Italy, Europe
Lake Como in October
Fall color on the slopes and quiet villas. Some hotels close late in the month.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Lake Como. Fall color on the slopes and quiet villas. Some hotels close late in the month.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 63F (17C), rain returning
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in Lake Como
October brings fall color to the slopes and quiet villas. Highs near 63F (17C) and some rain returning set a cozy mood. Crowds drop, prices ease, and the lake is peaceful. Some hotels close late in the month, and villas close in early November, so check dates. The Il Lombardia cycling race often passes near Bellagio.
This month suits couples, walkers, and anyone who enjoys quiet autumn travel. Pack rain layers and plan a slower pace. If you want swimming weather, go earlier in the fall, and if you want everything open, avoid the last week of October.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Lake Como this month.
Fall color
The hillsides turn gold and red, lovely from a ferry deck.
Il Lombardia
One of cycling's five Monuments, often passing the Madonna del Ghisallo chapel above Bellagio.
Quiet villas
Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are calm before closing for winter.
What to pack for October
- A warm sweater
- A rain jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- An umbrella
Our timing tip
Visit in the first half of October, before hotels start closing for the season.
Book Lake Como for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake ComoOpens a hotel search for Lake Como in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Il Lombardia cycling race
Autumn, usually October
One of cycling's five Monuments, often passing the Madonna del Ghisallo cyclists' chapel above Bellagio.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Lake Como?
October is a good month to visit Lake Como. Fall color on the slopes and quiet villas. Some hotels close late in the month.
What is the weather like in Lake Como in October?
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), rain returning.
Is Lake Como crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in Lake Como; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Lake Como in October?
Il Lombardia cycling race (autumn, usually october).
Keep planning Lake Como.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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