Things to Do in Como in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Como
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-summer crowds thin out significantly - Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta have 40% fewer visitors than August, making photography and exploration much more pleasant
- September harvest season brings fresh chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, and new wine tastings at local agriturismi, plus restaurant menus feature seasonal specialties unavailable other times
- Lake water temperature stays warm at 20-22°C (68-72°F) from summer heating, perfect for swimming while air temperatures are comfortable for hiking
- Ferry schedules still run frequently (every 30 minutes vs hourly in October) but without July-August overcrowding, giving you flexibility without the chaos
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 8-10 days per month, typically between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor activities and ferry services for 1-2 hours
- Some lakeside restaurants and boutique shops begin reducing hours or closing mid-week as tourist season winds down, limiting dining options especially on weekdays
- Morning fog is common until 10am, obscuring mountain views and making early morning photography challenging
Best Activities in September
Villa and Garden Tours
September is ideal for exploring Como's famous villas as crowds decrease but gardens remain lush from summer growth. Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta still have full blooms while offering peaceful exploration. Morning visits (9-11am) avoid afternoon thunderstorms and provide the best light for photography.
Lake Como Food and Wine Experiences
September harvest season brings exceptional local food experiences. Chestnut festivals begin, new wines are released, and porcini mushrooms appear on menus. Restaurant terraces are comfortable in mild evening temperatures, and agriturismi offer harvest-related activities unavailable other months.
Hiking and Mountain Trails
Perfect hiking weather with comfortable temperatures and clear mountain views once morning fog lifts. Sentiero del Viandante trail offers stunning lake views without summer heat exhaustion. September provides ideal conditions for the challenging hike to Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (2-3 hours) with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Ferry Hopping and Lake Cruises
September offers the sweet spot for lake travel - frequent ferry schedules without summer overcrowding. Water is still warm enough for swimming stops, and the mild weather makes deck seating comfortable. Private boat tours are more affordable as high season pricing ends but weather remains reliable.
Photography Workshops and Scenic Drives
September light is exceptional for photography - softer than summer but still strong enough for landscape shots. Morning fog creates dramatic scenes, and autumn colors begin appearing in higher elevations. The scenic drive to Switzerland via Menaggio offers spectacular views with comfortable driving conditions.
September Events & Festivals
Sagra dell'Uva (Grape Harvest Festivals)
Traditional harvest celebrations occur in villages around the lake with wine tastings, local food, and folk music. Each village celebrates on different weekends, offering authentic local culture away from tourist attractions.
Chestnut Season Opening
Local restaurants begin featuring fresh chestnuts in traditional dishes, and mountain villages hold small festivals celebrating the harvest. Perfect for experiencing authentic Lombard cuisine during shoulder season.