Things to Do in Como in November

November Weather in Como

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatically fewer crowds - ferry queues drop from 45 minutes in summer to under 10 minutes, and villa gardens are nearly empty for photography
Hotel rates plummet 40-60% from peak season - luxury lake-view suites that cost €800 in July drop to €300-400
Autumn foliage creates spectacular photo opportunities along the 45km (28 mile) shoreline, with golden and amber trees reflecting in the dark water
Perfect indoor weather for exploring Como's silk museums and workshops - the city's 600-year textile tradition is best experienced when it's cozy inside

Considerations

Ferry schedules reduce by 30-40% with last boats departing at 6:20pm instead of 8:40pm, limiting evening village hopping
Many lakeside restaurants and gelaterias close for winter break starting mid-November through March
Visibility can be poor - morning fog often shrouds the lake until 11am, obscuring mountain views that define Como's appeal

Best Activities in November

Villa del Balbianello Garden Tours

November's bare trees reveal the villa's architectural details normally hidden by summer foliage. The terraced gardens, featured in Star Wars and Casino Royale, offer unobstructed lake views. Cool weather makes the 20-minute uphill walk comfortable, and indoor rooms showcase period furnishings without summer's stifling heat.

Booking Tip: Book online 7-10 days ahead for €22-25 entry. Villa closes some Mondays and Wednesdays in November, so check current schedules. Tours typically run 10am-5pm with last entry at 4pm. Reference booking widget for current guided tour options.

Como Silk Museum and Workshop Visits

November's indoor weather is perfect for exploring Como's textile heritage. The humidity actually helps preserve delicate silk samples, and you'll have unrushed access to the weaving demonstrations. Many workshops offer hands-on experiences that are too hot and crowded in summer months.

Booking Tip: Museum entry typically €10-12, workshops range €35-55. Book educational workshops 5-7 days ahead as group sizes limit to 12 people. Most workshops run Tuesday-Saturday 2pm-4pm in November.

Brunate Funicular and Hiking Trails

The 1879 funicular operates year-round, and November's cool 8-18°C (46-64°F) temperatures make the mountain hiking trails comfortable. Autumn colors peak in early November. The 1km (0.6 mile) lighthouse walk offers spectacular lake views when fog lifts, typically after 11am.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets €3.20 one-way, €5.50 return. Runs every 15-30 minutes until 10:30pm. Trail maps available at top station. Weather can change quickly at 715m (2,346 ft) elevation - bring layers.

Lake Como Ferry-Hopping Tours

Reduced November schedules mean less crowded boats and easier boarding. The 2-hour central lake tour costs €12-15 versus €20+ in summer. Cooler weather makes indoor seating comfortable, and you'll get unobstructed deck photos without crowds. Morning departures after 10am avoid fog issues.

Booking Tip: Purchase day passes for €15-25 covering multiple stops. Last ferries depart around 6:20pm in November versus 8:40pm in summer. Check schedules day-of as weather can cause cancellations. Heated indoor sections available on all major routes.

Bellagio and Varenna Village Walking

November's smaller crowds let you actually enjoy these famous villages' cobblestone streets and lakeside cafes. The cooler weather makes uphill walking comfortable, and you can photograph the colorful houses without tourists in every shot. Many shops offer November discounts to attract off-season visitors.

Booking Tip: Villages are free to explore. Ferry connections to Bellagio run every 60-90 minutes in November. Plan 2-3 hours per village including ferry time. Indoor cafes provide warm refuges - expect €4-8 for coffee and pastries.

Como Cathedral and Historic Center Tours

The Gothic cathedral's interior details are easier to appreciate without summer crowds. November's softer light creates beautiful stained-glass effects around 2-4pm. The adjacent Broletto and Teatro Sociale offer indoor cultural experiences perfect for rainy afternoons.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but guided tours cost €8-12. Audio guides available in 6 languages for €5. Most historic buildings open 9am-5pm with breaks 12:30-2pm. Indoor venues ideal for November's unpredictable weather.

November Events & Festivals

November 11th weekend

San Martino Wine Festivals

Local villages celebrate the new wine harvest with tastings of Nebbiolo and regional varieties. Small restaurants offer special menus featuring chestnuts, polenta, and game meats paired with local wines.

Every Saturday through November

Autumn Truffle Markets

Weekly markets in Como and surrounding villages feature fresh white truffles from nearby Piedmont. Local restaurants create special truffle menus, and you can buy fresh truffles for €80-120 per 100g (3.5 oz).

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and villa gardens have uneven stone paths

Packable down jacket - temperature swings 10°C (18°F) between morning fog and afternoon sun

Compact umbrella - November brings 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Merino wool layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, wool regulates temperature better on ferries

Waterproof phone case - essential for ferry photography when lake spray combines with light rain

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - villa gardens have steep stone steps that become treacherous when damp

Light scarf - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F), scarf easily adjusts comfort

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and heavier phone usage for photos

Cash in small bills - many seasonal vendors and mountain refuges don't accept cards, especially €50+ notes

Sunglasses - despite overcast days, lake reflection creates glare that's particularly strong with autumn's low sun angle

Insider Knowledge

Morning ferries after 10am have better visibility - fog typically lifts by 11am revealing the mountain views, while 8am departures often waste money on white-out conditions

Restaurant kitchens close early in November - lunch service often ends at 2pm and dinner starts later at 7:30pm due to reduced tourist demand and shorter staff schedules

Book accommodations with heating guarantees - many lakeside hotels don't turn on heating until December 1st by law, leaving November guests in surprisingly cold rooms

Wednesday and Thursday offer the best deals - weekend rates still carry premiums even in low season, but midweek hotel rates drop an additional 20-30% below November averages

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer ferry schedules - tourists miss last boats back to Como, getting stranded in small villages where taxis cost €80-120 for lake-circuit distances

Packing only for mild weather - November morning temperatures at 8°C (46°F) catch visitors off-guard who expect Italy to always be warm

Not checking restaurant closures - many guidebook favorites shut down mid-November through March, leaving tourists with limited dining options in smaller villages