Things to Do in Como in March

March Weather in Como

17°C (63°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak, with lake view rooms at €120-180 vs €250+ in July
Fewer crowds at Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio - you can actually enjoy photo opportunities without tourist hordes, especially weekday mornings
Ideal hiking weather for Sentiero del Viandante trail - cool 12-15°C (54-59°F) temperatures perfect for the 45km (28-mile) lakeside route without summer heat exhaustion
Spring emergence creates dramatic scenery - gardens at Villa Carlotta show early blooms while snow-capped Alps provide stunning contrast for photography

Considerations

Unpredictable ferry schedules - some routes to smaller villages run reduced service until Easter, potentially disrupting day trip plans
Cool evenings require layers - temperatures drop to 7°C (45°F) after sunset, cutting short romantic lakeside dining without proper clothing
Limited daylight hours - sunset around 6:30pm means less time for outdoor activities compared to summer's 9pm golden hour

Best Activities in March

Villa Gardens and Historic Estate Tours

March showcases Como's famous villas in perfect conditions - Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero gardens begin spring flowering while maintaining winter's dramatic bare-branch architecture. Cool 15°C (59°F) afternoon temperatures ideal for exploring terraced gardens without summer's oppressive heat. Fewer visitors mean intimate access to villa interiors and unobstructed lake views from historic terraces.

Booking Tip: Book villa entries 5-7 days ahead online for €10-18 per villa. Morning slots (10am-12pm) offer best lighting for garden photography. Check seasonal opening hours as some villas have limited March schedules. See current tour options in booking section below.

Lakeside Hiking and Walking Trails

March delivers ideal hiking conditions with cool mornings and mild afternoons preventing overheating on steep Alpine trails. Sentiero del Viandante offers spectacular lake views with spring clarity - distant mountains visible through crisp air. Snow melt creates rushing waterfalls along mountain paths. Trail conditions are stable after winter weather settles.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided tours cost €35-50 per person for half-day excursions. Book hiking boots suitable for 500m-800m (1,640-2,625ft) elevation changes. Weather can shift quickly - always pack rain layers. See guided hiking options in booking section below.

Bellagio and Scenic Village Tours

March transforms Bellagio into a photographer's dream - fewer tourists allow peaceful exploration of cobblestone streets and lakefront promenades. Cool weather perfect for walking steep village paths without exhaustion. Ferry connections more reliable than smaller villages, ensuring day trip success. Early spring light creates dramatic lake reflections.

Booking Tip: Ferry day passes cost €15-25 for unlimited travel. Book morning departures (9am-10am) for optimal light and minimal crowds. Village walking tours typically €20-35 per person. Check ferry winter schedules before planning. See current tour options in booking section below.

Culinary and Wine Experiences

March marks seasonal menu transitions in Como's restaurants - chefs introduce spring ingredients while maintaining hearty winter dishes. Perfect weather for food market exploration without summer heat spoiling delicate items. Wine cellars maintain ideal tasting temperatures. Cooking classes benefit from comfortable kitchen conditions.

Booking Tip: Food tours range €45-75 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book cooking classes 10-14 days ahead, especially weekend slots. Market tours best scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings. See current culinary experiences in booking section below.

Como Cathedral and Historic City Center

March weather ideal for exploring Como's Gothic cathedral and medieval streets - cool temperatures comfortable for extensive walking while avoiding summer's oppressive heat reflecting off stone surfaces. Reduced tourist crowds allow proper appreciation of cathedral's intricate facade and peaceful exploration of surrounding historic quarter.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but guided tours cost €12-18 per person. Audio guides available for €5. Best visited mid-morning (10am-12pm) for optimal lighting through stained glass. Combine with funicular railway to Brunate for panoramic views. See city tour options in booking section below.

Funicular Railway and Mountain Excursions

March offers spectacular Alpine views from Como-Brunate funicular with crystal-clear air providing 50km+ (31+ mile) visibility across lake and surrounding peaks. Cool mountain temperatures at 715m (2,346ft) elevation perfect for hiking lighthouse trail. Snow-capped peaks create dramatic photo opportunities unavailable in summer haze.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets €3.20 one-way, €5.50 return. Operating 6am-10:30pm daily. Mountain temperatures 5-8°C (41-46°F) cooler than lakeside - pack warm layers. Combined tickets with boat tours available for €18-25. See mountain excursion options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March (Easter varies annually)

Easter Celebrations at Como Cathedral

Traditional Italian Easter mass and processions create authentic cultural experiences. Cathedral hosts special liturgical services with historic significance dating to medieval periods. Local families participate in centuries-old traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - mornings start at 7°C (45°F), afternoons reach 17°C (63°F), requiring thermal base layer plus removable mid-layer

Waterproof walking shoes with ankle support for cobblestone streets and hiking trails up to 800m (2,625ft) elevation

Compact umbrella and lightweight rain jacket - March averages 8 rainy days with quick afternoon showers lasting 15-45 minutes

Warm evening jacket or wool sweater - lakeside dining temperatures drop significantly after 7pm sunset

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 4, intensified by lake reflection and Alpine elevation

Comfortable day pack for ferry trips and hiking - waterproof preferred for sudden weather changes

Portable phone charger - reduced daylight hours mean more reliance on device cameras and navigation

Cash in small bills - many village vendors and markets prefer cash, ATMs limited in smaller lakeside towns

Binoculars for wildlife viewing and distant Alpine peak identification during clear March days

Warm scarf and gloves for early morning activities and mountain excursions above 500m (1,640ft)

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by January for March visits - spring demand increases sharply as weather improves, and best lake-view properties fill quickly despite shoulder season

Tuesday and Thursday mornings offer emptiest villa gardens and best ferry availability - locals typically visit weekends, international tourists favor Mondays and Fridays

Download offline maps before arrival - cell service spotty in mountain areas around Brunate and remote hiking trails, GPS essential for Sentiero del Viandante navigation

Restaurant dinner service starts later than northern European expectations - 7:30pm earliest for dinner, lunch served 12:30-2:30pm only, plan accordingly for meal timing

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening temperatures - visitors comfortable in afternoon 17°C (63°F) weather get caught unprepared when temperatures drop to 7°C (45°F) after sunset

Assuming summer ferry schedules apply - many routes to smaller villages run reduced March service, potentially stranding visitors or forcing expensive taxi returns

Packing only summer clothing based on 'mild' spring weather - March mornings require winter layers, significant temperature variation throughout single days