Things to Do in Como in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Como
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak warm-weather activities - lake temperature reaches 24°C (75°F), perfect for swimming and water sports without wetsuit
- Longest daylight hours with sunset at 8:30pm, giving you 14+ hours to explore outdoor attractions
- Villa gardens are in full bloom - historic estates like Villa del Balbianello have peak rose and oleander displays
- Ideal hiking weather with clear mountain views - temperatures at 1,500m (4,921ft) elevation are comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F)
Considerations
- Highest accommodation prices of the year - lakefront hotels cost 200-300% more than November rates
- Ferry lines can be 45-60 minutes during 10am-4pm peak hours, especially weekends
- Restaurants require reservations 3-5 days ahead, spontaneous dining is nearly impossible in Bellagio and Varenna
Best Activities in August
Lake Como Villa Gardens Tours
August is when Como's historic villas reach peak botanical beauty. Villa Carlotta's rhododendrons are in second bloom, and Villa Monastero's exotic garden terraces offer the best photo opportunities of the year. The warm weather means you can spend 3-4 hours exploring without weather interruptions, and evening garden tours (available only July-August) let you see the grounds in golden hour lighting.
High-Altitude Alpine Hiking
August provides the only reliable weather window for accessing Como's high-altitude trails above 1,800m (5,906ft). The Sentiero del Viandante and Via dei Monti Lariani have clear views 85% of August days versus 40% in spring. Snow has completely melted from mountain huts, and wildflower meadows peak in early August. Cable cars to Brunate and Pigra operate extended summer hours until 7pm.
Private Boat Tours with Swimming Stops
Lake Como reaches its warmest temperature in August at 24°C (75°F), making it comfortable for swimming without wetsuits. Private boat tours can access secluded coves near Isola Comacina and Villa del Balbianello that are too cold earlier in the season. August's calm morning waters (before 11am) provide perfect conditions for photography and swimming stops that aren't possible during windier months.
Outdoor Dining and Lakefront Aperitivo
August evenings with 8:30pm sunsets create perfect conditions for lakefront dining that's uncomfortable in cooler months. Restaurants extend outdoor terrace service until 10-11pm, and the warm air means you can enjoy full multi-course meals outside. Traditional sagre (food festivals) happen throughout August in smaller lake towns, offering authentic regional specialties not available other times of year.
Photography Workshops and Sunrise Tours
August's stable weather patterns create ideal conditions for landscape photography with morning mist over the lake occurring 70% of days. The early sunrise at 6:15am allows for dramatic golden hour shots of villas and mountains before tourist crowds arrive. Extended daylight hours mean you get both sunrise and sunset shoots in a single day with comfortable weather throughout.
Silk Museum and Artisan Workshop Tours
August heat makes indoor cultural activities essential during 11am-4pm peak temperature hours. Como's historic silk production heritage is best explored through climate-controlled museums and working ateliers. Many artisan workshops offer extended summer hours and hands-on silk painting or weaving sessions that provide authentic cultural experiences while escaping midday heat.
August Events & Festivals
Festival Como Città della Musica
Classical music concerts in historic villa gardens and lakefront venues throughout August. Performances feature international orchestras in unique settings like Villa Olmo's baroque gardens and Tempio Voltiano's neoclassical halls. Evening concerts take advantage of August's warm weather for outdoor acoustics.
Ferragosto Celebrations
Traditional Italian holiday on August 15th featuring lake processions, fireworks over Como town, and extended restaurant celebrations. Many establishments offer special Ferragosto menus, and locals celebrate with boat parades and waterfront festivities unique to lake communities.