Italy, Europe

Lake Como in January

Villas closed, many lakefront hotels shut, ferries on a skeleton schedule. Como town is the only real base.

Think twiceCold, highs near 43F (6C), fog and gray days

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

The straight answer

January is a month to think twice about visiting Lake Como. Villas closed, many lakefront hotels shut, ferries on a skeleton schedule. Como town is the only real base.

Weather: Cold, highs near 43F (6C), fog and gray days
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Lake Como

January is Lake Como's deep off season. Highs sit near 43F (6C), fog and gray days are common, and the central lake is very quiet. The big villas, including Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, are closed for winter, and many lakefront hotels in Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Cernobbio are shut. Ferries run on a thin winter timetable, and the fast hydrofoils are mostly off.

Honestly, this is a month to skip unless you want a quiet city break in Como town, where Citta dei Balocchi keeps some festive life going into early January. Families and first-timers should wait for late April or May, when villas, gardens, and ferries are back in full swing.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Lake Como this month.

Citta dei Balocchi's last days

Como town's Christmas festival of lights and markets runs into early January.

The Brunate funicular

On a clear winter day, the short ride above Como gives a crisp view over the southern arm of the lake.

Snow on the peaks

Clear days show snowy mountains above the water, a view summer visitors never get.

What to pack for January

A warm, waterproof coat
Waterproof walking shoes
A hat, scarf, and gloves for ferry decks
An umbrella

Our timing tip

Base yourself in Como town, not the central lake villages, since that is where hotels and restaurants stay open.

Book Lake Como for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake Como
Opens a hotel search for Lake Como in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Citta dei Balocchi, Como

Late November to early January

Como town's Christmas festival of lights, markets, and events. The best reason to visit the lake in winter.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Lake Como?

January is a month to think twice about visiting Lake Como. Villas closed, many lakefront hotels shut, ferries on a skeleton schedule. Como town is the only real base.

What is the weather like in Lake Como in January?

Cold, highs near 43F (6C), fog and gray days.

Is Lake Como crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Lake Como in January?

Citta dei Balocchi, Como (late november to early january).