Things to Do in Lake Como in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Lake Como
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs run 30-40% below peak summer rates, and you can actually book that lakefront villa in Bellagio without remortgaging your house. Most hotels haven't hit their June-August premiums yet.
- The lake gardens are genuinely spectacular in May - Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, and Villa Melzi all have their azaleas, rhododendrons, and wisteria in full bloom. This is what those Instagram photos are actually capturing, not the summer months when everything's already faded.
- Crowd levels are manageable enough that you can walk through Bellagio's narrow streets without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer crush, and restaurants don't require booking three weeks ahead. The 9am ferry from Varenna to Bellagio might actually have empty seats.
- Lake water temperature reaches 16-18°C (61-64°F) by late May, which means the truly dedicated can swim, though most locals wait until June. What it does mean is that all the water sports operations are fully running - kayak rentals, boat tours, everything's open without the July crowds.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't polite morning drizzles - May storms on the lake can be intense, rolling down from the Alps with theatrical thunder. They typically hit mid-afternoon (around 2-4pm) and last 30-45 minutes, which will absolutely disrupt your villa garden visits or hiking plans.
- Morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) mean you need actual layers, not just the sundresses everyone packs for Italy. The lake creates its own microclimate, and mornings can feel surprisingly cool, especially on boat rides when the wind picks up.
- Some mountain hiking trails above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) might still have snow patches or muddy conditions from snowmelt, particularly on north-facing slopes. The Sentiero del Viandante is usually fine, but higher alpine routes can be sketchy until late May.
Best Activities in May
Villa Garden Tours
May is objectively the best month for Como's famous villa gardens. Villa Carlotta's 150 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons peak in early-to-mid May, creating those postcard scenes. Villa Balbianello's wisteria-covered pergola is typically at its best around May 10-20, though it varies by a week or so depending on spring temperatures. Go early morning (gardens open 9-10am) before tour groups arrive and before afternoon storms roll in. The light is softer, you get better photos, and you avoid the heat.
Lakeside Hiking Routes
The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path) from Abbadia Lariana to Colico is perfect in May - temperatures are ideal for the 45 km (28 mile) route, wildflowers are blooming, and you won't overheat like you would in July. Most people do sections rather than the full route. The Varenna to Bellano section (roughly 8 km/5 miles, 2.5-3 hours) offers stunning lake views without being too strenuous. Start early to finish before afternoon storms, and the morning light on the lake is genuinely beautiful.
Cooking Classes and Food Workshops
May is asparagus season in Lombardy, and lake fish like agone and lavarello are running. Local cooking classes focus on seasonal ingredients - you'll learn to make risotto with Cantello asparagus, fresh pasta with lake fish, or traditional missoltini (dried and pressed shad). These classes happen in actual homes or small restaurants, not tourist factories, and you're cooking what locals actually eat in May. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including the meal you prepare.
Private Boat Tours and Rentals
May weather is variable enough that having flexibility matters, and private boat rentals let you adjust timing around storms. The lake is less crowded than summer, so you can actually moor at Bellagio for lunch without circling for 30 minutes. Water is calm most mornings, getting choppier after 2pm when winds pick up and storms threaten. A 2-hour private tour hits Bellagio, Varenna, and one or two villas. Full-day rentals let you explore the quieter upper lake branches.
Como and Bellagio Market Days
Como's Tuesday and Thursday markets and Bellagio's Wednesday market are where locals actually shop, not tourist traps. May brings spring produce - asparagus, strawberries, fresh cheeses, and local salumi. The Como market (Piazza San Fedele) is massive, with everything from produce to leather goods. Go early (markets start 8am, best selection before 10am) and bring cash. This is where you see how Italians shop - lots of tasting, haggling, and strong opinions about tomatoes.
Brunate Funicular and Mountain Villages
The Como-Brunate funicular climbs 500 m (1,640 ft) in 7 minutes to this mountain village with panoramic lake views. May weather means clear visibility most mornings before afternoon clouds roll in. From Brunate, you can hike to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse (30 minutes, easy) or take longer trails toward Monte Boletto. The village itself is quiet, with a few cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch with views. This is what locals do on Sunday mornings - ride up, have coffee, walk around, ride down.
May Events & Festivals
Sagra di Sant'Abbondio (Como)
Como's patron saint festival typically happens around May 31st with processions, market stalls, and evening fireworks over the lake. It's a genuine local celebration, not a tourist event - families come out, there's street food, and the waterfront gets packed. The fireworks display from the lakefront is worth staying for if your dates align.