmost tranquility for a relaxing spring escape.
Can You Swim in Lake Como in Early May?
If you fancy a brisk swim, May might be the perfect time to plan a visit to Lake Como. With average lake temperatures approaching the mid-sixties (Fahrenheit), bold sea bathers will be rewarded with an invigorating lakeside dip.
Lake Como in May: What to Expect
May Weather in Lake Como
One of the pros of visiting Lake Como in May is that it marks the start of longer daylight hours. While early May offers just over 14 hours of daylight, this ramps up to about 15.5 hours by the end of the month.
That means plenty more time to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes – and to capture those precious photos, too!
Throughout the month of May, you can expect an average high daytime temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that this number takes into account the entire month of May from start to finish.
As it progresses into late May, averages increase to the high sixties and low seventies (Fahrenheit). For reference, when we visited from May 19 – 22, we experienced beautiful days in the mid-seventies.
Nighttime in Lake Como is cooler, as temperatures drop to an average of 47 – 54 degrees Fahrenheit at night (if you consider the month as a whole). During our May visit, I brought along a light sweater to use in the evenings and never reached for it aside from when we rode the ferry at night and the wind kicked up.
On the occasion that you experience hotter days than average, rest assured that the cool winds passing over the lake will help keep things comfortable.
Although May is technically part of the rainy season, a mid-month or late-May stay can help you strike the ideal balance of comfortable temperatures and drier days.
From personal experience, we visited Lake Como for three nights in mid-May and didn’t encounter so much as a drop of rain the entire time!
What to Pack for Lake Como in May
I suggest packing smart-yet-sensible attire for Lake Como in May. As one of the more upscale destinations in Italy, you’ll want to look put-together.
That said, comfort is key for me, so I’m not one to condone wearing high heels and such in Europe. (And in reality, my husband skirted by with tee shirts and jeans, so this is probably more of a personal choice.)
Here are some items I recommend packing for Lake Como in May:
- Short sleeve tops
- Capris/ankle-length pants
- Sundresses/skirts (particularly for visiting villas and/or dining out at nicer restaurants)
- Lightweight cardigan (for chillier evenings)
- Light jacket/rain jacket
- Sandals (skip the heel unless its small)
- Comfortable walking shoes
*Note: I packed one swimsuit just in case, but never ended up reaching for it. I’d say skip it unless your accommodation has a pool or you’re dead set on getting in the lake.
You’ll notice I left shorts off the list, but that’s more of an aesthetic choice given the upscale nature of the destination and less to do with weather.
How to Get to Lake Como
If you’re planning to fly in, it’s important to note that the lake region does not have its own airport.
Instead, the closest international airports are located in Milan. Here, you’ll have two options: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN).
From Milan Malpensa (the closest airport to the lake), you can reach the region in one to two hours (depending on your transportation method). This is the ideal airport to fly into if you can, as there are generally less transfers to get over to the lake.
From here, you can take the Malpensa Express to Milano Porta Garibaldi and then take a regional train to Como San Giovanni or one of the stops along the eastern shore of the lake (such as Varenna).
Another option is to take the Malpensa Express to Saronno and then transfer to the Como Lago Nord station.
That said, we actually flew into Milan Linate (as this was the most popular option leaving Frankfurt, where we had our stopover). This airport is the closest to the city center of Milan.
From Milan Linate Airport, we took two subways to Milan Centrale train station. From there, we took the Trenitalia Trenord train to the Varenna-Esino stop.
(Psst! In case you’re considering a short trip to The Fashion Capital before heading to the lake region, here’s some inspiration for spending one day in Milan.)
PRO TIP: Only a few of the towns along Lake Como have their own train station, so choose your home base wisely! If you’re traveling without a car, I recommend staying in a town with a train station, such as Varenna or Como.
If you’re also planning to fly into Milan Linate – and basing yourself in Varenna – here are the directions to follow from the Linate arrivals area once you land:
- Follow signs for the Metro/subway
- Take the M4 (towards San Cristoforo, only direction available) to the Sant’ Ambrogio stop
- Once you reach the Sant’ Ambrogio station, transfer trains following signs for the M2 toward Cologno Nord or Gessate as the final destination. (The M2 stops at both Port Garibaldi & Centrale, the two main train stations in Milan.)
- Once you reach Centrale FS, follow signs for regional/suburban trains. (Trains from both Trenitalia/Trenord and Italo/NTV leave from Centrale FS.)
- You can purchase regional/suburban line tickets (for Trenitalia / Italo) on either the street level or upper level of the train station
- Once you have tickets, the regional/suburban trains can be found at the upper level of the train station. You will take one to the Varenna-Esino stop.
