Things to Do in Como in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Como
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Autumn foliage transforms the lake into spectacular golden-orange reflections - peak color occurs October 15-25 with minimal crowds before November surge
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% after September peak season ends, with luxury lakefront properties offering best value of the year
- Comfortable hiking temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make challenging trails like Sentiero del Viandante accessible without summer heat exhaustion
- Chestnuts harvest season brings sagre festivals to mountain villages - locals celebrate with fresh castagne roasts and new wine tastings
Considerations
- Rain occurs 10 days per month with sudden afternoon downpours that can trap you on boats or hiking trails for 1-2 hours
- Daylight shrinks to 10 hours 45 minutes by month's end - villa gardens close at 5pm and ferry schedules reduce by 30%
- Lake temperature drops to 16°C (61°F) making swimming uncomfortable even for locals who typically stop by mid-October
Best Activities in October
Villa Garden Tours with Autumn Colors
October transforms Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero into golden showcases. Moderate 18°C (64°F) temperatures make 2-3 hour garden walks comfortable, while September's tourist buses disappear. Morning visits (9-11am) offer best light for photography before afternoon rain clouds build.
Sentiero del Viandante Hiking Sections
Cool October temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make this ancient 45km (28-mile) trail system finally manageable after blazing summer heat. Varenna to Bellano section (8km/5 miles) offers spectacular autumn vineyard views. Rain creates slippery conditions but also dramatic cloud formations over the lake.
Traditional Cooking Classes in Bellagio
October brings chestnut flour, fresh funghi porcini, and new wine harvest - ingredients unavailable other seasons. Indoor 3-4 hour classes perfect for rainy afternoons. Local nonnas teach seasonal risotto ai funghi and castagnaccio desserts using just-harvested ingredients.
Brunate Funicular and Mountain Village Tours
The 1894 funicular to Brunate (715m/2,346ft elevation) offers panoramic lake views enhanced by autumn colors. October's clear mornings before cloud buildup provide visibility to Swiss Alps. Mountain villages like Torno and Blevio celebrate chestnut harvest with weekend festivals.
Private Boat Tours with Autumn Photography
October's dramatic skies and golden foliage create perfect conditions for lake photography tours. Smaller crowds mean exclusive access to villa docks for photos. 2-3 hour tours avoid afternoon rain while capturing morning mist rising from 16°C (61°F) water.
Wine Harvest Experience in Valtellina
October marks vendemmia (harvest) season in nearby Valtellina wine region, 1 hour north by train. Cool 12-15°C (54-59°F) mountain air perfect for vineyard work. Participate in hand-picking Nebbiolo grapes and traditional pressing methods locals have used for centuries.
October Events & Festivals
Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut Festivals)
Mountain villages around Como celebrate chestnut harvest with weekend festivals featuring roasted chestnuts, local wines, and traditional music. Authentic local experience with prices much lower than lakefront tourist areas.
Autumn Food Festival in Como City
Local producers showcase seasonal specialties including fresh funghi porcini, new wines, and chestnut-based desserts. Held in Piazza Duomo with cooking demonstrations and tastings from regional farms.