Italy, Europe

Lake Como in May

Peak bloom at the villa gardens and green hillsides. Book lakefront rooms early for weekends.

BestWarm, highs near 70F (21C), some rain

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

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Como. Peak bloom at the villa gardens and green hillsides. Book lakefront rooms early for weekends.

Weather: Warm, highs near 70F (21C), some rain
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What May is like in Lake Como

May is peak bloom at Lake Como. Highs near 70F (21C), green hillsides, and villa gardens in full flower make it one of the best months. Some rain is possible. Crowds are moderate, but weekends get busy and prices are rising. The Concorso d'Eleganza classic car show usually takes over Villa d'Este and nearby Villa Erba on a spring weekend.

This month suits almost everyone, especially couples, gardeners, and first-timers. Book lakefront rooms early for weekends. Most lidos open only in late May or June, and the lake is still cool. If you want warm swimming weather, wait for late June or July.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Lake Como this month.

Villa gardens at their peak

Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero, and Balbianello are full of blooms.

Concorso d'Eleganza

One of the world's top classic car shows fills Cernobbio for a weekend, usually in May.

Ferry hopping weather

Mild days are perfect for a central lake ferry pass.

What to pack for May

Light layers
A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen

Our timing tip

If the car show weekend matters to you, book early. If it does not, avoid Cernobbio that weekend.

Book Lake Como for May.

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

What's on in May

Azalea season at Villa Carlotta

Roughly mid April to mid May, varies with the spring

The garden's famous flowering tunnels and slopes. The peak shifts by a week or two each year.

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

A weekend in spring, usually May

One of the world's most prestigious classic car shows, held at Villa d'Este and nearby Villa Erba. Hotels around Cernobbio fill fast.

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 May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Lake Como?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Como. Peak bloom at the villa gardens and green hillsides. Book lakefront rooms early for weekends.

What is the weather like in Lake Como in May?

Warm, highs near 70F (21C), some rain.

Is Lake Como crowded in May?

Crowds in Lake Como are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Lake Como in May?

Azalea season at Villa Carlotta (roughly mid april to mid may, varies with the spring); Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este (a weekend in spring, usually may).