What's the Weather like in Lake Maggiore in December
Rainfall
At the end of the year, winter comes into the Lake Maggiore area with dropping temperatures and fortunately, lower precipitation amounts. This area in Western Europe sees a dramatic drop in rainfall amounts from November, with an average rainfall of 79 mm. The rain falls over an average of 11 days in the month. With lower temperatures that hover around the freezing mark, the rain may now fall as snow, especially in the higher elevations around the lake.
Temperature
The average daily temperature for this month is 2°C (about 36°F), chilly but typical for this area. You may see some below freezing temperatures, with an average low temperature of -3°C (around 27°F). The highs jump up to 7°C (about 45°F), which feels pretty good for winter. This time of the year is considered the off-season for the lake, but it's still a good time to visit thanks to fewer crowds and the magical setting of the lake at Christmastime.
Average Sunshine Hours
Because snow can be in the forecast during this month, you'll want to be sure to have a heavier jacket or coat, as well as a hat, gloves, and maybe a scarf to keep yourself warm. If you plan on doing any hiking in the forests that surround the lake, you'll also want warm and heavy boots, as well as extra socks. The area sees about 7 hours of sunshine each day, giving you plenty of time to be outside and exploring the towns around the lake, such as Losone.
Highest and Lowest Recorded Temperatures in December
The lowest temperature ever recorded for this time of the year was a bone-chilling -9°C (about 16°F), nearly unheard of for this part of the world. The highest temperature ever recorded was 21°C (around 69°F), closer to the temperatures seen in the summer than at the end of the beginning of winter.
Lake Maggiore Hotels in December
Hotel Villa Paradiso
The Hotel Villa Paradiso sits directly on the lake and has a rolling green yard, private sandy beach, and dock for boats. The beautiful pool has plenty of comfy lounge chairs to enjoy relaxing. If you're traveling with a larger group or a family, ask about the connecting double and triple rooms. No matter what room you choose, you'll have satellite television, telephone, safe, and mini bar. Dine in the on-site restaurant and enjoy a drink on the outdoor terrace and lounge.
Hotel Beau Rivage
With simple beautiful décor, the Hotel Beau Rivage is an ideal place to relax and getaway for your December holiday. While there, you'll enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as a bar, outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and courtyard garden. The clean and comfortable rooms come in a single, double, or suite configuration. Some have balconies and lake views, and all have air conditioning and televisions. The hotel has convenient access to the small town of Baveno.
San Carlo Hotel
The San Carlo Hotel enjoys a high location above Lake Maggiore, offering you panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The 12 guest rooms have modern amenities like automated temperature settings, digital safe, and premium television service. Some of the rooms also have hot tubs overlooking the lake. The on-site restaurant serves us regional specialties using local products and the hotel can also accommodate banquets, parties, and other special events.
Bars and Restaurants
Sea Lounge Seven
The Sea Lounge Seven in Ascona places you right on the shores of Lake Maggiore to enjoy a cold drink or a light meal. As you enjoy your meal, you also enjoy views of the town plaza and the Brissago Islands on the lake. The cool hip vibe follows through in the modern interior, where you can dance to the tunes the DJ spins or just grab a table and chill.
Locanda Pozzetto
Locanda Pozzetto boasts incredible views of Lake Maggiore and a classic and simple Italian menu. It's located on the ground floor of the Locanda Pozzetto Hotel and offers a comfortable indoor dining room and scenic outdoor dining. From the appetizers to the desserts, the menu includes dishes made from fresh ingredients, like fish right from the lake.
GiGi Bar
If you're looking for a place to grab a quality cup of coffee or specialty drink, look no further than GiGi Bar in Stresa. Every evening, you're treated to a live pianist and you can't go wrong with the extensive drink menu with everything from beer to wine to classic cocktails. Nibble on the homemade pastries as you sip on an exquisite cappuccino and watch the world go by through the large picture windows.
Things to do in Lake Maggiore in December
Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico
The Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico, or International Museum of Ceramic Design, is located just outside the town of Laveno Mombello and used to be a ceramics factory. The museum now holds a collection of ceramic pieces that the factory produced, as well as other pieces from around the world. While there, you'll learn about the history of pottery in the area from the 1800s to the 1900s.
Enoteca Savini
A trip to Italy would not be complete without visiting a wine shop and picking out a few bottles to take home. The Enoteca Savini wine shop in Angera carries a variety of different vintages and types of wines and is a good stop if the December weather is frightful. The staff is well-educated on the wines the store sells and can offer you tastings before you buy. You can even get small plates to taste along with the wine, so you can pair up wines based on what you like to eat.
Menta and Rosmarino Catering
Not only can you eat amazing Italian food while in the Lake Maggiore area, you can also learn to cook it. Menta and Rosmarino Catering offers cooking classes where you explore the history of food in Italy and then create amazing dishes, from appetizers to entrees to desserts. The calendar of classes varies throughout the year, so check the website for the latest classes.
