What's the Weather like in Lake Maggoire in January
Temperature
January in Lake Maggiore is the coldest month of the year, bringing an average daily temperature of 2°C (about 35°F). Even at that temperature, you'll still enjoy a warmer winter than many areas in the rest of Europe. This popular resort sits in Italy and Switzerland, south of the Alps. When visiting, you can expect lows that drop down to a chilly -3°C (around 27°F). This time of year is considered the off-season for the resort, with some of the attractions closed.
The highs get up to respectable wintertime temperature of 6°C (about 43°F), a great temperature to get out and enjoy activities like hiking and skiing. As you pack for your holiday here, be sure to bring along a warm coat or jacket and you'll probably also want a hat, gloves, and a scarf. If you plan on heading into the higher elevations around the lake, also consider a pair of snow boots or other waterproof shoes, as those areas can get snow this month.
Average Sunshine Hours
Even with only seven hours of sunshine each day on average, you're still getting more sunlight than many areas during this time. The chance of having a sunny day is 25 percent and the chance of rain on any given day is 40 percent.
Rainfall
Rainfall this month totals about 62 mm and falls over 11 days. If the temperature drops low enough, this rain falls as snow. There's a 50/50 chance of having a cloudy day while on holiday this month.
Highest and Lowest Recorded Temperatures in January
The fog rolls in during the winter and this month there is a 51 percent chance of having a foggy day in the town of Ispra and the surrounding area. Once the sun comes up for the day, that fog burns off fairly quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. This area has seen some extreme temperatures, reaching an all-time high of 24°C (about 75°F), normal for summer, but very high for winter. The lowest temperature ever recorded was a very chilly -5°C (around 22°F).
Lake Maggiore Hotels in January
Hotel Ancora
Found in the town of Verbania, Hotel Ancora mixes modern amenities with old-world charm. You can choose the single, double, double superior, double de lux, triple, or quadruple room, as well as the larger and roomier junior suite. Some of the rooms have balconies with lake views and all have free Wi-Fi, televisions, air conditioning, mini bar, and modern electronics. If you need even more space, you can splurge and get one of the residences with multiple bedrooms and separate living areas.
Grand Hotel Majestic
As the name suggests, the Grand Hotel Majestic provides a splendid background for your holiday away at Lake Maggiore in January. The private beach sits right on the lake and is surrounded by colorful gardens with paths for you to walk through and enjoy the beauty. You can choose a standard double room, including some rooms with lake views and balconies, or a suite or junior suite with extra bedrooms and living spaces. The on-site gourmet restaurant is a perfect spot for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Regina Palace Hotel
The Regina Palace Hotel invokes thoughts of royalty, with its tasteful décor and high-end amenities. The 224 guest rooms have a Jacuzzi, mini bar, air conditioning, and views of the lake or the park. Some also have private balconies to extend your view even farther. Hotel amenities include outdoor pool, soccer field, tennis courts, and snack bar. You'll also get access to the nearby Regina Sporting Club with heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, sauna, and gym.
Bars and Restaurants
Osteria Del Castello
Sitting in the shadow of the Rocca di Angera, Osteria Del Castello serves up traditional Italian fare and is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after you're done exploring the castle in Angera. During the week, the restaurant offers a fixed menu if you can't decide what you'd like. The portions are large and the prices are affordable, making it a good choice for budget travelers and families.
Calianna Restaurant
The Calianna Restaurant is part of the Calianna Boardinghouse and offers guests friendly-service and homemade Italian cooking. The menu may seem limited but it's only because Calianna uses fresh and local ingredients in the dishes. Local ingredients include fish right from Lake Maggiore, beef, chicken, and produce. You can also choose from local wines to complement your meal.
Marirena in Verbania
Offering up pizzas and pub grub, Marirena in Verbania is a low-key restaurant and bar. The outdoor patio is a great place to sit and enjoy your meal and watch the world go by. Specialties on the menu include thin-crust Italian pizzas and pastas. You can even get your pizza to go or delivered to your hotel room if you'd rather stay in and eat. Check out the wine and beer list to complete your meal.
Things to do in Lake Maggiore in January
Snow Fun Mottarone Center
The Snow Fun Mottarone Center offers different kinds of winter fun in January including downhill skiing, tubing, and cross-country skiing. The resort also has accommodations and full ski holiday packages so you can stay close to the action. Use the center's seven lifts to get the top of the mountain and experience a variety of runs for skiers of all experience levels. You can also take a ride in the cable car and see all the sights from above.
Museum of Dolls and Toys
Found in the Rocca d'Angera castle in Angera, the Museum of Dolls and Toys delights visitors of all ages and is a good indoor January activity. The collection has over 1,000 dolls from the 18th century through today. The dolls in the collection are made of a variety of materials, including wood, wax, papier-mache, porcelain, biscuit, composition, and cloth. The museum is divided into 12 rooms, separating the toys and dolls by age and where they originated.
Ride the Cableway
While in Laveno Mombello, don't miss riding on the cableway that takes you to the top of Sasso del Ferro, nearly 1,100 meters high. While up at the top, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Alps, Lake Maggiore, Lombarde Lake, and the Po River. The 16-minute cable car ride is open all year round and the cable car station has a souvenir shop to browse and restaurant to eat in before your trip up.
