Italy, Europe
Lake Como in March
Villas and hotels begin reopening in the second half of the month. Camellias bloom; check opening dates before you book.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Lake Como. Villas and hotels begin reopening in the second half of the month. Camellias bloom; check opening dates before you book.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 57F (14C), changeable
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Lake Como
March is when Lake Como wakes up. Highs climb near 57F (14C), weather is changeable, and camellias bloom in the gardens. Villas and hotels begin to reopen in the second half of the month, though exact dates vary each year. Crowds are light and prices are low, but some places are still closed early in the month.
This month suits couples and flexible travelers who want quiet villages and soft prices. Confirm villa opening dates before you book. If you want everything open and the azaleas in bloom, April is the safer choice.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Lake Como this month.
Camellia season
Camellias bloom in the lake's gardens, one of the first signs of spring.
Villas reopening
Late in the month, the big villa gardens start to open for the season.
Empty ferries
Ride the boats between Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo with plenty of seats.
What to pack for March
- A packable rain jacket
- Warm layers for cool mornings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses for bright days on the water
Our timing tip
Plan your trip for the last ten days of March, when more villas and hotels have reopened.
Book Lake Como for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake ComoOpens a hotel search for Lake Como in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Lake ComoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Lake ComoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Lake Como for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Lake Como
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.
Villa Carlotta
Famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons from roughly mid April to mid May. Right on the ferry line at Tremezzo.
Bellagio
The lake's centerpiece town. Arrive by the first ferry or stay the night to see it without the day crowd.
Varenna and Villa Monastero
The prettiest arrival by boat on the eastern shore, and the lakeside garden walk at Villa Monastero.
Lake ferries (Navigazione Laghi)
A day pass on the central lake is the best value way to see it. Faster hydrofoils cost more.
Greenway del Lago
An easy walking route through the villages of the western shore, roughly from Colonno toward Griante, using ferries or buses back.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Lake Como?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Lake Como. Villas and hotels begin reopening in the second half of the month. Camellias bloom; check opening dates before you book.
What is the weather like in Lake Como in March?
Cool, highs near 57F (14C), changeable.
Is Lake Como crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Lake Como; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Lake Como.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
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