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5 reasons why May's a great time to visit Lake Garda

Lake Garda’s a great holiday pick at any point in the summer, with cracking scenery, colourful towns and gardens, plus loads to do. If you love to get out and explore on your hols – or just prefer milder weather – May hits the sweet spot of comfy temperatures plus fewer people around. And there’re lots of other reasons May’s a tiptop month to visit – here’s why you should bag a May getaway to Lake Garda this year.

1, May's got ideal weather for getting out and about

With average temperatures in the mid-20s, May weather in Lake Garda’s milder than during the rest of the summer – ideal for getting out and exploring some of the best things to do around the lake. Grab your sunnies and spend your days boat-hopping between lakeside towns, pedalling along waterfront promenades and checking out local markets. The weather in May’s ideal for taking in the scenery on a walk too.
The lake front promenade in Maderno, lined with colourful buildings and boats bobbing on the lake to the side.

2, More peaceful than mid-summer

Come to Lake Garda in May and you’ll get find fewer people around than in the peak summer months. Rub shoulders with locals in cafés, sip spritzes on peaceful lakefront terraces and wander the pretty streets of Sirmione, Malcesine and Limone at your own pace. You might even be lucky enough to get some of the best walking trails around Lake Garda – and some of Italy's best views – all to yourself .
A narrow cobbled street in Malcesine lined with plants and greenery

3, Loads of events to check out

There may be fewer tourists around Lake Garda in May, but that doesn’t mean there’s not lots happening. Cheer on the locals heading off on the Garda Trentino Trail run from Riva, or relax on the shore and watch the fluttering white sails of the Torbole Europa regatta. And if you’re a rosé fan, head to Bardolino near the end of May to toast the start of summer by sipping your way round the tasting stands at the Chiaretto wine festival.
The pink carpet and wine tasting stalls of the Chiaretto rose festival in Bardolino

4, Nature's looking its best

The natural beauty around Lake Garda goes into overdrive as spring slips into summer, meaning the many gardens you can visit in the area are at their best in May. Start by taking a stroll through the brightly coloured Sigurta Garden Park near Peschiera and breathing in the scent of the freshly bloomed rose bushes.
A man and a woman arm in arm in the gardens of a villa, surrounded by bright flowers

5, Great deals to be found

Plan a May trip to Lake Garda to get your fill of la dolce vita early in the season, and you might be able to snag yourself a pretty sweet deal too. Check out our early summer deals and get your Lake Garda getaway sorted.
A man and a woman in a vineyard toasting each other with a glass of wine

Want more Lake Garda inspo?

The ultimate guide to Lake Garda

Lake Garda’s chock-full of colourful towns, culture and food, served up with a side-order of lake views and belting mountain backdrops. Get the lowdown on the best spots to stay and see.

The best hotels around Lake Garda

The best Lake Garda hotels and apartments are dotted all around the lake. Take a look at our line-up of standout hotels and apartments to pick the best base for your holiday.

Top Lake Garda experiences

There’s so much to do on a holiday to Lake Garda. Make sure you don’t miss a thing with our handpicked experiences – from sampling local wine to seeing nearby natural wonders.

Ready to book? Make your Lake Garda holiday happen.
 

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 28/02/2025

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