May is an excellent time to visit Lake Garda. The resorts are open and operational, the landscape is lush, and temperatures are warm enough for lake walks and outdoor lunches without the intense heat and crowds of July and August. For families and couples looking for an Italian lake holiday at a civilised pace, May is near perfect.

Weather

Temperatures range from 15°C to 24°C in May, with long sunny days becoming more reliable through the month. Rain is possible, particularly in the evenings, and the northern end of the lake around Riva del Garda can be cooler and windier than the south. The lake water is too cold for most swimmers in May, typically around 15°C to 17°C, but the setting more than compensates. Pack light layers for evenings.

Crowds and Prices

May is busy but significantly below peak summer levels. Accommodation prices are lower than in July and August, sometimes considerably so. The resort towns, Sirmione, Limone, Gardone Riviera, are open and functioning but not packed to capacity. Ferry services between towns run on their full summer schedule from late April, making it easy to explore the lake by water.

What's On

1 May is a public holiday in Italy. Most tourist businesses stay open, but some local shops close. It has a relaxed, local holiday feel that sits nicely with the lake's pace.

The Garda Running Cup and various cycling events take place around the lake in spring, and it's one of the most popular regions in Italy for road cycling. If you're visiting around a major cycling event, expect accommodation near Riva del Garda to fill up.

Italian gardens, including the Vittoriale degli Italiani at Gardone and the Giardino Sigurtà near the south end of the lake, are at their most spectacular in May.

One Thing to Watch

May is also popular with German and Northern European tourists, particularly cyclists and hikers who come specifically for the sport-friendly conditions. The northern part of the lake around Riva del Garda can feel more like a sports resort than an Italian destination in spring. If you want the classic Italian lake experience, the southern end around Sirmione and Bardolino tends to be more leisurely.

Lake Garda is large enough that you need to choose your base carefully. The north and south offer quite different experiences.