Things to Do in Lake Como in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Lake Como
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll pay 30-40% less than summer rates at hotels and villas, with better availability at lakeside properties that book out months ahead in peak season
- Fewer crowds at major attractions like Villa Carlotta and Bellagio - you can actually photograph the gardens without 50 people in your shot, and restaurants take walk-ins where summer requires week-ahead reservations
- Early spring blooms start appearing by late March, especially camellias and early magnolias in villa gardens, giving you preview of the famous spring displays without the tour bus crowds
- Local life is more visible - markets, cafes, and shops cater to residents rather than tourists, so you get authentic pricing and service, plus locals actually have time to chat and give recommendations
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous sunny days followed by two rainy ones, making it tough to plan specific outdoor activities more than 48 hours ahead
- Many seasonal restaurants, boat services, and attractions operate reduced hours or remain closed until Easter, particularly smaller family-run places in quieter villages like Lenno or Torno
- Water temperature sits around 8-10°C (46-50°F), so swimming is realistically off the table unless you're committed to cold water dipping, and many lakeside beaches feel underwhelming without the summer swimming option
Best Activities in March
Villa and Garden Tours
March is actually ideal for villa hopping before the summer crowds arrive. Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, and Villa Melzi start opening for the season with early camellias and magnolias blooming by late March. You'll have the terraced gardens largely to yourself, and the cooler temperatures make the uphill walks to these properties far more comfortable than the sweaty July climbs. The soft March light is excellent for photography, and you can actually spend time studying the art collections inside without being rushed by tour groups.
Lakeside Town Walking Tours
The cool, crisp weather makes March perfect for exploring Como, Bellagio, and Varenna on foot without overheating. Cobblestone streets are less crowded, cafes have available tables, and you can photograph the colorful buildings and lake views without dodging selfie sticks. The morning light on the water is particularly beautiful when it's clear. Focus on the historic centers, silk museums in Como town, and the scenic Varenna waterfront walk.
Ferry Hopping Between Villages
The ferry system runs year-round and offers the most authentic way to experience the lake. March means nearly-empty boats, easy boarding without queues, and unobstructed deck views. The cooler air is refreshing rather than freezing when you're moving on the water. Use ferries to connect Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio for a triangle route, or take the Como-Bellagio direct line. Locals use ferries for actual transportation in March, not just sightseeing, so you get genuine lake life atmosphere.
Regional Food and Wine Experiences
March is when locals focus on hearty regional cuisine before summer's lighter fare arrives. This is the season for polenta, risotto, lake fish preparations, and brasato. Cooking classes and food tours operate with smaller groups and more personal attention from instructors. Wine tastations in nearby Valtellina region showcase local Nebbiolo varieties in uncrowded tasting rooms. The cooler weather makes rich northern Italian food actually appealing rather than heavy.
Mountain Village Exploration
The hills above the lake offer authentic medieval villages like Brunate, Torno, and Pigra that see almost zero tourists in March. The funicular from Como to Brunate runs year-round and gives you mountain views over the lake at 715 m (2,346 ft) elevation. These villages have local trattorias serving residents, not tourists, with genuine pricing. The cooler March temperatures make uphill walks manageable, though trails at higher elevations may still have muddy patches from winter snow melt.
Day Trips to Milan or Swiss Border
March's variable weather makes it smart to have backup plans, and Lake Como's location makes Milan accessible in 45-60 minutes by train from Como town. Use rainy days for Milan's museums, Duomo, and galleries. Alternatively, the Swiss border is 20 km (12.4 miles) north - Lugano offers a different cultural flavor and covered arcades for weather-protected exploration. Having these options means weather unpredictability becomes less stressful.
March Events & Festivals
Villa Opening Season
Most historic villas open for the season in mid-to-late March after winter closure. Villa Carlotta typically opens around March 15-20, followed by others throughout the month. Opening weeks mean freshly maintained gardens, newly installed exhibitions, and staff who aren't yet exhausted from summer crowds. You get the properties at their most pristine.