As for getting around the lake, I’ve written a separate guide to help you answer the question: Do you need a car in Lake Como?
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como has a pretty well-established reputation as being a luxury destination for wealthy individuals. And while there are certainly plenty of high-end hotels along the lake, there are also more affordable options if you dig deeper.
Fortunately, I’m here to tell you that I’m not even remotely wealthy, and I still managed to score a lovely apartment with lake views without going bankrupt. We stayed at Wonderful View Varenna – a terrace apartment conveniently located directly across the street from Villa Cipressi.
The view of the cypress trees with the lake in the background is so picturesque.
This location is ideal, as you can reach both Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero on foot within minutes.
Another pro of staying in Varenna is that the town has its own train station, so you can enjoy easy access into and out of Lake Como without needing to rely on a ferry.
I’ve created a separate guide on the best areas to stay in Lake Como, so you can use this as a resource as you plan your spring trip.
Otherwise, if you’d specifically like to stay in the Golden Triangle, check out my companion post about whether you should base yourself in Varenna or Bellagio.
Pros of Visiting Lake Como in May
Weather Is Mild & Comfortable
As I mentioned earlier, May brings with it ideal daytime temperatures ranging from the sixties to seventies (Fahrenheit).
It’s unlikely that you’ll be cold during the day – nor soaked with sweat as you would during the summer months.
Beautiful Flowers Are in Bloom
If you want to enjoy fragrant flowers, May is a wonderful time to witness the lakeside towns in all their blooming glory.
During this special time of year, you can spot everything from whimsical wisteria, to precious peonies, to amazing azalea and camellias.
As a bonus, if you plan your visit toward the end of the month, you may score an early sneak peek of roses and even hydrangeas!
And speaking of flowers, the town of Varenna is actually the most fragrant destination I’ve ever visited. What a treat for the ol’ olfactory senses!
Crowds Are (Mostly) Manageable
As compared to the tourist-choked summer months, a spring trip can be a welcome and refreshing alternative.
That said, while visiting in May can certainly help to mitigate crowds, you should still expect to queue up for ferries and famous photo locations within the villas and gardens, etc..
Cons of Visiting Lake Como in May
Rain Is a Very Real Possibility
While it’s certainly possible that you’ll get lucky with the forecast as we did, there’s still a potential for some rain in May.
Businesses May Be Shut Down on May 1
If you’re planning to visit right at the start of the month, keep in mind that May 1 is Festa dei Lavoratori. This national public holiday is equivalent to Memorial Day, so many family-run businesses, museums, etc. tend to shut down for the day.
It’s (Probably) Too Cold for Swimming
Unless you have a thick skin and enjoy a cool lakeside dip, you’ll probably find May is not the most ideal time to swim in Lake Como.
That said, there are so many other things to do in this beautiful region, so you really shouldn’t let that deter you from visiting in May.
Tips for Visiting Lake Como in May
- Prepare for the possibility of rain but don’t obsess – While I recommend packing a light raincoat/umbrella in case of rain, it’s not worth stressing over the forecast. First off, there are plenty of things to enjoy indoors in Lake Como (such as villa-hopping). Secondly, the rain may very well taper off and be more of a brief nuisance than an all-day affair.
- Book your accommodation early – Lake Como has become an incredibly popular travel destination, so finding a suitable accommodation can be somewhat competitive. I suggest booking your stay at least several months in advance.
- Book ferry tickets in advance – Although there are mixed opinions on whether it makes sense to book ferry tickets in advance via Navigazione Laghi, I’m of the mindset that it’s absolutely worth it (especially if you’re traveling with a toddler like us). While you’ll still need to queue up to actually board the ferry, you can save yourself the trouble of having to wait in two lines.
- Secure your villa tickets before arrival – Just because you want to visit one of the villas on a specific day doesn’t mean there will actually be availability. Had I not booked our tickets in advance, we would’ve accidentally turned up when one of the villas was closed for a private event! Avoid this by referencing online calendars for the individual villas to see any important updates about closures. This can also guarantee you a spot before tickets sell out.
So, have I convinced you to visit Lake Como in May yet? What questions do you have for me about a spring visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Ready to plan your spring trip to Lake Como? Check out my other guides:
Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards!
Are you considering visiting Lake Como in May but unsure what to expect?
As a recent visitor to this stunning northern Italian region in May, I’m here to offer my firsthand insight. (Spoiler Alert: It’s totally worth it!)
Here’s my two cents on why spring in Lake Como should definitely be on your short list.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
In a rush? Pin this post for later!
FAQ About Visiting Lake Como in May
Is May a Good Time for Lake Como?
