Things to Do in Lake Como in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Lake Como
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Lake Como's famous golden autumn light stretches deep into November—the sun hangs low and paints the water copper for an extra hour every evening.
- + Hotels that were booked solid in June now have rooms free and staff who greet you by name over breakfast.
- + The olive harvest brings fresh-pressed oil tastings at family-run frantoi in Lenno and Tremezzo—something the summer crowds never witness.
- + Lake ferries run half-empty, letting you glide between Bellagio and Varenna without fighting for rail space.
- − Mountain trails above Menaggio turn slick after rain—the Sentiero del Viandante becomes a slip-and-slide adventure.
- − Some lakefront restaurants close for winter maintenance, narrowing dinner choices in smaller villages like Nesso.
- − Daylight ends by 5:30 PM, so sunset aperitivo starts feeling more like late-night drinks.
Year-Round Climate
How November compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
November's soft overcast skies give perfect diffused light for the villa's loggias and terraced gardens. The crowds that normally wait 30 minutes for the best shot have vanished, so you can set up a tripod without drawing glares from other tour groups.
The hills above Lecco hit their autumn stride—vineyards flame red and yellow against stone terraces, and the climbs warm you from the 10°C (50°F) morning starts. Rental shops in Como town stock proper winter bikes with fenders in November.
November is peak production season before the Christmas rush, so the looms at Mantero and Ratti run during tours instead of sitting idle. You'll hear the mechanical clatter that's been Como's soundtrack since 1893.
The 10:30 AM boat from Como reaches Bellagio at lunch time—perfect timing for a misty lake crossing with hot cappuccino from the onboard bar. Winter schedules mean fewer departures but more locals who'll share stories about the island's medieval monastery.
Saturday markets move indoors to Palazzo Cernezzi, where the smell of porcini mushrooms and chestnuts replaces summer's peaches. Local nonnas sell handmade pizzoccheri that never reaches restaurants.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Porcini mushroom festival in Alta Valle Intelvi—mountain towns like San Fedele host weekend food stalls with mushroom risotto and chestnut polenta. The air smells of earth and woodsmoke.
Intimate concerts in Teatro Sociale's red velvet interior—November acoustics are perfect and you can hear the bass player breathe between notes.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls