What's the Weather like in Lake Maggiore in May
Temperature
Come May at Lake Maggiore, the temperatures continue to increase, as do the rainfall chances. This month sees the start of the tourist season with kids getting out of school and summer break just around the corner. The average daily temperature is 17°C (about 62°F), a great temperature for just being outside and taking in the natural beauty the area has to offer.
Expect the lows to drop down to 11°C (around 52°F), still a nice temperature and typically it only gets that cold at night and in the early morning hours. Summer knocks at the door with high temperatures that reach 22°C (about 72°F), ideal for outdoor activities and maybe even a swim in the lake. By this time, your suitcase should contain short-sleeved shirts, capris, and shorts. You'll also still want a light-weight jacket or sweater for the evening hours when it gets cooler.
Average Sunshine Hours
The area gets one more hour of sunshine each day this month over April, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine each day. There is a 25 percent chance of a sunny day and a 50 percent chance of a cloudy day.
Rainfall
You'll want to bring along an umbrella as the chance of rain on any given day is 40 percent and the area receives around 180 mm of rain this month. That rain falls over 18 days, over half the month, but thankfully the showers are generally light and short so you can get back to your outdoor activities.
Highest and Lowest Recorded Temperatures in May
The highest recorded temperature the Lake Maggiore area has ever seen was a balmy 31°C (about 88°F), hot even for the summer months in Europe. The lowest temperature dropped down to almost freezing, at 3°C (around 37°F). Don't worry about facing those temperatures during your trip, however, as they are very rare and unusual.
Lake Maggiore Hotels in May
Park Hotel Villa Belvedere
Located on the west side of Lake Maggiore, the Park Hotel Villa Belvedere is surrounded by lush green gardens and forests. The quiet setting is the perfect backdrop for your holiday away in May. Sit by the gorgeous pool flanked by palm trees and enjoy the Jacuzzi and solarium. All the rooms have either a terrace or a balcony with garden views, as well as English-style furnishings, wood floors, satellite television, air conditioning, mini bar, and safe box. You can also choose a spacious apartment or villa.
Hotel du Parc
The Hotel du Parc was once a private villa that was transformed into a quaint and quiet option for accommodations in the town of Stresa. The tastefully-decorated guest rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, and mini bar. There is also a separate annex with additional rooms. Each morning, you're treated to a buffet breakfast and you also have access to a bar, lounge, TV room, Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant. While staying here, you have easy access to town, as well as the lake.
Alpi Hotel
The Alpi Hotel, a three-star hotel in the town of Baveno, is family-owned and ran and provides guests with a five-star service. The comfortable rooms have amenities like television, telephone, and Wi-Fi, while the hotel has several handicap-accessible rooms and a lift for guests with special needs. You can choose a half or full board package with your room, or opt for the bed and breakfast package with just breakfast. The snack bar is open all day serving coffee, cocktails, and snacks.
Beaches in Lake Maggiore for May
Across from the Astoria Hotel in Stresa is a quiet beach. While the beach is rocky, it has a convenient access to lakefront promenade and a children's playground. During May, when the average temperatures hit 17°C (about 62°F), the beach is a great place to soak in the sun's rays and enjoy the activity on the lake.
East of Stresa sits the town of Feriolo and another quiet beach to enjoy the warm weather in May. What this small beach lacks in amenities, it makes up in beauty, peace, and quiet to enjoy your holiday. When it's time for lunch or dinner, head over to one of the quaint cafes and restaurants that line the lakefront.
Bars and Restaurants
Osteria Melograno
Part of the village of Angera, Osteria Melograno serves up high-end fresh seafood and pasta dishes, with a menu that changes each month. After your meal, you won't want to miss the homemade pastries for a sweet treat. The restaurant serves wine and beer to go with your meal and also has outdoor seating to enjoy the outdoor air in May. You'll also enjoy the yummy food in the warm and cozy dining area during the colder months.
Ristorante Zen
Mix it up and chow down on Asian cuisine at Ristorante Zen in Sesto Calende. The restaurant serves a fusion menu that includes Chinese, Japanese, and sushi dishes. Lunch and dinner are served as an all-you-can eat option, so come hungry. Open for lunch and dinner, Ristorante Zen has favorites like sashimi and tempura, all served in a modern and contemporary space.
Fai Break Dolce and Salato
If you're looking for a good place to start your day or just grab a quick snack, check out Fai Break Dolce and Salato. The quaint café serves fresh-made pastries each morning that go perfectly with gourmet cappuccino, café latte, or coffee. During the day, the café also does paninis, salads, and wraps, as well as thin-crust pizzas. The restaurant is located in Ispra and has outdoor seating, as well as indoor, for your convenience.
Things to do in Lake Maggiore in May
Pista Ciclabile Cittiglio
For the active visitors, take advantage of May's warm temperatures and explore the Pista Ciclabile Cittiglio. The Pista Ciclabile Cittiglio is a paved walking and biking series of trails that take you on a tour around the Lake Maggiore area. It connects several of the area towns, including Laveno Mombello, Cittiglio, and Brenta. The trails make up a combined distance of over 80 km, so you can see all over the area on your bike.
Rocca d'Angera
The Rocca d'Angera castle sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore in the town of Angera. It's a collection of five buildings including the Torre Castellana, Ala Scaligera, Ala Viscontea, Torre di Giovanni Visconti, and Ala dei Borromeo. The buildings date back to medieval times and the 15th century. While touring the castle buildings, you'll see historically-important paintings, tapestries, and furniture and outside, you can stroll through the medieval gardens.
Lago Maggiore Express
If you really want to see the lake, jump onboard the Lago Maggiore Express and tour the surrounding area via boat and train. The Express stops in 21 different towns around the lake, and the itinerary varies depending on where you pick up the tour. As you ride the rails and sail on the boats, you can get on and off at the villages and towns to explore, shop, and eat. You can even can lunch on the train.
