A switching converter for power factor correction which has-input terminals, an inductive storage element coupled to the input terminals, a rectifier arrangement, a control arrangement, and a damping circuit. The rectifier arrangement is connected to the inductive storage element and has output terminals for providing an output voltage. The control arrangement is configured to control a current drawn by the inductive storage element. The control arrangement is also configured to magnetize the inductive storage element during an actuation period for a magnetization time, demagnetize it for a demagnetization time, and wait a waiting time before a subsequent magnetization time. The damping circuit is coupled to the inductive storage element, and is configured to be activated and deactivated dependent at least in part on a magnetization state of the inductive storage element.