Hi!
Looking to travel to Italy mid-October. Originally, we wanted to go to Bellagio for 3 nights then going to Tirano to take the Bernina to St Moritz for a couple of nights. My concern is, I’ve only been there in September and it was beautiful. We wanted to do some lake touring and wondering if we should plan another time. I don’t mind fall like days but don’t want to be too cold on a boat.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2184 posts
Depends on whether you consider average in 60’s too cold.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7535 posts
I dont know what you consider too cool. That will differ from one person to the next. And given the variability due to climate change, last October's weather may bear no resemblance to what happens this year. However there are several websites that can give you historic averages. This is just one: https://weatherspark.com/m/62782/10/Average-Weather-in-October-in-Bellagio-Italy
Posted by
533 posts
the key part of the question is the boat. The recorded temperatures in the towns may not be relevant if you are on a boat in the middle of a lake because the water temperature will have a cooling effect (until the towns are approaching freezing). The water temperature is likely to be in the upper to mid 50s F and dropping noticeably over the month https://seatemperature.info/october/lake-como-water-temperature.html Direct sunshine will warm you up but on overcast days you take your chances.
Also be aware the summer schedules end first weekend in October, and no doubt they will publish the next edition just before you travel.
Posted by
San Francisco, California
6 posts
Yes, it's going to be pretty cold. You'll be right next to the Alps so you might even get some snow.
Posted by
533 posts
snow at ground level there is unlikely in October but there is chance of waking up to fresh snow on mountain tops in the view
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
1018 posts
I spent 3 night in Varenna with a day trip on the Bernina train in mid October 2024. I get cold easily but was always comfortable. My layers of clothing included a lightweight puffer jacket over a sweatshirt or sweater. It was rainy some of the time but with a waterproof rain jacket over the other layers, I was never cold. The lack of crowds in Varenna was really lovely. I also had packed a long underwear base layer top but didn't need it.
Posted by
298 posts
I lived in northern Italy for about a year back in 2012-13, in that area (Lecco/Bergamo) and while it wasn’t exactly the warmest time of year, it certainly is very pretty. There are also a lot less ferries running between Bellagio, Varenna and the other towns and villages. Nowadays, though, daytime temperatures can reach 25c or more. The month of the year isn’t anymore a sign of what kind of weather will appear when one visits. I was there last October and it didn’t go below 22 the entire time. It varies. At night it will be cool, no doubt about that