Things to Do in Como in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Como
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with temperatures 16-26°C (61-79°F) - ideal for Lake Como's mountain trails without summer heat exhaustion
- Wisteria and azaleas bloom throughout May, creating Instagram-worthy gardens at Villa Monastero and Villa Carlotta for just €10-15 entry
- Ferry services resume full schedules after winter closures, with day passes at €23 covering all towns - locals start their evening aperitivo cruises
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak summer, with lakefront rooms available for €180-250/night instead of €400+ in July-August
Considerations
- Lake temperature stays at 16-18°C (61-64°F) - too cold for comfortable swimming without a wetsuit
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 8 days per month, often canceling boat tours between 2-5pm with little advance warning
- Some hilltop restaurants and seasonal attractions remain closed until mid-May after winter shutdown
Best Activities in May
Villa Garden Tours and Photography
May is peak blooming season for Como's famous villa gardens. Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta showcase wisteria, camellias, and azaleas in perfect 20-24°C (68-75°F) weather. Morning light (8-11am) provides ideal photography conditions before afternoon clouds roll in. Crowds are manageable with 20-30 minute waits versus summer's hour-long queues.
Sentiero del Viandante Long-Distance Hiking
The 45 km (28-mile) ancient trading path from Abbadia Lariana to Colico is perfect in May's 16-26°C (61-79°F) range. Spring snowmelt creates dramatic waterfalls, and wildflowers bloom along the route. Avoid the summer crowds and 35°C+ (95°F+) heat that makes this hike dangerous. Daily sections range 8-15 km (5-9 miles) with 300-600 m (984-1,968 ft) elevation gain.
Traditional Cooking Classes with Seasonal Ingredients
May brings asparagus season, wild herbs, and lake fish preparation. Local nonnas teach pasta-making, risotto with spring vegetables, and traditional missoltini (dried lake fish) preparation. Indoor activities perfect for rainy afternoons - 65% humidity creates ideal pasta-making conditions. Classes run 3-4 hours with market visits.
Vintage Speedboat Tours and Photography
Classic wooden boats operate May-October with May offering calm morning waters and dramatic spring light. The famous Riva and Venetian water taxis provide unique perspectives of lakeside villas without summer's crowded ferries. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon thunderstorms that cancel 40% of late-day bookings.
Wine Tasting in Valtellina Terraces
45-minute drive to Valtellina wine region reveals spectacular terraced vineyards emerging from winter dormancy. May weather perfect for outdoor tastings without summer heat. Nebbiolo and Chiavennasca wines pair with spring salami and local cheeses. Heroic viticulture tours explain 800+ year-old stone terraces built into 70° slopes.
Funicular Railway and Mountain Photography
Como-Brunate funicular (operating since 1894) reaches 715 m (2,346 ft) elevation with panoramic lake views. May's clear mornings before afternoon clouds provide optimal photography conditions. Temperature drops 8-10°C (14-18°F) at summit - perfect respite from warming lake level. Connects to additional hiking trails through blooming chestnut forests.
May Events & Festivals
Sagra di San Giulio Traditional Festival
Ancient religious procession in Orta San Giulio featuring decorated boats crossing the lake to Isola San Giulio. Local communities prepare traditional foods and wine tastings throughout the medieval village. Authentic local experience without tourist commercialization.