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Best time to visit Lake Garda: month by month
Short answer
May–June and September are the best months, with highs of about 22–28°C, long days and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are the hottest (about 29–30°C) and busiest, with full beaches and slow roads. The lake is warm enough for swimming from about June to September.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 2°C | 7 | low |
| Feb | 11°C | 3°C | 4 | low |
| Mar | 15°C | 4°C | 4 | low |
| Apr | 17°C | 8°C | 9 | medium |
| May | 22°C | 14°C | 15 | medium |
| Jun | 28°C | 19°C | 10 | high |
| Jul | 30°C | 21°C | 11 | very high |
| Aug | 29°C | 20°C | 9 | very high |
| Sep | 25°C | 17°C | 9 | high |
| Oct | 20°C | 13°C | 8 | medium |
| Nov | 13°C | 7°C | 12 | low |
| Dec | 9°C | 3°C | 7 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 15°C in March to 22°C in May; March is dry, but May is the wettest month, with about 15 rainy days, often as showers.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 28–30°C and lows of 19–21°C, with 9–11 rainy days a month, often short thunderstorms; best swimming and the busiest season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs of about 25°C in September and 20°C in October with about 8–9 rainy days; grape harvest and quieter towns. November drops to about 13°C and many hotels close.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 8–11°C and lows of 2–3°C, with 4–7 rainy days; many hotels are closed, but Christmas markets open in towns such as Malcesine and Arco.
Events worth planning around
- Christmas markets in towns such as Malcesine and Arco — late November to December
- Easter and the 25 April and 1 May holidays — busy long weekends
- Grape harvest season around Bardolino — September and October
When to avoid
Avoid late July and August if you dislike crowds, traffic and peak prices. From November to March many hotels, restaurants and some ferry routes are closed or reduced.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Lake Garda?
June and September, with highs of about 25–28°C, warm water and fewer crowds than July and August.
Can you swim in Lake Garda in May?
It is possible on warm days, but the water is still cool. Swimming is best from about June to September.
Is Lake Garda worth visiting in winter?
It is quiet and scenic, but many hotels and restaurants close from November to March and ferries are reduced.