Best Time to Visit Lombardy
Located in Italy’s northwest, Lombardy is home to famous destinations that include the regional capital of Milan, and the famous lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore along with the breathtaking Italian Alps. As visitors have a wide range of choices when itcomes to things to do, from hiking and skiing to water sports, wine tasting, world-class museums, and shopping, the best time to visit Lombardy depends on what interests you most.
Obviously, if you’re seeking a ski getaway, you’ll want to come in the winter, but other destinations will be very quiet during this period, offering the chance to enjoy a more budget-friendly trip due to lower demand, without the high prices of the busier seasons. Summer is the hottest and the most crowded time to come. The optimal time for many is when the weather is at its most pleasant and crowds are manageable from around mid-April through May or mid-September through mid-October.
Best Time to Visit Lombardy for Sightseeing
Throughout Lombardy, you’ll find many historical sights and museums. If exploring them is a primary goal for your visit to the region, coming outside of the summer season, particularly avoiding August as museums can be short-staffed with many locals going on vacation, is a good idea. You’ll avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the opportunity for a more serene visit. If you come in the winter, you can also take advantage of the off-season hotel rates (outside of the ski resorts) and potentially cheaper airfare too.
Save even more by visiting the museums on the first Sunday of the month when most offer free admission. Of course, it’s likely to be cold and wet with the middle of winter experiencing temperatures that average between 30 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit in Milan. If you prefer more pleasant weather for enjoying outdoor activities too, consider visiting between mid-April and May or from mid-September to mid-October.
Best Time to Visit Lombardy for Hiking and Warm Weather Adventures
If you’d like to take advantage of the breathtaking scenery Lombardy offers to enjoy warm weather outdoor activities like hiking and biking, the best time to come is May, early June, or late September and October. Temperatures during these periods are typically around the mid- 60s to upper-70s. Late spring is fabulous with colorful wildflowers blanketing the landscapes and early to mid-October can be wonderful with the brilliant autumn foliage.
If you come in the summer, you can enjoy outdoor activities but you may want to spend time outdoors earlier in the morning and late afternoons as it can be very hot and muggy, especially in July and August, the same months that draw the biggest crowds. With August the time most Italians are enjoying their holidays, escaping to the mountains and the coast, the hiking huts will be fully booked and the trails will be at their most crowded.
Best Time to Visit Lombardy for Skiing and Other Snow Sports
Lombardy is so epic for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports that some of the 2026 Winter Olympics games will be held in the region. The ski season runs all the way from November through June, with the best skiing typically enjoyed in January and February. Skiing in the Italian Alps in November or early December is typically restricted to high-elevation resorts or those that have good snowmaking abilities, including Val Senales.
Christmas is a major event, a time when prices are high and crowds are thick, but it can be a magical time to visit. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, come in November or early December and avoid the two weeks following Christmas Day. Weekends in February and March tend to be crowded especially at larger, more popular resorts. April can dump a lot of snow in the higher elevations and the crowds will have thinned significantly, with Livigno ideal for late season skiing.
Best Time to Visit Lombardy for a Lake Getaway
The best time to visit Lombardy’s magnificent lakes for a lake getaway is between April and October when the weather is warm. Spring is a good time to come to avoid big crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures, particularly May which averages around 70 degrees while the flowers are starting to bloom. It won’t be warm enough for swimming but it’s great for other activities on the water, including boat tours.
That said, May is one of the rainiest months so if you won’t to avoid the possibility of getting wet, you’re better off going in the summer. This is when the lakes will be the busiest and the warmest, perfect for swimming with temperatures around 80 degrees on land, while the water is typically about 70 degrees. Rain is possible, but usually short-lived. Early autumn is ideal for walks around the lake shorelines, enjoyed with leaves that will be changing color, including vibrant yellows and reds.
Best Time to Visit Lombardy for Festivals and Events
There are events and festivals held throughout much of the year in Lombardy, so the best time to visit depends on the type you want to enjoy. In Milan, Taste of Milano is a major food festival held across the city during the second half of May, with seven days of workshops, lectures, entertainment, and loads of authentic Italian fare. There will be many events held in lake towns, including the Bellagio and Lake Como Festival which features concerts with both Italian and international artists and orchestras from late June through late August.
Fiera delle Grazie takes place over four days in mid-August in Curatone and includes a fair with a unique mix of culture, art, and gastronomy. An amusement park, market, and fireworks show are all included too. In late September or early October, Milano Film Festival is always a bit hit, featuring first-run world premieres that attract celebrities. In November, enjoy the Milan Jazz Festival.
