Year-Round Riding Weather on Lake Como

By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide
 
Are you wondering what the weather is like on Lake Como? It’s a matter of safety to be prepared for the elements when you are out on the bike. Here is the quick and dirty on riding and the weather throughout the year in Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna, the heart of Lake Como.
We recommend checking the weather only 2-3 days in advance and always looking at the hour-by-hour forecast. While it may rain on any given day, the rain can be consolidated to just a few hours of the day, leaving plenty of time for a beautiful ride.  Our tool of choice is www.3bmeteo.com. In our experience it offers the most accurate weather predictions. The mountains have their own weather patterns, so it can be important to not only check the location where you are starting, but also some of the towns that you are going through; the highest point of your ride can be a good location to check as the temperature can differ substantially from a spot right at lake level to a town 1000 meters up. 
 
The shop is open March through November, the most visited months of the year, but the lake is bikeable year round if you plan to have the right gear. Our bike rental service is available upon request in the off-season. Here is an attempt at the month-by-month weather:
 
March – By mid march there is a chill in the air in the morning, but afternoons are really starting to feel like spring. Layers are critical if you’re taking on local climbs – bring a long sleeve jersey, wind layer, a buff and gloves. Hopefully you don’t need them, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have them.
Average High 15* (60*F)
Average Low 5* (42*F)
 
April – Spring has arrived, and with it, warning of showers. If it rains it usually won’t last all day, so you can be strategic in planning the timing of your ride.  If there is any rain in the forecast make sure you have a rain layer with you. We recommend short and long sleeve jersey, rain layer, buff and gloves.
Average High 18* (64*F)
Average Low 8* (46*F)

May –It’s a great time of year to be on Lake Como. Sometimes there can still be rainy days, but again, it usually won’t last all day, so be strategic with timing and you’ll be able to ride almost every day.  We recommend short sleeve jersey, rain layer, and gilet. Bring a long sleeve jersey just in case. Some mornings you may want it. By the end of the month you should be able to head for the highest local passes (San Marco, Stelvio, and Splugen) but keep in mind that they will still have snow up there, so generous layers are still necessary.
Average High 23* (73*F)
Average Low 12* (54*F)
 
June  - It’s heating up on Lake Como, but there can still be some swings in weather. Some mornings are fresh still. Having a wind layer for morning descents is a good idea. We have a great selection of Gilets and some Nalini long sleeve wind layers. Don’t forget your sunscreen – the sun is deceptively strong.
Average High 27* (80*F)
Average Low 16* (60*F)
 
July – It’s hot on the lake in July. Make sure you have an extra water bottle. All Bike It! road bikes are fitted with two water bottle holders. You can find water in most town centers, near churches and cemeteries, but it’s good to be prepared. We also sell gels, and isotonic tablets to refuel those electrolytes and sugars as you go. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Average High 29* (85*F)
Average Low 18* (65*F)
 
August – The heat continues and humidity comes in August. This means that you should plan to end every ride with a glorious swim in the lake! Don’t miss it. Be prepared with water bottles, electrolytes, and sunscreen, and you’ll have a great day.
Average High 29* (85*F)
Average Low 18* (64*F)
 
September – The cool of fall is arriving but not too fast. September feels like summer with a little bit of relief from the heat. Enjoy one of the top months for riding on the lake. Bring a dry underlayer to change when you reach the peak, and a gilet is always smart to have in your back pocket.
Average High 23* (73*F)
Average Low 14* (59*F)
 
October – It’s chestnut season and you can find gatherers on the switchbacks as you climb our remote hills. Most days you’ll be fine in short sleeve gear, but having your gilet and long sleeve handy will keep you safe and comfortable on bigger descents and in shady areas. Always carry gloves and buffs just in case
Average High 17* (62*F)
Average Low 10* (50*F)
 
November – And welcome back to the chill. You can still get epic rides in November, but always be prepared; long sleeve, wind layer, gloves, buffs, etc. Be safe is our motto.
Average High 12* (53*F)
Average Low 5* (41*F)
 
December, January, February
Many locals ride year-round. The highest passes aren’t accessible, but much of our terrain still remains in reach. Like with ski-touring, you must be prepared with layers. Bring a fresh bottom layer so you can take off sweaty layers when you get to the top. Then you’ll be so much more comfortable for chilly descents. A winter jersey layer, gilet, gloves, and a buff (or two) will all put you in a great position for year round riding on Como. Be aware of the snow line and plan your routes accordingly.
Average High 8* (47*F)
Average Low 2* (36*F)
 
Represent the Bike It! team – buy from our selection of summer and spring/fall gear. Explore both our team jerseys and Bianchi specific gear.

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A beautiful, February riding day!