Lake Como in winter is an off-season gem — peaceful, romantic, and dusted with snow on the nearby Alps. Towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como are much quieter this time of year, offering a serene getaway with luxurious views and fewer tourists.
While many lakeside villas and ferry services slow down, winter is a great time for cozy boutique stays, scenic train rides, and wandering cobbled streets under twinkling lights. Expect cold temperatures and a fashionable local crowd — Italians dress warmly but always with flair.
Winter in Lake Como means packing warm layers, water-resistant outerwear, and stylish pieces that transition easily from scenic walks to fireside dinners.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Lake Como in winter. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌡️ Daytime Temps: 3–8°C (37–46°F)
- 🌙 Night Temps: -2–2°C (28–36°F)
- 🌧️ Frequent rain, occasional snow — waterproof gear is key
- ❄️ Snow-capped mountain views add to the charm
- 🧣 Quiet season: pack layers and stylish winter staples
What to Pack for Lake Como in Winter
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Wheeled suitcase – 🧳 Easy for train transfers
- Weekender bag – 👜 Great for short stays
- Daypack – 🎒 For lakeside walks and excursions
- Packing cubes – 📦 Helps keep winter layers organized
- Shoe bags – 👞 Protect clothes from damp soles
- Toiletry kit – 🪥 With leak-proof compartments
- Travel wallet – 💼 Hold ID, train passes, cash
- Canvas tote – 🛍️ Handy for markets and day trips
- Laundry pouch – 🧺 Separate dirty socks and thermals
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ Winter gear adds bulk fast
- Combination lock – 🔒 Protect gear on public transit
- Accessory case – 🎀 Store jewelry or scarves
- Travel towel – 🧻 Optional for B&B stays or spas
- Neck pillow – 🛏️ Train or plane comfort
- Sleep mask – 😴 Essential for bright hotel rooms
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2–3) – 🧦 Key for cold days
- Wool sweaters (3–4) – 🧶 Warm and stylish
- Turtlenecks or long sleeves (3–4) – 👚 Elegant and practical
- Wool or down coat – 🧥 Windproof and warm
- Tailored blazer – 👔 Great for indoor dining
- Warm trousers (2–3) – 👖 Wool or lined fabric is ideal
- Dark jeans – 👖 Stylish and versatile
- Wool skirt + tights – 👗 Great with boots
- Knit dress – 👠 Cozy-chic with a coat
- Pajamas – 🛌 Pack warm flannel or thermals
- Underwear (7+) – 🩲 Comfy & seamless
- Bras (2–3) – 👙 Regular + one sports option
- Wool socks (5–7) – 🧦 Thermal is best
- Fleece-lined leggings – ❄️ Perfect under skirts or pants
- Winter scarf – 🧣 Chunky knit for warmth
- Leather gloves – 🧤 Warmth meets elegance
- Wool or felt hat – 🎩 Stylish and insulating
💆 Skincare
- Cream cleanser – 🧼 Combat dry winter skin
- Hydrating toner – 💧 Refreshes and balances
- Rich moisturizer – 🧴 Essential in dry cold air
- SPF sunscreen – ☀️ UV rays still strong at altitude
- Makeup remover – 🧽 Travel-size micellar water
- Exfoliator – 🌿 Once or twice weekly
- Eye cream – 👁️ Prevents dryness & puffiness
- Hydrating mist – 💦 Spritz during train rides
- Sheet masks – 🛁 Rehydrate skin overnight
- Lip balm – 💋 Cold weather must-have
- Spot treatment – 🎯 For flare-ups
💄 Makeup
- Moisturizing foundation – 🧴 Dewy finish suits winter
- Concealer – 👁️ Brighten and cover as needed
- Setting powder – 🧂 Small compact version
- Blush – 🌸 Add warmth to cheeks
- Highlighter – ✨ Subtle glow for gray days
- Bronzer – 🌞 Contour + warmth
- Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 Neutrals + festive shimmer
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✏️ For misty days
- Mascara – 👁️ Travel-size preferred
- Brow gel – 🪮 Keeps brows tidy
- Hydrating lipstick – 💄 Deep red or berry tones
- Setting spray – 💨 Lock in all-day looks
- Makeup brushes – 🖌️ Minimal set in travel case
💇 Hair Care
- Mini hairbrush – 💇 Dual-sided is best
- Hair ties + clips – 🧷 For windy lake walks
- Solid shampoo/conditioner – 🚿 Leak-free travel option
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ For busy or cold days
- Heat protectant – 🔥 Use before styling
- Leave-in conditioner – 💁 Softens hair post-shower
- Travel dryer – 💨 Compact and dual voltage
- Flat iron or curler – 🌀 Small styling tools
- Serum or oil – ✨ Prevent frizz in cold air
- Hair accessories – 🎀 Elevate simple styles
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof ankle boots – 👢 Warm + walkable
- Leather sneakers – 👟 Casual and stylish
- Heeled boots – 👠 For elegant dinners
- Wool slippers – 🥿 Cozy for indoors
- Umbrella – ☔ Compact and strong
- Wool fedora or beanie – 🎩 Winter-ready headwear
- Touchscreen gloves – 🧤 Text without freezing
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ Glare off snow and water
- Simple jewelry – 💍 Classy and low-fuss