January in Lombardy
January is one of the best months to come to Lombardy for a ski vacation with plenty of deep powder on the slopes. In other lower elevation areas, it’s the off-season with the opportunity to enjoy discounted hotel rates, although the weather is likely to be cold and wet with average temperatures between 30 and 45 degrees. The month is typically characterized by rain and fog in Milan.
If you’re skiing, you’ll want to bring your usual gear. For sightseeing, you’ll want a warm coat, clothing that can be layered, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. This is a great time to avoid the crowds and enjoy more pleasant sightseeing if you don’t mind the weather and the shorter days with sunset before 5 p.m. If you’re in Milan, there’s plenty of nightlife to enjoy afterward. Men’s Fashion Week is also hosted around the middle of the month for fashionistas.
February in Lombardy
February is another great month for skiing with slightly longer days for enjoying the slopes – the sun sets at about 5:30 on the 1 st and goes down at 6:08 by month’s end. The average temperature in lower elevation areas rises slightly, ranging from 32 to 48 Fahrenheit and the chances of precipitation decreases with February the driest month of the year. There’s less than an inch of rainfall over six days, which means three out of four are likely to be sunny.
You’ll still need the cold weather gear that you would in January to comfortably enjoy the sights. Outside of the ski resorts, as this is an off-season month you’ll likely find discounted accommodation rates while crowds, if any, are thin. February is typically Carnival month with all cities throughout Lombardy and Italy celebrating the season. Milan offers some of the biggest festivities which include floats and parades to Piazza del Duomo.
March in Lombardy
There’s a change in the air but March starts out with a mix of foggy, rainy, and cold days, while some are like spring, wonderful warm with afternoon highs of 60 degrees and brilliant sunny skies. When it comes to packing, you’ll want to bring items that can be layered for cooler and warmer days, and you’ll want to bring a rain jacket or umbrella too. It is rainier than in February, with about one in three days seeing some rain this month.
The days are much longer especially by late March thanks to Daylight Savings Time with sunset at around 7:45 p.m. This is the last off-season month until fall, with hotel rates still at their lowest while lines are short and attractions are less crowded. Hiking in the lower elevations can be enjoyed although trails in the higher elevation mountains are likely to be covered with snow.
April in Lombardy
Spring is officially here and with it, the tourist numbers are increasing but it won’t be too busy yet. April typically brings a mix of rainy, cloudy, and sunny days, with chilly nights. It can get as warm as the mid-60s in the afternoon, but the average temperature is 55 while overnight lows dip down to the mid-40s. Of course, in the mountains, it will be much colder and as this is one of the wettest months of the year, the slopes can get quite a bit of snow making it ideal for skiing without the winter crowds.
Depending on what you plan to do, you’ll probably need a mix of clothing for warmer and cooler days. A heavy winter coat isn’t needed unless you’ll be spending time at the ski resorts. There will be plenty of daylight for exploring the sights with sunset just before 8p.m. on April 1st and at 8:30p.m. on the 30th .
May in Lombardy
Beautiful sunny days are the norm throughout the region with May one of the best months to be in Lombardy. Afternoons can rise about 75 degrees although the average temperature is 66, in the lower elevations. At the highest ski resorts, skiing is still possible. In Milan, the Taste of Milano food festival takes place over seven days during the second half of the month, featuring a wide range of mouthwatering, authentic Italian eats, workshops, entertainment, and lectures.
When it comes to packing, you’ll want items for warm weather along with a light jacket as early mornings and evenings can still be a bit chilly. In the mountains, you might need some layers, like a fleece sweatshirt. This is a great time for sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor activities although you can expect some crowds as this is a popular month to visit Lombardy. Be sure to book your reservations in advance.
June in Lombardy
June brings long days and sunny skies with high temperatures in the low 80s. Sunset isn’t until 9:15 p.m. on Summer Solstice (June 21st ) so you’ll have plenty of daylight for enjoying the sights too. While rain is possible, it usually comes in short bursts that pass quickly, but it’s a good idea to have an umbrella on hand. No matter where you are, you’ll likely encounter tourist crowds, from the city to the lakes and mountains, but it won’t be as busy as July and August.
Book your accommodations well in advance to ensure you get an air-conditioned room for comfortable sleep, and prepare to pay the highest prices of the year. Typically, they’ll be much higher closer to your visit – for a better deal book at least six to nine months ahead. The same rule applies to airfare. If you come in late June, you might catch the Bellagio and Lake Como Festival.
