The best time to visit Lake Garda is June and September: the water is 20 to 22 degrees, the days are warm but not oppressive, and prices are lower than in July and August. For hiking and cycling, April, May and October are ideal.
Weather and water by month
| Month | Air day / night | Water | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | approx. 18 °C / 8 °C | 13-14 °C | Hiking, cycling |
| May | approx. 22 °C / 12 °C | 16-17 °C | Active holidays, hotel with pool |
| June | approx. 26 °C / 15 °C | 20-22 °C | Swimming, families |
| July | approx. 29 °C / 17 °C | 22-24 °C | Beach holiday (busy) |
| August | approx. 27 °C / 17 °C | 23-24 °C | Beach holiday (busiest) |
| September | approx. 25 °C / 14 °C | 20-21 °C | Swimming without the crowds |
Figures: long-term averages from several climate and measurement series, which differ by one or two degrees depending on the source. The shallow southern basin around Sirmione is on average about one degree warmer than the north around Riva.
Spring or autumn? Then the pool matters more than the lake. What to look for is covered on the page about hotels with a pool.
When is it busy, when is it cheap?
- Busiest: July, August, Easter, Whitsun and the German summer holidays.
- Cheapest: April, May, October, outside public holidays. More saving tips on our page about cheap hotels.
- End of season: from mid-October many hotels close; Gardaland and the Monte Baldo cable car run until early November.
Which month for whom?
| Type of trip | Best months |
|---|---|
| Families on a beach holiday | June, early July, September |
| Couples | May, June, September |
| Cyclists and hikers | April, May, September, October |
| Windsurfers and sailors | May to September (north shore) |
Check hotel prices for your travel month
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like on Lake Garda in April?
Around 18 degrees by day, about 8 at night, with the water at 13 to 14. Ideal for hiking and cycling, still too cold for swimming.
How warm is Lake Garda in September?
The water is still 20 to 21 degrees and the air about 25 by day. September is one of the best months for a beach holiday without peak-season crowds.
When is Lake Garda busiest?
In July and August, at Easter and Whitsun, and during the German summer school holidays.
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