Italy, Europe
Lake Como in November
One of the rainiest months. Villas close early in the month; Como's Christmas festival starts late in it.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Lake Como. One of the rainiest months. Villas close early in the month; Como's Christmas festival starts late in it.
- Weather
- Cool and wet, highs near 52F (11C), often foggy
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in Lake Como
November is one of the rainiest months. Highs near 52F (11C), fog, and wet days are common. Villas close early in the month, many lakefront hotels shut, and ferries switch to a winter timetable. Late in the month, Como's Christmas festival, Citta dei Balocchi, brings lights and markets to the town.
This month suits budget travelers and those who want a quiet city break in Como town. Families and first-timers should aim for May or September instead, when the lake is fully open and the weather is kinder. A few November days can be clear and bright, but you cannot count on them.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Lake Como this month.
Citta dei Balocchi begins
Late November, Como town lights up with markets and events.
Quiet Como
Como's old town and lakefront are peaceful and local.
Low prices
Hotel rates drop to some of the lowest of the year.
What to pack for November
- A waterproof jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- Warm layers
- An umbrella
Our timing tip
Base in Como town, and plan any central lake day trips around the winter ferry timetable.
Book Lake Como for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake ComoOpens a hotel search for Lake Como in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
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
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Lake Como?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Lake Como. One of the rainiest months. Villas close early in the month; Como's Christmas festival starts late in it.
What is the weather like in Lake Como in November?
Cool and wet, highs near 52F (11C), often foggy.
Is Lake Como crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Lake Como; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Lake Como in November?
Citta dei Balocchi, Como (late november to early january).
Keep planning Lake Como.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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