July in Lombardy
It’s the peak of the tourist season now as one of the hottest and busiest months to visit Lombardy. The mercury rises to the upper 80s and with the high humidity, it feels even hotter. Of course, mountain towns will be cooler, with highs in the mid-60s, providing a fabulous escape from the heat in lower elevations. Generally, you’ll want to bring summer attire with items for sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
If you’ll be heading to the mountains, you’ll want a sweatshirt or jacket too as the temperature dips to the low 40s. This is a great time for swimming in the lakes, so be sure to bring a bathing suit too. As afternoon storms are common and can bring quite a bit of rain, a light rain jacket is also a good idea. There will be concerts to enjoy, including the Milan Summer Festival concert series.
August in Lombardy
August is the busiest month of all, particularly in the mountains and around the lakes, with many looking for an escape from the heat, including lots of Italians and other Europeans who will be enjoying their vacations now. It’s a must to book your reservations as far in advance as possible. August tends to be hot and sticky, with temperatures in the upper 80s in the afternoon and 70s at night in the lower elevations, so you’ll want an air-conditioned room. Around ski resort areas, it will be much cooler with an average temperature of 65 degrees in Livigno and nights dipping down to 42.
It’s usually in the upper 70s at Lake Como, ideal for swimming and enjoying other activities on and in the water. In the picturesque medieval town of Bienno at the border of Adamello National Park, a famous market is held featuring arts, crafts, and ancient trades, with blacksmiths and various craftspeople.
September in Lombardy
September brings pleasant weather back to Lombardy. Early in the month, it will still be quite warm, but the average temperature drops significantly to 76 degrees. Frequent rainstorms are likely so you will want to bring a rain jacket or an umbrella, along with attire primarily for the warmer weather. With the overnight temperature in the upper 50s, you might want a fleece sweatshirt or sweater for early mornings and late nights out.
Be aware that this is still the busy season, with many travelers arriving in September, but it won’t be as crowded as it was in July and August. Still, be sure and book your accommodation well in advance. In Milan, Women’s Fashion Week draws many to the city around the middle of the month. If you visit Tirano around mid-September, the three-day Eroico Rosso Sforzato Wine Festival will be taking place featuring guided tours, tastings, folklore, and music.
October in Lombardy
Lombardy’s landscapes will be blanketed in brilliant foliage in October, with the peak of color during the second half of the month. One of the best places to experience it is in the Bagni di Masino Forest, an enchanting woodland in Val Masimo. No matter where you are in the region, you’re likely to enjoy mild temperatures with afternoons that can reach 66 degrees, although the average daily temperature is now 59, with evenings dipping to 48.
There is likely to be a mix of sunny and rainy days, so you’ll want to bring your rain gear and a mix of clothing for warmer and cooler temperatures. With the summer crowds gone, along with the heat, this is one of the loveliest times of the year to visit Lombardy. You might even score a good deal on accommodation, although the best discounts usually begin in November.
November in Lombardy
The off-season is now here in Lombardy, with November a great time to come for a more budget-friendly trip, if you don’t mind chillier, wetter days. Both hotels and airfare tend to be much cheaper now. The warmest afternoons usually reach around the mid-50s, although the average temperature is 47 degrees, so you want the appropriate clothing to keep you warm, a waterproof coat, and waterproof boots or shoes. Bundle up and enjoy the sights without the tourist crowds – if the weather proves to be too much, you can always plan a day exploring indoor attractions like Milan’s world-class museums.
There are quite a few festivals to enjoy, many celebrating food as this is harvest season. That includes the Flavors of Autumn in Comazzo, a traditional chestnut festival in Casalbuttano, the Festival of Polenta Taragna, and the typical Bergamasca cuisine festival, both in Cologno al Serio.
December in Lombardy
It’s ski season once again, with most ski resorts now open, bringing the chance to enjoy the region’s snowy slopes. In the lower elevations, the first half of the month is a great time for a more affordable trip as well as enjoying the sights and attractions without the long lines or crowds. The average high temperature in Milan will be a bit warmer than it is in the mountains at 45 degrees, with the overnight low averaging 32 degrees.
You will need to plan your days carefully as they’re much shorter now, with sunset at 4:40 p.m. in mid-December. As the holidays approach, it will be busier but visitors can enjoy lots of festivities with holiday décor, sparkling lights, and Christmas trees in most villages and cities throughout the region. You’ll find some outstanding artisan markets, with the most popular in Milan, Bergamo, Livigno, Como, Cremona, and Castione della Presolana.
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