Would like to visit Lake Como when spring is "busting out all over" prior to the crowds arriving in the summer. How is May in this area?
Wendy,
Lago di Como should be quite pleasant in May, although of course there are never any guarantees with the weather. Were you planning to stay in Varenna? This chart from May 2013 may provide some indication....
http://www.accuweather.com/en/it/varenna/817/month/817?monyr=5/01/2013#
I was in Como last year in early May, it was quite cool out on the lake but warm enough for a light sweater in town. Layer, you never know for sure.
We stayed there in May and had a little bit wet cool weather and also some pleasant sunny days. Like jacket, lined wind breakers and sweaters pretty much should cover it.