Weather lowdown
Italy's popular resort of Lake Como is part of the beautiful Italian Lake District. The third largest lake in Italy, Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region, in the north of the country.
Lake Como has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild winters. This, combined with the region's amazing lake and mountain views mean that Lake Como draws crowds of visitors from all over the world, especially during the warm and sunny summer months.
July sees the peak of summer in Lake Como as temperatures rise and days get sunnier. In fact, July is one of the hottest month of the year and as such, visitors are advised to exercise caution with the sun and heat. Daytime temperatures are around 22°C on average and can reach highs of 26°C on some days. You don't need to worry about being cold in July as overnight temperatures stay at around a balmy 18°C warmer than a standard British summer! It's suggested that travellers pack a high factor sunscreen and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day; usually between 12pm - 3pm.
Along with high temperatures, July sees the most sunshine of the year. Visitors can expect around 12 hours of bright sunshine every day which is perfect for exploring the great outdoors.
Lake Como is known for its wet weather in spring and early summer. July is much drier than the wettest month of June, but still sees a fair share of rainfall, with 98mm of precipitation falling throughout the month. This usually falls on an average of 12 wet days out of 31, so visitors should be prepared for a chance of rain in Lake Como in July. Despite this, July is still a great time to visit Lake Como, when the area is in full bloom and at its most beautiful.
Where to stay.Albergo Sala Hotel
If you're looking for a place to stay in Lake Como, there are plenty of accommodation choices in the village of Valbrona. The Albergo Sala Hotel provides great value, high quality rooms and even spa and massage packages. Guests can make use of the restaurant and bar and there's a free buffet breakfast every morning.
Costa Diva Resort and Spa
For something a little more exclusive, Casta Diva Resort and Spa offers a luxurious five star retreat in the small commune of Blevio. The hotel is an 18th-century villa surrounded by gardens that sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Como for amazing views. Holiday makers will be treated to first-class service here and can enjoy spacious, stylish rooms and a restaurant that serves high quality food from the Lombardy region. This hotel is perfect for a romantic break or a special occasion.
Eating and drinking
Ristorante Il Ceppo
With the night time weather being so mild, a meal out in Lake Como is a great way to spend your evening. The Ristorante Il Ceppo in Valbrona offers diners authentic Italian tastes such as tortellini and almond biscotti. The restaurant boasts a fantastic mountain location with spectacular views overlooking the lake from both inside and outside on the patio.
Ristorante Salice Blu
Ristorante Salice Blu is located in the town of Bellagio and is a popular place to dine in the area with both locals and tourists. Head chef Luigi has won awards for his fresh and creative cuisine which guests can sample here, including fresh fish from Lake Como and homemade pasta dishes. There's also a delicious selection of innovative desserts. Diners can sit inside the air-conditioned dining room or outside on the terrace that features a pergola.
El Timon
For a relaxing drink after dinner, join the locals at El Timon in Tremezzo. This typically Italian bar and restaurant is a great place to unwind with a glass of prosecco or a beer as you watch the world go by. El Timon also has a menu of authentic and delicious dishes that includes pizza, pasta, salads and seafood.
Things to do
Hiking
Most visitors flock to Lake Como to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The best way to explore the area is on foot, especially in the warm summer months. Lake Como has a wide variety of walking and hiking options, from gentle strolls for families to more difficult walks for seasoned hikers. Visitors can follow one of the areas walking trails which take you through valleys, mountain tops and traditional Italian villages.
Shopping
For those who have enjoyed their fair share of the sun and are in need of a little shade, wandering around the many shops in the Lake Como area is a fun way to spend a few hours. Although Lake Como is not well-known for its shops, the area is actually a secret shopping paradise.
The close proximity to the fashion capital of Milan means there are many high-end designer shops for browsing. Silk production is a popular business in Lake Como and many silk scarves can be purchased from local shops. For a behind-the-scenes look, visitors should head over to the Educational Silk Museum to see why Como is known as the City of Silk.
