Things to Do in Lake Como in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Lake Como
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-summer pricing drops 30-40% compared to July-August while weather remains excellent - you get essentially the same experience as peak season without the premium rates or the crowds that pack waterfront promenades in midsummer
- Water temperature still sits at a comfortable 21-23°C (70-73°F) from summer warming, making swimming and water activities genuinely pleasant rather than the teeth-chattering experience you might get in May or October
- September hits that perfect shoulder season sweet spot where major attractions like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta have reasonable queues - you might wait 10-15 minutes instead of the 45-60 minute waits common in July and August
- The light in September does something magical here - photographers call it the golden shoulder season because you get that warm, angled sunlight without the harsh midday glare of summer, plus morning mist over the lake creates those postcard moments that are surprisingly rare in peak summer
Considerations
- Weather becomes genuinely unpredictable - you might get three stunning days followed by a day of steady rain, and the forecast reliability drops compared to the stable summer months, which makes planning boat trips or mountain hikes a bit of a gamble
- Some seasonal restaurants and gelaterias start closing for their annual break, particularly in smaller villages like Careno or Lezzeno - the dining scene is still excellent but you lose about 20-25% of options compared to August
- Daylight shrinks noticeably through the month, from about 13 hours early September to 11.5 hours by month end, which actually matters when you are trying to fit in that sunset aperitivo cruise or evening villa visit
Best Activities in September
Villa and Garden Tours
September is arguably the best month for villa hopping. The gardens still have late-summer blooms but the crowds thin out dramatically - Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello see about 40% fewer visitors than August. The cooler temperatures make the uphill walks to places like Villa Monastero genuinely pleasant rather than sweaty ordeals. The combination of still-lush gardens, manageable crowds, and comfortable walking weather creates ideal conditions. Morning visits around 9-10am give you the best light for photos and the thinnest crowds before tour groups arrive around 11am.
Lake Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The lake stays warm enough through September for comfortable water activities without the summer boat traffic that creates choppy conditions in July-August. Morning sessions between 8-10am often catch glass-smooth water before afternoon breezes pick up. The reduced motorboat traffic means you can paddle closer to shoreline villas and into quiet coves that are wake-zones in summer. Water temperature around 21-23°C (70-73°F) means if you fall in, it is refreshing rather than shocking. The occasional rainy day actually creates interesting moody conditions if you do not mind getting wet.
Mountain Hiking Above Bellagio and Varenna
September brings ideal hiking conditions - the summer heat breaks but trails stay dry and accessible. The Sentiero del Viandante between Varenna and Bellano offers stunning elevated lake views without the scorching sun that makes this exposed trail brutal in July. Temperatures at elevation run 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than lakeside, putting you in the comfortable 17-20°C (63-68°F) range for sustained uphill effort. Visibility tends to be excellent in September with less summer haze. The chestnut forests start showing early autumn color by late month, adding visual interest beyond the lake views.
Cooking Classes and Food Experiences
September marks the transition into autumn harvest season - fresh porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and lake fish are at their peak. Cooking classes take advantage of this seasonal bounty while the weather is still pleasant enough for outdoor market visits and terrace dining. Many classes include morning market tours in Como or Lecco where you will actually see locals shopping, not just tourist groups. The combination of seasonal ingredients, comfortable temperatures for standing in kitchens, and reduced tourist numbers means smaller class sizes and more instructor attention than summer months.
Private Boat Tours and Water Taxi Exploration
September offers the best value for private boat experiences - you get similar weather to peak season but captains have more availability and sometimes offer 15-20% lower rates than July-August. The reduced lake traffic means smoother rides and easier access to popular photo spots like the Orrido di Bellano gorge entrance or Villa Balbianello waterfront. Sunset tours become increasingly dramatic as the sun sets earlier and lower on the horizon, creating better light conditions. Water taxis between villages run on slightly reduced schedules but are rarely full, meaning you can often negotiate direct routes rather than shared rides.
Wine Tasting in Valtellina Valley
September is harvest season in the nearby Valtellina wine region, about 45-60 minutes northeast of the lake. The terraced vineyards are active with grape picking, and many wineries offer harvest experiences you cannot get other months. The weather is perfect for the winding mountain drive, and the combination of wine tasting with views of the Alps and harvest activity creates a full-day experience that feels authentically seasonal rather than generic tourism. The local Nebbiolo-based wines pair perfectly with the heartier autumn foods appearing on menus.
September Events & Festivals
Lake Como Autumn Festival
This food-focused festival celebrates the transition into autumn harvest season with market stalls, cooking demonstrations, and local product tastings throughout Como city center. You will find fresh porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, local cheeses, and lake fish preparations. It is genuinely attended by locals rather than being a tourist-only event, which gives it authentic energy. The festival typically includes live music and extends into evening hours with wine bars set up in the piazzas.