What's the weather like in Lake Garda in January?
The beautiful scenic region of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, is a popular tourist destination which lies to the east of Milan, close to Verona, in northern Italy. Despite January being, on average, the coldest month here, the relatively warm waters of the lake usually prevent temperatures from falling below 0ºC (32ºF), with a monthly average of 4ºC (39ºF).
Temperatures
While temperatures along its shores are kept above freezing by the warm waters of the lake, the surrounding area can be considerably colder. The mountains along the lake's northern shores are often snow-capped at this time of year and Monte Baldo to the east is a popular skiing destination. Even Verona to the south has an average temperature of only 2ºC (36ºF) for the month.
Surprisingly, the effect of the surrounding mountains around the narrow northern end of the lake is to prevent the temperature from dropping as low as it does in the more exposed southern end of the lake. The result is that, during the winter months at least, it is usually 1ºC (1.8ºF) warmer in the towns and villages to the mountainous north, such as Limoné Sul Garda, than in the south at resorts like Desenzano del Garda or Sirmione.
Rainfall
It may be cold at this time of year in the region but it is also relatively dry with an average of just 39mm of rainfall across 9 days of the month and only a 6% chance of snow, despite a 30% chance of experiencing a cloudy day.
Sunshine Hours
At the beginning of the year it is fog which is most likely to impact on your holiday, obscuring the beautiful views the region has to offer. Throughout the month there is a 50% chance of fog and only a 22% chance of experiencing a sunny day, with an average of 5 hours of sunshine per day.
Lake Garda Hotels for January
Hotel Mueble Grifone
A great budget base for exploring the historic town of Sirmione at the southern end of the lake, is Hotel Mueble Grifone. Located in the centre of town, beside the imposing 13th Century castle, this friendly family-run hotel puts you right at the heart of the action. If it gets too cold you could always check out the town's thermal baths, complete with health centre and hot springs.
Palace Hotel Desenzano
Although many people think of Desenzano, the largest of the lakeside towns, as just a hub from which to explore the region there is actually plenty to see here with a picturesque 'old town' and a castle which dates back to the 9th century. Use the luxury Palace Hotel Desenzanoas your base and if the weather gets too gloomy you can relax in the wellness centre, although the two outdoor pools might prove a little chilly in January.
Wellness Hotel Casa Barca
Located in the north of Lake Garda, close to the old town of Malcesine, the Wellness Hotel Casa Barca is perfectly situated for taking the cable car up to the skiing region of Monte Baldo with its 40km of snow-covered slopes. As well as skiing, this elegant spa hotel offers a contemporary fitness centre.
Bars and Restaurants
Marco e Daniela Time
If you're looking for a light lunch in Peschiera del Garda then grab a sandwich at Marco e Daniela Time. A family run Italian café and delicatessen stocked full with delicious meats and cheeses, this place has a great, friendly atmosphere and the portions are extremely generous.
Taberna Don Diego
Get in out the cold in the evening and enjoy some local nightlife at the Taberna Don Diego, a great bar/restaurant in picturesque Torri del Benaco, where you will receive a friendly welcome and some delicious local food amidst a great, lively atmosphere. Expect local meats and cheeses as well as wines and beers.
Things to do in Lake Garda in January
Il Vittoriale degli Italiani
Take advantage of being in Lake Garda during the region's quiet month of January to explore the fascinating Il Vittoriale degli Italiani when it's not packed with the tourist crowds which throng this historic villa during the peak season. Once the home of eccentric Italian poet and soldier Gabriele d'Annunzio, this villa in the hills behind the Gardone Riviera, is bursting with the weird and wonderful things he collected over his lifetime.
Skiing
If you're looking for a little more high-octane action then why not use the picturesque Lake Garda town of Malcesine as a base to explore the Monte Baldo skiing area, part of the Alps of Trentino. The Malcesine Funivia cable car connects the lake-side town with the resort 1760m above. Even non-skiers will marvel at the cable car's stunning views which are, in themselves, well worth the journey even if you then just come back down again. Keen skiers, however, should stick around to enjoy the 40km of pistes which range from green to black.
Santa Maria Maddalena Cathedral
If you're in Desenzano and looking to get out of the cold winter weather then you should definitely take a wander into the Santa Maria Maddalena Cathedral. Not only is the 14th-century, Italian architecture by Giulio Todeschini of Brescia beautiful in itself, but the Cathedral features religious artwork by artists including Andrea Celesti, the 17th century Veneto artist, and a beautiful depiction of the Last Supper painted by Tiepolo in 1738, which now hangs in the Sacred Sacraments Chapel.
