Luxury villa rentals Lake Como, Italy

Best time to go

• During spring: spring in Lake Como is all about alpine meadows filled with flowers and cool but bight days. While you may see the heaviest rainfall in May, the showers don’t last for long. Average temperatures during the spring range from 13°C (55°F) in March, up to 21°C (70°F) in May. If the rainclouds do make an appearance, a stroll around Como town lets you take in museums, cafés and galleries.

• During summer: summer in Lake Como is glorious. The temperatures reach a balmy 28°C (83°F) in August, yet the cooling effect of the lake ensures that the humidity stays low, making it perfect for walking, cycling and even messing around in the water. The lake water temperature stays at around 24°C (75°F) and summer water sports include water skiing, wakeboarding and kayaking.

• During autumn: the autumn colours are breathtaking, introducing a burst of golds and reds against the backdrop of evergreen spruces lining the mountainsides. At this time of year, visitors start to thin and Lake Como takes on a more relaxed, laid-back feel. Temperatures start to dip down into the high teens (60 - 68 °F) but can fall into single figures (40 - 50 °F) at night, so pack a jumper for those evenings socialising around your Lake Como villas fire pit.

• During winter: there is the chance of an occasional flurry of snow in the winter, but it is usually restricted to the higher alpine slopes, and you’ll find good skiing in resorts nearby. If you’re not keen on skiing, you can still experience the magnificence of the mountain snowfields on the Valtellina train route or go Christmas shopping in the markets in Como. Wear your warmest winter clothes because temperatures do drop away dramatically during December and January.