Riva del Garda Weather

Weather in the lakeside town of Riva del Garda is pretty dependable and predictable with clearly defined seasons to help you decide the best time of year for your visit. The weather systems are influenced by the combined effects of the surrounding mountains and the vast Lake Garda. The lake acts as an enormous solar panel and the mountains trap the heat creating a Mediterranean type climate in Northern Italy. You can even expect to spot the odd olive or lemon tree.

 

Spring time in Riva del Garda is expected to be quite wet. This short rainy season accounts for the lush vegetation found in the area, but it soon passes and the summers are long and dry. From April you can expect around six hours of sunshine in the area going up to an average of 10 hours a day in July and August and temperatures of up to 30C. As well as this wonderfully settled summer sunshine, you will find perfect winds for the water sports for which Lake Garda is so renowned. The winds around Riva del Garda and the northern part of the lake are generally the best with northerly ‘Peler’ blowing first thing in the morning and the southerly ‘Ora’ blowing through the afternoon. The lake itself is fed by the melting snow from the surrounding mountains so is freezing during the winter months but heats up quickly and by August the water temperature is perfect.

 

You can expect to see rain again in the autumn but this clears the way for dry but chilly winters. Although reasonably cold, you will very rarely see the temperature drop below freezing meaning that the climate remains comfortable for activities such as walking and biking. Because of its serene climate, Riva del Garda is a popular family holiday destination so be aware that July and August can be very busy but will have a lovely holiday buzz.