Visit Lake Como in autumn: the best period to see a romantic foliage…even when it rains!

We have talked about Lake Como and its inexhaustible places to be discovered many times. But a question that has always afflicted our guests is: what should we do on Lake Como when it rains?

Lake Como and its surroundings possess a unique charm in every season, but there’s something truly enchanting about it during a rainy autumn day.

The drizzle accentuates the foliage’s deep colors, ranging from fiery reds to golden yellows. Thus, the mountains and villages around the lake become a vibrant palette.

The mist rolling over the lake adds a touch of mystery, softening the outlines of the iconic villas and historic towns.

The raindrops create gentle ripples in the water, enhancing the reflective surface and bringing out the rich emerald and sapphire hues.

The smell of rain mixing with the earthy scent of wet leaves and chestnut trees fills the air, while the rustling of leaves and the gentle sound of water create a soothing atmosphere.

The rain lends a peaceful stillness to the region, and with fewer tourists around, it feels like a private escape.

But what about the activities you can do with or without rain in autumn?

You can read our last article on this topic here, but if you need some more tips, scroll down and share it with your travel friends.

Let’s start our trip to discover the best places to see in Lake Como in autumn, also when it rains!

Nothing better than a movie when it rains.

Many spectators have been waiting for this moment: after the summer break and the first weeks of programming, the historic Astra Cinema Festival, Cineforum 2024-25, now in its 67th edition, is back!

Eleven movies from October to December, with presentation and debate, spread over 7 shifts from Monday to Wednesday, with a kaleidoscope of geographies and themes.

With over 700 subscribers in the past few sessions, the Astra Cineforum wants to reconfirm itself as one of the most important in Lombardy.

Please note that all these selected international movies are in Italian…but it can probably be an excellent occasion to plunge yourself into the Italian atmosphere through its language, right?

Refuge yourself into the artistic world of an exhibition.

Como Arte ETS Foundation, in collaboration with the Municipality of Como, is happy to present TUTTOPLESSI. This precious exhibition synthesizes sixty years of the career of the great internationally recognized artist Fabrizio Plessi, a visionary pioneer of video art and video installations in Italy.

Plessi’s works have been recognized worldwide.

Since 1989, he has created theatrical scenographies for dance and theatre shows such as Ex Machina, Icarus, Titanic, Romeo and Juliet, and Vestire gli Ignudi. He is still very active in his career and continues to collect successes, such as the exhibitions dedicated to Leonardo, Raffaello, and Dante in Rome.

You are invited to see this incredible show at the Broletto Town Hall in Como from October 5th to November 17th.

Do not miss Orticolario: from October 3 to 6th, an event for all the family!

Orticolario “Terrae” will be held at Villa Erba on Lake Como the first weekend of October.

Rare plants and artistic craftsmanship with over 250 carefully selected exhibitors.

Creative spaces and themed gardens in competition.

Art and design installations are explicitly created based on the theme and plant of the year.

A vast cultural program, with workshops, meetings, and performances, also includes kids.

This and much more is the Orticolario event, performing in Como in the next few days.

If you are curious about it, do not hesitate to consult the official website and find out how to reach the place.

With the occasion, you’ll visit one of the most beautiful villas in Como, Villa Erba. This 19th-century villa is located in Cernobbio, on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy.

What about experiences in the open air?

If you don’t care about rain that much and wish to have a walk, maybe with a nice umbrella, you can certainly stroll around the city of Como or all the villages as you prefer.

Among a drop and another, stop in an ancient church to feel enveloped by its iconic atmosphere typical of a medieval novel or a cozy café to enjoy the Italian flavors, such as a hot cappuccino or a glass of rich, full-bodied Italian red wine.

Even under a gray sky, Lake Como offers many activities to enjoy.

Historic villas, such as Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, become even more magical in the rain—exploring their lush, rain-kissed gardens feels like stepping into a fairytale.

A museum visit, like the Silk Museum in Como, provides an intimate glimpse into the region’s past.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, a brisk hike along the lower slopes of the surrounding mountains, equipped with a rain jacket, allows you to experience the dramatic autumnal scenery fully. The trails are often lined with mossy rocks and fallen leaves, which glisten under the rain.

Alternatively, taking a ferry ride across the lake when it’s raining is a serene experience. The calm waters reflect the sky and distant peaks, offering a perspective of the region’s landscape that feels both grand and intimate.

Whether you’re leisurely strolling through the small towns, enjoying a thermal bath in one of the wellness centers, or simply appreciating the tranquil ambiance, Lake Como in autumn rain is a celebration of nature’s beauty and tranquility.

So, do not panic if the weather is not perfect during your stay.

Just ask our Hotel Loveno staff if something is happening around you during your stay, and go for it!

– Sara