What's the weather like in Lake Garda in December?
December is one of the coldest months at Italy's beautiful Lake Garda with temperatures around the lake reaching an average of only 5ºC (41ºF).
Temperatures
Even though this is low season at the lake it does not mean there isn't still plenty to do here this month from sightseeing and spa breaks to skiing and hiking. The benefit of visiting the lake in the off-season is that you can enjoy the relative quiet and calm compared to the busy summer months and, don't forget, you may be lucky and experience the month's average high temperature of 8ºC (46ºF).
Rainfall
Despite the fall in temperatures this month, the rainfall is actually lower than in the spring or summer with only 52mm of rain falling over 9 days, compared to 120mm in the neighbouring city of Milan for the same period. In fact, visitors to the lake this month only stand a 32% chance of rain.
While the average temperature for the month is 5ºC, it can fall, on average, as low as 2ºC (36ºF) and snowfall is not uncommon with a 5% chance of snow at this time of year. At this time of year it is the northern half of the lake which tends to be warmest as the mountains around the northern shore serve as insulation for the water which then becomes a source of heat for the northern towns and villages. This month sees average temperatures at Limoné Sul Garda to the north of 5ºC while those in the south at Bardolino reach only 3ºC.
Sunshine Hours
Although the lake sees an average of 5 sunshine hours a day this month, there is only a 24% chance of a sunny day compared with a 29% chance of a cloudy one.
Fog
Fog can also be a problem at this time of year because of the warmth of the lake water meeting the cold air above it and this month visitors have a 42% chance of a foggy day.
Lake Garda Hotels for December
Hotel Lido Palace
The beautiful, luxury Lido Palace at Riva del Garda is the perfect place to stay in December as there is as much to do inside the hotel as there is outside if the weather is too cold or wet to venture out. The luxury Belle epoque building has its own vast fitness centre and spa offering a full range of wellbeing, skincare and beauty treatments, indoor and outdoor swimming pool and 2 restaurants, including one fine-dining restaurant presided over by a Michelin-starred executive chef.
Residence Verdeblu
For a more mid-range price you can explore the beautiful hillside hiking and mountain bike trails around Arco in the upper Garda Trentino from the Residence Verdeblu, with its modern apartments. Bike rental is available at the residence, which also has a paid-for spa with sauna, hot tub and a range of beauty and wellbeing treatments.
Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga
Discover a perfect winter hideaway at the elegant Boutique Hotel Villa Sostaga, built in the 19th century as a hunting retreat for a Count. The hotel boasts stunning lakeside views which can be enjoyed while eating at the refined restaurant in the orangery with views out across the lake to the snow-capped mountains beyond. On sunny days, wrap up warm and stretch your legs in the 40 acres of forest which surround the hotel.
Bars and Restaurants
La Tortuga
Take time while at the lake to visit the traditional family run La Tortuga with its dark beamed dining room and delicious Italian cuisine. Based on fresh local ingredients, the restaurant changes its menu with the season, making it well worth a visit at any time of year.
Coco Beach Club
Just because the summer is over doesn't mean the party has to end, at the Coco Beach Club in Lonato del Garda they just move the action indoors in December. This is high-octane nightlife for those who want to party hard.
Things to do in Lake Garda in December
Parco Natura Viva
Avoid the crowds which throng here in the summer and visit the Parco Natura Viva zoo in December. Set over 99 acres, the Park is divided into two areas, the Safari Park which can be visited by car and the Fauna Park where guests can explore on foot. Primarily a breeding centre for endangered animals, the Park is home to more than 250 wild species from lions and tigers to owls and donkeys.
Castle at Sirmione
Take the opportunity to come in out of the cold this month and explore the 14th century Castle at Sirmione, thought to have been built on the sight of an earlier Roman fortress. The impressive fortifications were designed to keep out the 14th century lords of Milan but today the drawbridge is open, welcoming tourists to stroll around and absorb its history.
Garda Golf Country Club
If you get some good weather this month then take advantage of the lack of tourists with a round or two of golf in the beautiful surroundings of the Garda Golf Country Club at Soiano del Lago. With a total of 27 holes this is a world-leading golf course which stretches from Rocca di Manerba del Garda, the Castle of Soiano del Lago and the Valtenesi hills offering breath-taking views. The Clubhouse offers plenty of activities for non-golfers too with two restaurants, a guesthouse, an elegant lounge with lake views, swimming pool, tennis courts and more.
