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Riva del Garda climate data

Riva del Garda, nestled at the northern tip of Lake Garda, features a temperate climate with warm, sunny summers and cold, humid winters. The town experiences significant rainfall year-round, lush green landscapes, and frequent breezes. With long daylight hours in summer and a dramatic mountain backdrop, Riva del Garda is a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Riva del Garda, Italy
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: April, Oct.
Crowdedness: 6 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Windsurfing and sailing are best April to October, with the Pelèr wind in the morning and the Ora in the afternoon
Many hotels, campsites and restaurants close roughly November to March
Ferries run year-round, with far fewer sailings November to March

The climate of Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda’s climate is classified as oceanic, influenced by both the surrounding Alps and Lake Garda. Summers (June–August) are warm and lively, with average daytime highs of 23–28°C and nighttime lows of 12–16°C. July is typically the hottest month, reaching up to 28°C, while the lake moderates temperature extremes. Summer brings long daylight hours – up to 16 hours in June – and 7–8 hours of sunshine daily. The UV index is high, so sun protection is essential. Rainfall is frequent even in summer, with July and August each seeing 9–14 rainy days and up to 187 mm of precipitation. Showers are often brief, and humidity is moderate, making for lush scenery and comfortable evenings. Winds are generally gentle, with light breezes ideal for sailing and windsurfing.

Winters (December–February) are cold and humid, with average highs of 4–8°C and lows often dropping below freezing. Snow and rain are common, especially in December and January, though snow rarely lingers. The mountains may be snow-capped, adding to the picturesque winter scenery. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with rapidly changing weather, mild to cool temperatures (10–21°C), and increased rainfall in autumn. Annual precipitation is high, averaging 1,400–1,600 mm, and the area enjoys nearly 3,800 hours of sunshine per year. Winds are typically gentle but can pick up during storms, especially in spring and autumn. The lake’s microclimate makes Riva del Garda milder than many alpine towns, with clear, crisp days in winter and refreshing breezes in summer.

Average climate data for Riva del Garda, Italy
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average maximum temperature (°C) 3 4 8 12 16 20 22 22 18 13 8 4 22
Average minimum temperature (°C) -3 -2 1 5 7 12 13 14 10 7 3 -2 -3
Average precipitation (mm) 43 68 82 112 145 172 162 165 99 109 134 60 1,351
Average rainfall days (days) 6 7 15 21 25 27 27 24 21 15 15 7 211
Average snowfall (mm) 225 342 293 32 14 0 0 0 0 14 103 190 1,213
Average snowfall days (days) 11 12 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 42
Average relative humidity (%) 77 79 78 79 79 79 78 79 79 78 81 74 78
Average wind speed (km/h) 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 7
Average daily daylight hours (h) 9 10 11 13 15 15 15 14 12 10 9 8 12
Average daily sunshine hours (h) 6 5 7 9 9 10 11 10 9 6 5 6 8
Average cloud coverage (%) 34 43 41 41 39 32 28 27 31 36 44 31 36
Average UV index 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 4 4 2 2 2 3

Travel info

  • Spring (March–May): Cool to mild, with highs from 10–21°C. Rain showers are common, especially in March and April. Ideal for hiking, cycling, and fewer crowds – bring layers and a rain jacket.
  • Summer (June–August): Warm, sunny, and lively, with highs of 23–28°C. Frequent brief showers and high UV – perfect for water sports and outdoor dining. Pack sun protection, light clothing, and be ready for sudden rain.
  • Autumn (September–November): Pleasant in September (up to 25°C), cooling to 10°C by November. Rainfall increases, especially in October and November. Early autumn is great for outdoor activities and wine festivals.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold and humid, with highs of 4–8°C and lows below freezing. Occasional snow and rain – dress warmly and enjoy quieter lakeside walks and mountain views.
  • General tips: Weather is changeable – dress in layers and carry rain gear year-round. Summer is peak season; book early. Evenings can be breezy, especially by the lake. The UV index is high in summer – use sun protection.

The best time to visit Riva del Garda

The best time to visit Riva del Garda is from late May to September, when temperatures are warmest, days are longest, and the lake is ideal for swimming, sailing, and outdoor activities. Early autumn (September) offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant local events, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

The worst time to visit Riva del Garda

The least favourable time to visit Riva del Garda is in November, when rainfall is at its peak, days are shortest, and the weather is often wet and grey. Winters (December–February) are cold and damp, with occasional snow and limited sunshine, but the town remains peaceful for those seeking a quiet escape.

Frequently asked questions

What is the climate like in Riva del Garda year-round?

Riva del Garda has a temperate, oceanic climate with warm, sunny summers and cold, humid winters. Rain falls year-round, with the wettest months in late spring and autumn. The lake and mountains create a unique microclimate.

When is the best time to visit Riva del Garda?

The best time to visit is from late May to September, when temperatures are warm, days are long, and the lake is perfect for swimming, sailing, and hiking. Early autumn is also pleasant with fewer crowds.

Does it rain a lot in Riva del Garda?

Yes, Riva del Garda receives significant rainfall year-round, averaging 1,400–1,600 mm annually. July and August are wet but warm, while November is typically the rainiest month. Showers are often brief, followed by sunshine.

How hot does it get in Riva del Garda during summer?

Summer highs in Riva del Garda typically reach 23–28°C, with July and August being the hottest months. The lake moderates extreme heat, and evenings are comfortable thanks to gentle breezes.

Is the lake warm enough for swimming?

Lake Garda is warmest from late June to early September, with water temperatures reaching 20–23°C. Swimming is comfortable in summer, but the water can feel cool in spring and autumn due to mountain snowmelt.

What should I pack for a trip to Riva del Garda?

Bring light, breathable clothing, swimwear, and sun protection for summer. In spring and autumn, pack layers and a rain jacket. Winters require warm clothes and waterproof boots for cold, damp weather.

Is Riva del Garda windy?

Riva del Garda is known for gentle breezes, especially in summer, which are ideal for sailing and windsurfing. Winds are generally light but can pick up during storms or in spring and autumn.

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Riva del Garda

The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (22.4 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (2.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 12.7 °C.

The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (13.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-2.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 5.5 °C.

Rainfall amount in Riva del Garda

The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (171.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (42.6 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,350.7 mm of rainfall on average.

Rainfall days in Riva del Garda

The month with the most days of rain is July (27.2 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (5.9 days). Over the whole year there are 210.8 days of rain on average.

Snowfall amount in Riva del Garda

The month with the most snowfall is February (342.3 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,212.6 mm of snowfall on average.

Snowfall days in Riva del Garda

The month with the most days of snowfall is February (11.7 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June, July and August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 41.9 days of snowfall on average.

Relative humidity in Riva del Garda

The month with the highest average relative humidity is November (81.2 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is December (74.1 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 78.4 %.

Wind speed in Riva del Garda

The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (7.3 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is October (6 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 6.6 km/h.

Cloud coverage in Riva del Garda

The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is November (43.7 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (27.5 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 35.6 %.

Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Riva del Garda

The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.

The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 11 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is February (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 7.7 h of sunlight per day on average.

UV index in Riva del Garda

The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, October, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.2.

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