Things to Do in Lake Como in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Lake Como
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is September Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + September 2026 sees Lake Como emerge from summer's peak pricing - hotel rates drop 35-40% after August 31st while water temperatures still hover at a swimmable 22°C (72°F)
- + The grape harvest transforms the Valtellina valley - local restaurants feature fresh nebbiolo-grape desserts and wine cellars open their doors for tastings during the last two weeks
- + Morning fog creates the lake's most well-known photography conditions - the mist burns off by 9:30 AM, revealing perfect reflections of the surrounding pre-Alps
- + Crowds thin dramatically after Italian schools reopen (around September 15) - you'll find empty terrace tables at Bellagio's lakefront cafes and space on ferries without the summer scrum
- − Afternoon thunderstorms roll in 60% of days around 3 PM - they're brief but can disrupt ferry schedules and lake activities for 45-60 minutes
- − Some lakefront lidos start closing mid-month - the best swimming spots become limited as seasonal operators pack up, on the east bank
- − Mountain hiking trails can be muddy from overnight rain - bring proper footwear if you're planning routes above 800m (2,625 ft)
Year-Round Climate
How September compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in September
Top things to do during your visit
September's stable morning weather makes 8 AM departures good for photography - the low sun angle creates dramatic shadows on the surrounding peaks. Mid-month sees half the summer crowds, meaning you can find seats on the upper deck without jostling. The thunderstorms typically hit after 3 PM, so morning/lunchtime circuits work best.
The gardens transition from summer blooms to autumn colors during September - the wisteria-covered pergolas still have late purple flowers while the surrounding chestnut trees start turning bronze. The villa's position at the tip of the Lenno peninsula catches the morning light well, and with fewer tour groups, you can get photos without other people.
September's cooler mornings (15°C/59°F) make mountain biking the Giro dei Monti Lariani trails pleasant - the summer heat that melts asphalt in July is gone. The chestnut forests above Menaggio start dropping their nuts, so you'll smell roasted chestnuts as you ride. Trails are firmer after summer's drying.
September is nebbiolo harvest season in the nearby Valtellina valley - wine tours from Varenna include actual vineyard walks where you can taste grapes straight off the vine. The difference between summer wine tours and September visits is the production activity - you'll see sorting tables set up and smell the beginning of fermentation.
The small boats that run to Comacina Island operate until late September - unlike the big ferries, these stop at the island's restaurant for lunch. September's water is still warm enough for swimming at the island's tiny beach, and with fewer boats running, you often get the whole island to yourself for an hour.
September Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
The mountain flavors festival happens in Bellagio's upper town across the last weekend of September - local producers bring down honey, cheeses, and cured meats from the surrounding valleys. It's the only time you can taste aged Casera cheese with alpine herbs in the same square where George Clooney drinks coffee.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls