Are you thinking about visiting Lake Garda, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Lake Garda worth visiting?
Lake Garda is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the lake has to offer. Lake Garda is a popular, family-friendly destination that has amusement parks and a stunning natural setting. The lake is surrounded by quaint villages that are connected by walking trails. There's a fun and adventurous atmosphere with water sports, swimming, and hiking nearby.
Garda, Italy
Reasons to Visit Lake Garda
Food
You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.
Nightlife
You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.
Beaches
Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.
Hiking
There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.
Museums
While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.
Shopping
Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.
Is Lake Garda worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (85°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Lake Garda, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable lake, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, and browse the museums. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Lake Garda
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Lake Garda worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Lake Garda. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Lake Garda
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| December | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Is Lake Garda worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Lake Garda. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Lake Garda can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Lake Garda
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| February | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Is Lake Garda worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Lake Garda, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Lake Garda
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Related
What is Lake Garda most famous for?
Lake Garda is most famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. People visit this impressive lake for its great food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. It's also known for museums and shopping. It is often described as scenic, playful, fun, and energetic.
What is the most famous sight in Lake Garda?
The most popular sight in Lake Garda is Sirmione. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Lake Garda on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Sirmione and other attractions here.
How touristy is Lake Garda? Is it a popular lake to visit?
Lake Garda is a popular lake for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo: $97
- Full-Day Self-Guided Garda Vespa Tour departing at Salò: $152
- Tour 1h Peninsula: $206
- Sunset boat tour of Sirmione with exclusive onboard aperitif: $217
- 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
- Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $42
- Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
How long should I spend in Lake Garda?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Lake Garda is two to four days. Since Lake Garda has activities such as nightlife, beaches, hiking, and dining, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lake Garda?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lake Garda?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lake Garda?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.