Lago di Monate Lake

Small Lombardy lake noted for clear waters

A small Lombardy lake near Varese offering walking paths, swimming spots and local cafés; Lago di Monate suits short day trips and relaxed lakeside meals.

Main image

Lago di Monate at a Glance#

About Lago di Monate#

Lago di Monate is a small freshwater lake in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, located in the Province of Varese. It functions primarily as a local recreational and natural area for nearby towns.

People visit for short walks, lakeside bathing and small-boat activity; the shoreline has a number of modest beaches and park areas. Birdwatching and quiet outdoor recreation are common due to the lake’s compact size and accessible paths.

The lake and surrounding settlements have evolved through centuries of local rural use and more recent recreational development; there is no single major historic event tied to the lake.

The lake lies in the Varese area of Lombardy, surrounded by small towns and agricultural land and within easy driving distance of the provincial urban centres of the region.

  • Recreation: A small lowland lake in the Varese area with public bathing spots and short walking routes around the shore.
  • Setting: Surrounded by small towns and agricultural land, it is a locally managed recreational resource rather than a large alpine lake.

How to Get to Lago di Monate#

Lago di Monate is near the town of Cadrezzate, about a 40-50 minute drive northwest of Milan or 20 minutes from Varese. Regional trains serve Gallarate and Varese; from there local buses or a short taxi ride reach the lake.

Tips for Visiting Lago di Monate#

  • Walk the circular path around the lake to get different perspectives - the eastern shore has the quietest spots.
  • Arrive midweek in spring for near-solitude; weekends attract local families.
  • Try traditional Lombard dishes in nearby towns - small trattorie serve simple, seasonal plates.

Best Time to Visit Lago di Monate#

Best in late spring through summer for mild weather and relaxed lakeside activities; shoulder seasons are quieter.

Spring/Summer (April-August)
Apr-Aug · 12-26°C (54-79°F)
Pleasant for walking and lakeside picnics; the water warms by July.
Autumn (September-October)
Sep-Oct · 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Cooler, quieter, and pleasant for photography.

Weather & Climate near Lago di Monate#

Climate

Lago di Monate's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1183 mm/year), wettest in May.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -3° - 6° 2° 70 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.0 m/s 0.1 low 9.0h
February Poor -2° - 8° 3° 70 mm partly cloudy 74% 1.1 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
March Acceptable 2° - 13° 7° 97 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.8h
April Good 5° - 16° 11° 109 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.7 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.4h
May Good 10° - 20° 15° 143 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.5 m/s 1.4 high 14.7h
June Very Good 13° - 24° 19° 116 mm partly cloudy 71% 1.4 m/s 1.7 very high 15.4h
July Excellent 16° - 27° 22° 82 mm some cloud 69% 1.4 m/s 1.8 very high 15.1h
August Very Good 15° - 27° 21° 111 mm some cloud 70% 1.2 m/s 1.5 high 13.9h
September Very Good 12° - 22° 17° 107 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.1 m/s 1.0 moderate 12.4h
October Good 7° - 16° 12° 120 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.0 m/s 0.5 low 10.8h
November Acceptable 1° - 10° 6° 101 mm partly cloudy 79% 1.0 m/s 0.2 low 9.4h
December Poor -2° - 7° 2° 57 mm partly cloudy 75% 0.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.6h

Nearby Attractions to Lago di Monate#