Things to Do in Como in April

April Weather in Como

22°C (72°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Spring bloom season transforms gardens into spectacular displays - Villa Carlotta's azaleas and rhododendrons peak in mid-April, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops without summer crowds
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures 13-22°C (55-72°F) - comfortable for ascending Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (419m/1,375ft) without overheating or winter ice concerns
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodation compared to peak summer months, with lake-view rooms averaging €120-180 instead of €200-300
Extended daylight hours (6:30am-7:45pm sunset) provide 13+ hours for sightseeing, plus ferries resume full spring schedules connecting all major towns after limited winter service

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - sunny mornings can turn into afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours, potentially disrupting outdoor activities
Some mountain cable cars and high-altitude attractions remain closed until late April or May due to lingering snow above 1,000m (3,280ft)
Water activities limited - lake temperature only 14°C (57°F) makes swimming uncomfortable, and many boat rental operators don't fully open until May

Best Activities in April

Villa Garden Tours and Botanical Walks

April is the absolute peak for Como's famous villa gardens. Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi showcase their spring collections with 300+ varieties of camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons in full bloom. The mild 13-22°C (55-72°F) temperatures make walking the terraced gardens comfortable, and morning visits (9-11am) offer the best light for photography before potential afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Book villa entries 2-3 days ahead online (€10-20 per villa). Many offer combo tickets saving 20%. Garden conditions change weekly in spring, so check villa websites for current bloom reports. Book morning time slots to avoid afternoon rain.

Lake Como Ferry Hopping and Town Exploration

April marks the return of frequent ferry service between all major towns after reduced winter schedules. The cooler temperatures make walking through Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio's cobblestone streets pleasant without summer's oppressive heat. Spring light creates perfect conditions for photographing the lake's dramatic mountain backdrop, and you'll avoid the summer ferry queues that can add 30-45 minutes to each journey.

Booking Tip: Purchase multi-day ferry passes (€15-35 depending on zones) for flexibility during weather changes. Central Lake tickets cover the main triangle route. Spring schedules run every 30-60 minutes vs summer's 15-minute frequency.

Sacro Monte and Hiking Trail Networks

April offers ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and clear mountain views before summer haze. The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio UNESCO site (419m/1,375ft elevation) provides panoramic lake views, while the Greenway del Lago trail between Colonno and Cadenabbia (10km/6.2 miles) showcases spring wildflowers. Trails are dry and stable after winter, but not yet crowded with summer hikers.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided nature walks cost €25-40 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead through local hiking associations. Bring layers - temperature drops 6-8°C per 1000m elevation gain. Check weather the night before as mountain conditions change rapidly.

Como Silk Museum and Artisan Workshop Tours

April's variable weather makes it perfect for indoor cultural experiences. Como's silk industry heritage comes alive in workshops where you can watch traditional weaving techniques. The cool, humid spring air actually benefits silk production, and many ateliers offer hands-on experiences during their less busy pre-summer period.

Booking Tip: Workshop tours typically cost €15-30 per person and should be booked 1 week ahead. Many offer English sessions on specific days. Combine with Como Cathedral visits during rain showers for efficient indoor sightseeing.

Spring Food and Wine Tours

April brings spring ingredients to local menus - fresh asparagus, artichokes, and early lake fish preparations. The moderate temperatures make outdoor market visits comfortable, and many agriturismi begin offering seasonal tastings. Local wines pair perfectly with the crisp spring air during lakeside aperitivo hour (5-7pm).

Booking Tip: Food tours range €45-80 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 5-7 days ahead as groups are smaller in shoulder season. Many include indoor venues as backup for weather. Local markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

Photography and Art Tours in Historic Centers

April's soft, diffused light creates ideal conditions for photography, especially during the 'blue hour' around 7-8pm. The spring atmosphere brings Como's pastel-colored buildings to life, and fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots of iconic locations. Professional photography workshops take advantage of the season's unique lighting conditions.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost €60-120 per person for half-day sessions. Book 1 week ahead for small groups (4-6 people maximum). Many include indoor locations for weather contingency. Golden hour shoots require flexible timing due to April's changing conditions.

April Events & Festivals

Early April (varies by Easter calendar)

Easter Celebrations and Processions

Traditional Catholic Easter processions take place in Como's cathedral and smaller lakeside churches, featuring centuries-old rituals and local choir performances. The spring setting adds special atmosphere to these spiritual celebrations.

Mid to Late April

Spring Garden Festivals

Various villa gardens host special spring exhibitions showcasing their camellia and azalea collections. Villa Carlotta often coordinates with other historic gardens for photography competitions and botanical talks during peak bloom season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with breathable fabric - April showers are frequent but brief, and you'll overheat in plastic rain gear during 70% humidity

Layering system (t-shirt, light sweater, jacket) - temperature swings of 9°C (16°F) daily require adaptability for comfort

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 6-8km (3.7-5 miles) daily

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden downpours are common, and seeking shelter isn't always immediately available

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 4, and lake reflection intensifies sun exposure

Light scarf or wrap for evening ferry rides - wind chill over water drops perceived temperature by 3-5°C (5-9°F)

Portable phone charger - you'll use maps and translation apps extensively, plus frequent photo-taking drains batteries faster

Quick-dry clothing materials - cotton takes too long to dry in 70% humidity if caught in rain

Small daypack with water-resistant zippers - you'll carry layers, snacks, and rain gear while exploring

Cash in small denominations - many local markets, small cafes, and public restrooms don't accept cards, especially €50+ notes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early March - Easter holidays create unexpected demand spikes, especially for lake-view rooms in Bellagio and Varenna

Download offline Google Maps before arrival - cellular coverage can be spotty in mountainous areas around the lake, and you'll need navigation for hiking trails

Locals eat lunch 12:30-2pm and dinner after 7:30pm - restaurants serving 'tourist schedules' earlier are generally overpriced and lower quality

Ferry strikes occasionally occur in spring due to seasonal staff negotiations - always have a backup plan for getting between towns, including bus routes

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all attractions are open - many mountain cable cars, lakeside beaches, and seasonal restaurants don't fully reopen until May 1st

Overpacking summer clothes - tourists underestimate how cool 13°C (55°F) mornings feel, especially on ferry rides with wind chill

Not checking weather hourly - April conditions change rapidly, and a sunny morning doesn't guarantee an outdoor afternoon