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Villa Melzi and the lakefront at Bellagio on Lake ComoThe Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne

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Lake Como vs Lucerne: which is better, and when to go

Lake Como is at its best in September and Lucerne in September. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Lake Como and Lucerne

At a glance

Lake ComoLucerne
Best monthSeptember (7.4/10)September (7.3/10)
Warmest monthJuly, 30°CJuly, 25°C
Coolest monthJanuary, 6°CJanuary, 4°C
Quietest monthJanuary (Very Low)November (Low)
Busiest monthAugust (Very High)July (Very High)
Cheapest monthJanuary (€€)November ($$$)

Which one should you choose?

Choose Lake Como for

  • a milder coolest month (January highs around 6°C, against 4°C)
  • lower prices across the year on average
Lake Como month by month

Choose Lucerne for

  • a gentler warmest month (July highs around 25°C, against 30°C)
  • more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Lucerne month by month

Little difference between them in: crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets.

Month by month

Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.

MonthLake ComoLucerneAhead
January6°C · Very Low · €€4°C · Low-Moderate · $$$$Close
February8°C · Very Low · €€6°C · Moderate · $$$$Lake Como
March13°C · Low · €€11°C · Low-Moderate · $$$$Lake Como
April17°C · Moderate · €€€15°C · Moderate · $$$$Close
May23°C · Moderate-High · €€€19°C · Moderate-High · $$$$Close
June27°C · High · €€€€23°C · High · $$$$$Close
July30°C · Very High · €€€€€25°C · Very High · $$$$$Lucerne
August29°C · Very High · €€€€€24°C · High · $$$$$Lucerne
September23°C · Moderate-High · €€€€20°C · Moderate · $$$$Close
October19°C · Low-Moderate · €€€14°C · Low-Moderate · $$$$Close
November12°C · Very Low · €€8°C · Low · $$$Close
December9°C · Low-Moderate · €€€4°C · Moderate-High · $$$$Close

FAQ

Lake Como or Lucerne?

Is Lake Como or Lucerne better?

Both are at their best in September, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.

When is the best time to visit Lake Como and Lucerne?

Lake Como: September. Lucerne: September.

Which is cheaper, Lake Como or Lucerne?

Lake Como is cheaper on average across the year.