Bréva and Tivàn
Mrs. BREVA and Mr. TIVANO
The winds of Lake Como
Winds also have a name on Lake Como!
Bréva e Tivàn, Bréva e Tivàn,
La vela la se sgùnfia e’l timòn l’è in’di mann,
Valteléna ciàra e Valteléna scüra,
L’è una partida a dama cun’t el cieel che fa pagüra…….
Sung by local artist David Van de Sfroos in the famous song Bréva and Tivàn
Bréva and Tivàn
Do we want to know more closely who are Mrs. Breva and Mr. Tivano?
What happens when the Breva and the Tivano blow?
Our grandparents have handed down to us that Breva and Tivano interact with the water of Lake Como. Fishermen. Sailing or surfing lovers. Those who venture with their own boat. As well as hydrofoil or boat on our lake know this well
Mr. Tivano
The Tivano, a highly predictable and steady wind, blows year-round and is typically felt in the early morning hours. This wind flows down from the mountains of Valtellina, moving from the north or northeast. When the Tivano appears, it signals fair weather, giving an optimistic start to the day. Conversely, when the Tivano is absent, locals take it as a sure sign that stormy or bad weather is on the horizon.
Mrs Breva: The Afternoon Breeze and the “Late Bride”
In contrast, the Breva wind arrives later in the day, as a shifting breeze coming from the south. Known as the “late bride,” it often appears in the early afternoon, gently flowing across the lake’s waters. This wind brings a refreshing change and is welcomed by those engaging in afternoon activities on the water. In spring and summer, Breva’s arrival is especially appreciated, as it cools the warm air and creates ideal conditions for sailing and other water sports.
How the Tivano and Breva Affect Lake Como
These winds do more than bring fair or stormy weather; they shape the experience of life on Lake Como. For fishermen, they indicate the best times to venture out. For sailors and surfers, they determine the ideal conditions for speed and stability on the water. Additionally, each wind holds cultural significance, a natural rhythm that adds to Lake Como’s unique charm. The combination of Tivano and Breva transforms a simple day on the lake into a moment of connection with tradition, nature, and the powerful forces that define this region.
In summary
Tivano and Breva winds are much more than atmospheric phenomena—they are essential elements of Lake Como’s identity. Their predictable patterns and unique qualities provide guidance, rhythm, and even excitement for locals and visitors alike, creating a deep and lasting connection with the lake and its ever-changing landscape.
«A cold breeze blew over the lake,
furious to want to chase the heavy gray clouds
over the dark peaks of the mountains»
Antonio Fogazzaro in The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico
Among the Larian winds, Breva is perhaps the favorite, with a changeable character, the one that goes best with the particular atmosphere, sometimes fairytale, sometimes melancholic of our Lake Como.
It is a periodic thermal wind characteristic of the Lake Como area that blows with constant force, sometimes even very strong, especially in the afternoon, sometimes dry, sometimes humid. Its trend from south to north and usually brings good weather.
This wind, present especially in the period between March and September, is well known to sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts; in the morning it sails with the morning Tivano, blowing towards the south and often at the fall of this, around 11 o’clock, the Breva appears which generally blows for the rest of the day. It goes up the currents of the lake, wrapping everything and relaxing on its surface. At first moderate, he stops a little, and finally makes his whistle heard.
In the upper lake, a warning sign of the incoming Breva may be the mist present in the distant branch of Lecco. The absence of haze denotes absence of Breva, little haze indicates an imminent light Breva, intense haze is a sure indication of Brévun (‘Big Breva’)
Curiosity
The motorcycle company Guzzi, based on the banks of the Lario, has given this wind its name to some of its motorcycle models, including the Breva 750 and the Breva 850-1100-1200
Be careful!
Lake Como, in particular the part that goes up from Bellagio and Menaggio up to Domaso and Colico is particularly appreciated for lovers of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
On the Lario, in fact, in clear weather, two lake breezes blow regularly: the Breva and the Tivano, winds normally among the most gentle and sunny that alternate on the lake during the year.
Let’s not forget, however, that the lake is not easy and can reserve surprises; from a relatively calm situation you can suddenly switch to a strong wind with rough and stormy waters, as well as from a fast navigation with a good wind you can switch to total calm and remain for almost hours in the middle of the lake.
For example, particular attention to Menaggino, impetuous and stormy wind that takes its name from Menaggio. It comes from the west, accompanying the storm disturbances that come from the direction of Lugano Porlezza and reach Lake Como.
A beating heart for Como Lake!
Pure emotions! We love it!
This is Lake Como