Not only is May a good time to visit Lake Como, it’s arguably one of the best. With comfortable daytime temperatures and fewer tourists than in peak summer season, a springtime visit can be much more enjoyable.
Plus, you might even save a bit on (otherwise cost-prohibitive) accommodations by booking in the shoulder season.
Which is the Best Italian Lake to Visit in May?
Along with Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, Lake Como is easily one of the best Italian lakes to visit in May. This elegant destination offers visitors breathtaking vistas, fragrant gardens, and the utmost tranquility for a relaxing spring escape.
Can You Swim in Lake Como in Early May?
If you fancy a brisk swim, May might be the perfect time to plan a visit to Lake Como. With average lake temperatures approaching the mid-sixties (Fahrenheit), bold sea bathers will be rewarded with an invigorating lakeside dip.
Lake Como in May: What to Expect
May Weather in Lake Como
One of the pros of visiting Lake Como in May is that it marks the start of longer daylight hours. While early May offers just over 14 hours of daylight, this ramps up to about 15.5 hours by the end of the month.
That means plenty more time to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes – and to capture those precious photos, too!
Throughout the month of May, you can expect an average high daytime temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that this number takes into account the entire month of May from start to finish.
As it progresses into late May, averages increase to the high sixties and low seventies (Fahrenheit). For reference, when we visited from May 19 – 22, we experienced beautiful days in the mid-seventies.
Nighttime in Lake Como is cooler, as temperatures drop to an average of 47 – 54 degrees Fahrenheit at night (if you consider the month as a whole). During our May visit, I brought along a light sweater to use in the evenings and never reached for it aside from when we rode the ferry at night and the wind kicked up.
On the occasion that you experience hotter days than average, rest assured that the cool winds passing over the lake will help keep things comfortable.
Although May is technically part of the rainy season, a mid-month or late-May stay can help you strike the ideal balance of comfortable temperatures and drier days.
From personal experience, we visited Lake Como for three nights in mid-May and didn’t encounter so much as a drop of rain the entire time!
What to Pack for Lake Como in May
I suggest packing smart-yet-sensible attire for Lake Como in May. As one of the more upscale destinations in Italy, you’ll want to look put-together.
That said, comfort is key for me, so I’m not one to condone wearing high heels and such in Europe. (And in reality, my husband skirted by with tee shirts and jeans, so this is probably more of a personal choice.)
Here are some items I recommend packing for Lake Como in May:
- Short sleeve tops
- Capris/ankle-length pants
- Sundresses/skirts (particularly for visiting villas and/or dining out at nicer restaurants)
- Lightweight cardigan (for chillier evenings)
- Light jacket/rain jacket
- Sandals (skip the heel unless its small)
- Comfortable walking shoes
*Note: I packed one swimsuit just in case, but never ended up reaching for it. I’d say skip it unless your accommodation has a pool or you’re dead set on getting in the lake.
You’ll notice I left shorts off the list, but that’s more of an aesthetic choice given the upscale nature of the destination and less to do with weather.
How to Get to Lake Como
If you’re planning to fly in, it’s important to note that the lake region does not have its own airport.
Instead, the closest international airports are located in Milan. Here, you’ll have two options: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN).
From Milan Malpensa (the closest airport to the lake), you can reach the region in one to two hours (depending on your transportation method). This is the ideal airport to fly into if you can, as there are generally less transfers to get over to the lake.
From here, you can take the Malpensa Express to Milano Porta Garibaldi and then take a regional train to Como San Giovanni or one of the stops along the eastern shore of the lake (such as Varenna).
Another option is to take the Malpensa Express to Saronno and then transfer to the Como Lago Nord station.
That said, we actually flew into Milan Linate (as this was the most popular option leaving Frankfurt, where we had our stopover). This airport is the closest to the city center of Milan.
From Milan Linate Airport, we took two subways to Milan Centrale train station. From there, we took the Trenitalia Trenord train to the Varenna-Esino stop.
(Psst! In case you’re considering a short trip to The Fashion Capital before heading to the lake region, here’s some inspiration for spending one day in Milan.)
PRO TIP: Only a few of the towns along Lake Como have their own train station, so choose your home base wisely! If you’re traveling without a car, I recommend staying in a town with a train station, such as Varenna or Como.
If you’re also planning to fly into Milan Linate – and basing yourself in Varenna – here are the directions to follow from the Linate arrivals area once you land:
- Follow signs for the Metro/subway
- Take the M4 (towards San Cristoforo, only direction available) to the Sant’ Ambrogio stop
- Once you reach the Sant’ Ambrogio station, transfer trains following signs for the M2 toward Cologno Nord or Gessate as the final destination. (The M2 stops at both Port Garibaldi & Centrale, the two main train stations in Milan.)