- Watch – ⌚ Analog or digital
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Secure and sleek
- Evening clutch – 💼 Understated elegance
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 Mandatory for non-EU travelers
- Visa (if needed) – 🧾 Schengen zone rules
- Travel insurance – 🩺 Crucial for peace of mind
- Train tickets or passes – 🚆 Print or save offline
- Accommodation confirmations – 🏨 Save on your phone
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 Use tap-to-pay where possible
- Cash – 💶 Some small shops prefer it
- Emergency numbers – 📱 Have them saved
- Offline map or app – 🗺️ Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable
- Notebook + pen – 📝 Travel notes or language tips
- Wallet – 👛 With RFID protection
- Valuables – 💎 Pack minimally and securely
🚑 First Aid
- Adhesive bandages – 🩹 For any blisters
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧼 Clean cuts or hands
- Gauze + tape – 🩺 Lightweight medical basics
- Mini scissors + tweezers – ✂️ TSA-approved
- Thermometer – 🌡️ Useful in flu season
- Cotton pads + swabs – 🧽 Gentle and compact
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – 💊 Bring enough for full trip
- Painkillers – 🤕 Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Cold + flu tablets – 🤒 Just in case
- Allergy relief – 🌿 Useful in dry indoor air
- Vitamins – 🍊 Keep immunity strong
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 Travel-sized preferred
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 Always needed
- Wet wipes – 🧻 Refresh hands or surfaces
- Bug repellent – 🦟 Optional in winter
- Contraceptives – 🔒 Travel responsibly
- Contact lenses + solution – 👓 Don’t forget a spare
- Mirror – 🪞 Small, light, and handy
- Toothbrush/paste – 🪥 Essentials only
- Floss – 🧵 Dental hygiene basic
- Deodorant – 🧼 Keep fresh all day
- Razor – 🪒 Pack a travel case
- Nail clippers/file – 💅 Tame winter chips
- Perfume – 🌹 Small bottle or rollerball
- Tissues – 🤧 Pocket packs for cold air sniffles
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 With local SIM or roaming
- Tablet or Kindle – 📚 For books or streaming
- Camera – 📸 Capture dreamy lakeside scenes
- Charging cables – 🔌 Bring backups
- Power bank – 🔋 Must-have for all-day outings
- EU adapter – 🔌 Italy uses type C/F plugs
- External hard drive/cloud storage – 💾 Backup photos
- Offline apps + maps – 🗺️ Use without Wi-Fi
- SIM/eSIM – 📶 Stay connected easily
- Bluetooth earbuds – 🎧 Compact and efficient
- Waterproof case – 💦 For winter weather
🎧 Entertainment
- Kindle or books – 📖 For quiet lakeside evenings
- Downloaded movies/shows – 🎬 No Wi-Fi, no problem
- Curated music playlist – 🎵 Pair with lake views
- Journal or sketchbook – ✍️ Document your trip
- Card games – 🃏 Ideal for cozy nights in
- Travel magazine – 📰 Relaxation reads
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 For train or ferry rides
- Reusable water bottle – 💧 Stay hydrated
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ Pick up Italian goods
- Mini detergent – 🧴 Hand wash thermals
- Sewing kit – 🧵 Handle fashion emergencies
- Whistle – 📢 Just for safety
- Lint roller – 🧼 Stay tidy in darker clothes
- Foot hammock – 🦶 For plane comfort
- Shoe deodorizers – 👃 Keep boots fresh
- Melatonin – 🌙 Jet lag helper
🌍 Travel Tips
- Confirm ferry schedules – ⛴️ Reduced in winter
- Train routes: Milan–Como – 🚆 Easy access
- Save offline maps – 📱 Wi-Fi is spotty
- Layer arrival outfit – 🧣 Be ready for outdoor exposure
- Keep documents in your day bag – 📂 For hotels and tickets
- Notify your bank – 🏦 Avoid transaction blocks
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check Schengen entry rules – 🛃 Especially if transiting
- Print hotel bookings – 🏨 Show at customs if needed
- Bring passport photos – 📷 For visa-related issues
- Proof of return ticket – ✈️ Can be requested
- Customs declaration knowledge – 🧾 Especially for wine or food gifts
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – 🛂 Always with you
- Insurance documents – 🩺 Carry digital & paper
- Emergency contacts – 📱 Save offline
- Cards + backup cash – 💳 Euros essential
- Phone + adapter – 📱 EU plug format
- Daily medications – 💊 Don’t rely on local pharmacies
- Offline maps/apps – 🗺️ For exploring
- Confirmed reservations – 🏨 Easy check-ins
- Day bag – 🎒 For outings around the lake
- Water bottle – 💧 Hydration is key
👍 Good-to-Have
- Electrolyte packs – 🚰 Especially for altitude sickness
- Travel steamer – 👔 For wool coats
- Eye mask – 😴 Sleep better on the go
- Noise-canceling earbuds – 🎧 For train peace
- Blanket scarf – 🧣 Fashion + function
- Neck pillow – 🛏️ Travel comfort
- Luggage tag – 🏷️ With your contact info
- eSIM or SIM – 📶 Save roaming costs
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ Shopping in Como is a must
