Italy, Europe
Lake Como in September
The locals' favorite: warm lake, softer light, and fewer crowds after the first week.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Como. The locals' favorite: warm lake, softer light, and fewer crowds after the first week.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 74F (23C), settled
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in Lake Como
September is the locals' favorite month. Highs near 74F (23C), settled weather, a warm lake, and softer light make it a great time to visit. Crowds thin after the first week, and prices stay high but ease a little. Lidos generally close in early September, but the water is still warm.
This month suits couples, families traveling outside school terms, and anyone who wants a relaxed trip. It is ideal for hiking the Greenway and ferry hopping. Book lakefront rooms ahead, since it is a popular month. If you want the gardens in bloom, go in May instead.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Lake Como this month.
Warm lake, fewer people
After the first week, the lake feels calmer while the water stays warm.
Golden light
Softer light makes villages and villas look their best.
Hiking weather
Cooler mornings are ideal for walks above the lake.
What to pack for September
- Swimsuits
- Light layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket
Our timing tip
Travel after the first week of September, when crowds drop but the weather holds.
Book Lake Como for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake ComoOpens a hotel search for Lake Como in September, 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 September. 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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Lake Como?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Lake Como. The locals' favorite: warm lake, softer light, and fewer crowds after the first week.
What is the weather like in Lake Como in September?
Warm, highs near 74F (23C), settled.
Is Lake Como crowded in September?
Lake Como is busy in September, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
Keep planning Lake Como.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
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