Things to Do in Lake Como in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Lake Como
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Dramatically fewer tourists - major villas like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta see 70-80% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually photograph the gardens without crowds and explore at your own pace
- Honest pricing on accommodations - luxury hotels in Bellagio and Varenna drop rates by 40-60% compared to peak season, and you can negotiate walk-in rates at smaller properties since occupancy hovers around 30-40%
- The lake takes on a moody, atmospheric quality that photographers love - morning mist rolling off the water, dramatic cloud formations over the mountains, and that soft diffused light that makes everything look like a Renaissance painting
- You get to see how locals actually live - restaurants serve regional autumn dishes like pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage and cheese) and polenta with wild mushrooms, markets sell seasonal chestnuts and porcini, and the towns operate on their actual rhythms rather than tourist schedules
Considerations
- Many tourist-focused businesses close entirely - roughly 40% of restaurants in smaller towns like Menaggio and Tremezzo shut down for the season, ferry schedules get cut to about 30% of summer frequency, and some villas close their gardens after early November
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable and often dreary - you might get lucky with crisp sunny days, but realistically expect overcast skies, persistent drizzle, and that penetrating dampness that makes 10°C (50°F) feel colder than it sounds, especially when the wind funnels down the lake
- Outdoor activities get significantly limited - hiking trails above 800 m (2,625 ft) can be muddy or closed, boat tours run infrequently and get cancelled in bad weather, and you'll spend more time indoors than you might want if you came specifically for lake activities
Best Activities in November
Villa and Museum Tours in Como Town
November is actually perfect for exploring Como's indoor cultural sites without the summer crush. The Silk Museum stays open year-round and tells the fascinating story of Como's 500-year textile industry - you'll understand why this region supplied silk to European royalty. The cathedral (Duomo di Como) is spectacular in the soft autumn light filtering through the windows, and you can actually stand in front of the artwork without being jostled. The low UV index (2) and frequent overcast conditions mean you can wander the old town comfortably without sun exposure concerns. Most indoor sites maintain full winter hours through November.
Villa del Balbianello Autumn Gardens
This is one of the few major villas that stays open into November (typically closes mid-November, so verify exact 2026 dates). The terraced gardens take on a completely different character in autumn - the wisteria has dropped its leaves revealing the dramatic architecture underneath, and you get those atmospheric misty views across to Bellagio that summer visitors never see. The indoor rooms with their collection of art and artifacts become the main attraction when weather turns. Crucially, you'll have the place nearly to yourself - summer sees 1,000+ daily visitors, November might see 50. The villa sits at lake level so no altitude concerns, but the stone paths get slippery when wet.
Traditional Trattoria Experiences in Bellagio
November is when restaurants shift to their autumn menus featuring regional comfort food that locals actually eat - this is peak season for wild mushroom risotto, braised meats, and hearty polenta dishes. Many tourist-trap spots close, leaving the authentic family-run trattorias that have been feeding locals for generations. The cooler weather (6-13°C / 43-55°F) makes these warming dishes perfect, and you'll notice restaurants are full of Italian families on weekend lunches rather than tour groups. Bellagio maintains better restaurant hours than smaller villages since it's a regional hub. The indoor dining atmosphere - wood beams, stone walls, locals arguing about football - gives you that genuine Italian experience.
Brunate Funicular and Mountain Views
The century-old funicular railway from Como up to Brunate village at 715 m (2,346 ft) runs year-round and offers spectacular views when weather cooperates - which admittedly is maybe 40% of November days. But that's part of the appeal: when you do get clear conditions, you'll see the Alps dusted with early snow, the lake stretching south toward Milan, and autumn colors still clinging to the lower elevations. The 7-minute ride costs about €6 roundtrip. Brunate village itself is charming and locals keep several cafes open through winter. Bring layers since it's typically 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler at the top than lakeside, and that wind can be biting.
Varenna Waterfront and Castle Exploration
Varenna is Lake Como's most walkable village and November is ideal for exploring without the summer crowds that clog the narrow lakeside walkway (Passeggiata degli Innamorati). The medieval Castello di Vezio sits 300 m (984 ft) above town and offers commanding views - the 20-minute uphill walk is manageable in November's cool weather, unlike summer heat. The castle stays open through early November most years (verify 2026 schedule). The village maintains a genuine local feel year-round since it's a commuter hub for people working in Lecco and Milan, so cafes and basic services stay open. The stone architecture and narrow alleys look particularly atmospheric in November's soft light and occasional mist.
Indoor Wine Tasting in Valtellina Region
November marks the end of harvest season in the nearby Valtellina wine region (30-45 minutes northeast of Lake Como), and this is when wineries focus on their tasting room business since vineyard work is done. The region produces distinctive wines from Nebbiolo grapes (called Chiavennasca locally) that pair perfectly with November's hearty food. The terraced vineyards clinging to mountainsides are dramatic even without grapes on the vines, and many producers offer cellar tours showing their aging caves. The cool, damp weather makes indoor wine tasting particularly appealing, and you'll likely be the only tourists among Italian wine enthusiasts.
November Events & Festivals
Chestnut Festivals (Sagra della Castagna)
Multiple villages around the lake hold chestnut festivals in November - these are genuine local celebrations, not tourist events. You'll find roasted chestnuts, chestnut flour cakes, chestnut polenta, and local wine. The festivals typically include folk music, craft vendors, and that community atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. Villages like Laglio and Brienno often host these on weekends. The chestnuts come from the forests above the lake and have been a staple food here for centuries when winters were harder.
San Martino Day Celebrations
November 11th is San Martino (St. Martin's Day), traditionally marking the end of agricultural work and the opening of new wine. Many restaurants serve special menus featuring roasted goose and new wine, and some villages hold small processions. It's a meaningful day in the local calendar even though it's not a major tourist spectacle. Worth noting if you're around mid-November since you'll see more activity and restaurants might be fully booked with local celebrations.