- Once you reach Centrale FS, follow signs for regional/suburban trains. (Trains from both Trenitalia/Trenord and Italo/NTV leave from Centrale FS.)
- You can purchase regional/suburban line tickets (for Trenitalia / Italo) on either the street level or upper level of the train station
- Once you have tickets, the regional/suburban trains can be found at the upper level of the train station. You will take one to the Varenna-Esino stop.
As for getting around the lake, I’ve written a separate guide to help you answer the question: Do you need a car in Lake Como?
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como has a pretty well-established reputation as being a luxury destination for wealthy individuals. And while there are certainly plenty of high-end hotels along the lake, there are also more affordable options if you dig deeper.
Fortunately, I’m here to tell you that I’m not even remotely wealthy, and I still managed to score a lovely apartment with lake views without going bankrupt. We stayed at Wonderful View Varenna – a terrace apartment conveniently located directly across the street from Villa Cipressi.
The view of the cypress trees with the lake in the background is so picturesque.
This location is ideal, as you can reach both Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero on foot within minutes.
Another pro of staying in Varenna is that the town has its own train station, so you can enjoy easy access into and out of Lake Como without needing to rely on a ferry.
I’ve created a separate guide on the best areas to stay in Lake Como, so you can use this as a resource as you plan your spring trip.
Otherwise, if you’d specifically like to stay in the Golden Triangle, check out my companion post about whether you should base yourself in Varenna or Bellagio.
Pros of Visiting Lake Como in May
Weather Is Mild & Comfortable
As I mentioned earlier, May brings with it ideal daytime temperatures ranging from the sixties to seventies (Fahrenheit).
It’s unlikely that you’ll be cold during the day – nor soaked with sweat as you would during the summer months.
Beautiful Flowers Are in Bloom
If you want to enjoy fragrant flowers, May is a wonderful time to witness the lakeside towns in all their blooming glory.
During this special time of year, you can spot everything from whimsical wisteria, to precious peonies, to amazing azalea and camellias.
As a bonus, if you plan your visit toward the end of the month, you may score an early sneak peek of roses and even hydrangeas!
And speaking of flowers, the town of Varenna is actually the most fragrant destination I’ve ever visited. What a treat for the ol’ olfactory senses!
Crowds Are (Mostly) Manageable
As compared to the tourist-choked summer months, a spring trip can be a welcome and refreshing alternative.
That said, while visiting in May can certainly help to mitigate crowds, you should still expect to queue up for ferries and famous photo locations within the villas and gardens, etc..
Cons of Visiting Lake Como in May
Rain Is a Very Real Possibility
While it’s certainly possible that you’ll get lucky with the forecast as we did, there’s still a potential for some rain in May.
Businesses May Be Shut Down on May 1
If you’re planning to visit right at the start of the month, keep in mind that May 1 is Festa dei Lavoratori. This national public holiday is equivalent to Memorial Day, so many family-run businesses, museums, etc. tend to shut down for the day.
It’s (Probably) Too Cold for Swimming
Unless you have a thick skin and enjoy a cool lakeside dip, you’ll probably find May is not the most ideal time to swim in Lake Como.
That said, there are so many other things to do in this beautiful region, so you really shouldn’t let that deter you from visiting in May.
Tips for Visiting Lake Como in May
- Prepare for the possibility of rain but don’t obsess – While I recommend packing a light raincoat/umbrella in case of rain, it’s not worth stressing over the forecast. First off, there are plenty of things to enjoy indoors in Lake Como (such as villa-hopping). Secondly, the rain may very well taper off and be more of a brief nuisance than an all-day affair.
- Book your accommodation early – Lake Como has become an incredibly popular travel destination, so finding a suitable accommodation can be somewhat competitive. I suggest booking your stay at least several months in advance.
- Book ferry tickets in advance – Although there are mixed opinions on whether it makes sense to book ferry tickets in advance via Navigazione Laghi, I’m of the mindset that it’s absolutely worth it (especially if you’re traveling with a toddler like us). While you’ll still need to queue up to actually board the ferry, you can save yourself the trouble of having to wait in two lines.
- Secure your villa tickets before arrival – Just because you want to visit one of the villas on a specific day doesn’t mean there will actually be availability. Had I not booked our tickets in advance, we would’ve accidentally turned up when one of the villas was closed for a private event! Avoid this by referencing online calendars for the individual villas to see any important updates about closures. This can also guarantee you a spot before tickets sell out.
So, have I convinced you to visit Lake Como in May yet? What questions do you have for me about a spring visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Ready to plan your spring trip to Lake Como? Check out my other guides:
Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards!