Lake Como and Lucerne are close in January. Lake Como averages -2–6°C with very low crowds; Lucerne -2–4°C with low-moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Lake Como and Lucerne
The verdict for January
Quiet and misty
+Calm lake, empty promenades and low prices.
–Cold, and many hotels and ferries are reduced.
January is the quietest month by the lake. Many hotels and restaurants are closed, but towns such as Como and Lecco stay lively.
Snow on the Alps, empty lake
+Quiet streets and snowy Pilatus views.
–Cold and often grey in the valley.
January is quiet in Lucerne: low crowds, cosy cafés and snow on the peaks. Fog can hide the lake, so mountain trips above the cloud are rewarding.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month