Climate Lombardy
The climate of the Italian Lakes region is highly variable, changing within a 50 km radius according to altitude and exposure. Continental on the plains around Milan and Bergamo (hot in summer, cold and foggy in winter, rainy in autumn and spring), it becomes mild and dry in the hills and particularly temperate on the shores of the lakes, enabling the cultivation of olive, palm and citrus trees. Winter temperatures around Stresa and Desenzano del Garda rarely drop below 5°C, and never exceed 30°C in summer. On the other hand, the higher you climb, the more mountainous the climate becomes, with extreme cold and heavy snowfalls in winter. The landscape, with its snow-capped peaks reflected in the waters of the lakes, is still very picturesque. And, increasingly, the end of winter is mild enough to offer beautiful sunny days from February onwards.
A micro-climate
The Italian Lakes region has the advantage of exceptional climatic conditions. The climate here is extraordinarily temperate, thanks to the Alps, which protect the region from cold northerly winds. Temperatures are so mild throughout the year that the climate, often described as Mediterranean, favors the cultivation of citrus and olive trees and the creation of lush gardens. From a meteorological point of view, it's important to remember that bodies of water influence the climate. Water absorbs and releases heat much more slowly than land, for example. As water is colder than air in summer and warmer in winter, it moderates heat, notably through a lake breeze effect.
The winds
What's more, the larger lakes, such as Lugano, Garda, Como and Maggiore, boast winds that offer sailing enthusiasts a wealth of opportunities!
On Lake Como, for example, the two most common winds are the Breva and the Tivano.
The Tivano is the wind that arrives early in the morning, generally from north to east. It is said to be periodic and punctual, whereas the Breva is the afternoon wind, which comes from the south.
On Lake Garda, the Peler wind blows from the north, from midnight until around noon. It tends to strengthen with sunrise and rising temperatures. When the latter stops, Ora takes over. This is a valley breeze that descends from the Po plain and lasts until mid-afternoon. The Ponal, a strong summer wind, can also be encountered. In winter, it's the Bali wind, cold and coming from the north..
Milan and global warming
The year 2023 was marked in Milan by particularly high temperatures. It recorded its hottest day since 1763 - that's 260 years - with an average temperature of 33°C recorded on August 23, 2023 (and 40°C in several Lombardy cities).
By 2030, the city of Milan has decided to plant 3 million trees throughout the city. This is to be done progressively, with an average of 100,000 trees per year, with a target of 2 million by 2026, the year of the Transalpine Winter Olympics. The architect behind the project, Stefano Boeri, is keen to combat global warming: "Just think: three million new trees means five million fewer tonnes ofCO2, which is 80% of what the city produces. That means thousands and thousands of tons less of fine particles.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, a ski resort in the Dolomites.
