Italy, Europe

Lake Como in February

Still off-season around the central lake. Pretty snow on the peaks, not much open below them.

Think twiceCold, highs near 48F (9C)

Lake Como Varenna, Italy — Lake ComoPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a month to think twice about visiting Lake Como. Still off-season around the central lake. Pretty snow on the peaks, not much open below them.

Weather: Cold, highs near 48F (9C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Lake Como

February is still off season around the central lake. Highs reach about 48F (9C), and the mountains often wear pretty snow. Villas remain closed, many big hotels are shut, and ferries run on a winter schedule. Bellagio and Varenna are sleepy, with only some cafes and shops open. Como town is the most practical base.

This month suits travelers who want a peaceful Italian city break and do not mind limited options. If the villa gardens are your reason for coming, wait until April or May. Families will find more to do in late spring or summer.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Lake Como this month.

Quiet Como town

The old town, the lakefront, and the cathedral square are calm and local.

Winter views

Snowy peaks reflected in still water make for beautiful photos on a clear day.

Tempio Voltiano

Como's small museum to Alessandro Volta is a good indoor stop, especially for a science minded family.

What to pack for February

A warm winter coat
Layers for heated indoor spaces
Waterproof shoes
Gloves and a hat

Our timing tip

Check the winter ferry timetable before planning a day trip to Bellagio, since sailings are sparse.

Book Lake Como for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake Como
Opens a hotel search for Lake Como in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Lake Como
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Lake Como
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Lake Como for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Lake Como

Full guide

Villa del Balbianello

On a wooded point near Lenno, reached by boat or a walk. Visits are limited and it typically closes one weekday, so check the schedule.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Carlotta

Famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons from roughly mid April to mid May. Right on the ferry line at Tremezzo.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Bellagio

The lake's centerpiece town. Arrive by the first ferry or stay the night to see it without the day crowd.

Tickets and tours →

Varenna and Villa Monastero

The prettiest arrival by boat on the eastern shore, and the lakeside garden walk at Villa Monastero.

Tickets and tours →

Lake ferries (Navigazione Laghi)

A day pass on the central lake is the best value way to see it. Faster hydrofoils cost more.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Greenway del Lago

An easy walking route through the villages of the western shore, roughly from Colonno toward Griante, using ferries or buses back.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Sleep in Varenna, Bellagio, or Menaggio rather than day-tripping from Milan. The villages are quiet before 10am and after the last day-trip ferries leave.
Do the most famous villas at opening, then spend midday on the less-visited shores like the eastern shore north of Varenna or the far southern arm near Lecco.
Avoid weekends in June through September if you can. Milanese day-trippers fill the ferries and lidos on Saturdays and Sundays.
Take the slow ferry instead of the hydrofoil when lines are long. It stops more often but usually has more room and better deck views.

Know before you go

Most of the major villas, including Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, open from about mid to late March to early November, and are closed in winter. Confirm dates each year.
Many of the grand lakefront hotels in Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Cernobbio close from about November to March.
Ferries run all year but with a much thinner winter timetable; the fast hydrofoils and some routes are seasonal.
Lidos (swimming clubs) generally open from late May or June to early September.

Lake Como in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Lake Como?

February is a month to think twice about visiting Lake Como. Still off-season around the central lake. Pretty snow on the peaks, not much open below them.

What is the weather like in Lake Como in February?

Cold, highs near 48F (9C).

Is Lake Como crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Lake Como; most sights can be done without long waits.