What to wear and bring on a November Lake Como boat tour
2 November 2026 · 4 min read
Why the boat feels cooler than the shore
A November day in Como can feel mild in a sheltered street and noticeably cooler once the boat is moving. Air passing over the open deck, a breeze across the water and time spent sitting still all make the temperature feel lower than the number in your weather app. Nobody can promise a calm or sunny day in advance, so the aim of this list is simple: dress so that you can enjoy the hour or two on the water whatever the conditions turn out to be, and adjust easily if the sun comes out.
Layers that work on the water
Think in three layers rather than one heavy coat. Start with a thin base layer that is comfortable against the skin, add a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or a light down jacket, and finish with a windproof outer layer you can zip up when the boat picks up speed. Layers let you open up when the sun reaches the deck and close up again in the shade of the mountains. Choose clothes you can sit in comfortably for the whole tour and that you do not mind getting a little lake spray on. Leave long trailing scarves or loose hats that could blow away at home, or make sure they can be secured.
Shoes, hands and head
Wear closed shoes with soles that grip on a wet surface. A pier or deck can be damp in the morning or after rain, and you will step from the landing onto the boat. Avoid high heels and smooth leather soles. Thin gloves and a hat that covers the ears make a large difference to comfort for very little space in a bag. Sunglasses are worth bringing even in November: low autumn light reflects strongly off the water.
What to keep in a small bag
Keep your bag compact so it is easy to carry on board and stow at your feet. Useful items are a phone with enough charge for photos, a power bank, tissues, lip balm, any personal medication you might need and a bottle of water if you prefer your own. Bring your booking reference so it is easy to find on arrival. A large suitcase is not a sightseeing accessory; if you are travelling with luggage that day, mention it before booking rather than assuming there is room for it on board.
Planning around shorter days
Days are shorter in November, and light fades earlier than many summer visitors expect. Instead of relying on a fixed sunset time from an old article, check the forecast and sunset time for your exact date shortly before choosing a departure. The booking page shows the departures that are actually free for your chosen tour, together with the time you will be back, so you can see whether you will return in daylight or in the evening. Leave a little margin to reach the pier calmly, especially if you are walking from a station or hotel in Como.
Choose a tour and see its free times →If warmth is essential, ask before paying
Our Venetian-style wooden boat has a heated enclosed cabin as well as the open cockpit. The cabin is available on request and depends on which boat is available and on the weather on the day, so it is not guaranteed for every booking. If an enclosed, heated space is essential for someone in your group, contact us and ask for confirmation before paying. Our winter tour page explains the cooler-season options in more detail, and the FAQ covers what happens if the weather is unsafe.
Read about the private winter boat tour →Read the booking and weather FAQ →Packed and ready? Choose your tour and a free time
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