The Best Time to Visit Venice

See Also

• Venice – Best Places to Remain
• Best Hotels in Venice
• Best Hotels for Families in Venice

When is the best time to visit Venice?

My preferred season to visit the city of Venice is during the months of April, May, September, and October when the weather is warm but not excessively hot. I aim to avoid touring in August when conditions are sultry and humid, as many locals depart the city for their month-long vacation. Winter offers the advantage of smaller crowds, aside from Carnival period, despite the risk of rainfall increasing, though usually not enough to prohibit sightseeing.

• Prime Period for Sightseeing: The mid-spring season, particularly the initial half of May, offers the most desirable time to appreciate sights in Venice. The chill of winter has lifted and the sun makes a daily appearance, while temperatures are pleasantly warm. Tourist services are fully operational, yet you’re unlikely to encounter large crowds. Unless your goal is to spend your days on the beach, there is truly no downside to visiting in May. If going in May is not feasible, the latter half of September presents your next best choice, with the crowds of summer starting to thin out, and temperatures cooling somewhat. August can arguably be the worst time for sightseeing in Venice, with suffocating heat and high humidity, lots of insects and plenty of sweaty tourists to contend with. No matter what time of year you’re in Venice, visiting the most popular spots like St. Mark’s Square, is best enjoyed during the early morning hours. Not only will you have the best chance of being at the front of the line for places like the Basilica and the Campanile, but you can take advantage of the early morning light for especially magical photos.
• Visiting the famous Rialto Bridge market hub is bustling year-round due to tourists. However, the best time is early Friday or Saturday before 9am to see the local fish and vegetable stalls before they wind down after lunch. At this quieter time, you can appreciate the tranquil scene at the historic bridge. The Rialto Market opens Tuesday to Saturday around 7:30am until 1pm, with fruit and veggie vendors open Mondays but seafood stalls closed then.
• Best Timeframe to Partake in Carnivale: Carnivale is considered one of the greatest festivities across all of Italy, but no locale in the country holds it with more magnitude or magnificence than Venice. It occurs here, and in numerous places globally, 40 days prior to Easter, with a culminating social gathering just before Ash Wednesday and Lent. The events usually persist for two or three weeks just ahead of the precise Carnival Day (Shrove Tuesday – the day preceding Ash Wednesday). While numerous events, such as the opulent masquerade balls, necessitate invitations and carry very elevated admission costs, numerous others, like the candlelit procession of watercrafts, concerts and street performances, are complimentary and accessible to the public. If you arrive into Venice mid-week amid the initial week, you may ponder, “why all the hype?” Other than a few low-key events and the skating rink in Campo San Polo, there’s truly not a great deal occurring. But that’s because all of the excitement surfaces on the weekends, and the ultimate weekend specifically. St. Mark’s Square is the focal point, where you’ll observe the most elaborate costumes and masks. On weekdays, the area is generally still enjoyable, and also relatively manageable – on the weekend, visitors flood in and the streets can become very congested. Away from the costumes and all of the masks, the local areas of Venice are still relatively tranquil and peaceful.
• Ideal Timeframe for a Gondola Experience: Gondola rides are feasible year-round, although certain seasons like winter, early spring, or late autumn may offer a more romantic backdrop with decreased boat traffic allowing for a more tranquil experience on the waterways and the option to bundle up against any chill. It crafts a more intimate ride than what is possible in the peak summer months when the waterways are crowded and temperatures soaring. Regardless of when you visit, the specific time of day also impacts the experience. Near sunset or just after dusk tend to be most busy, filling the canals with gondolas searching for that perfect photograph. Opting to journey in the late morning or early afternoon instead may yield fewer crowds and ample daylight for photographs without the expensive high season rates.
• Peak Season (June through August): The hottest period of the year in Venice is considered its busiest time. During these summertime months, tourists crowd even the most expensive gondolas and lodging establishments charge their highest prices. While this season brings sweltering heat and insects, a summer trip may be preferable if timing is a constraint, or one simply enjoys the lively atmosphere with extended days allowing abundant sunshine. Summer temperatures in Venice are more moderate than inland cities experiencing intense heat, and air conditioning in most hotels provides relief from the warmth, if not full comfort.
• Shoulder Season (March through May, September through November): The shoulder season in Venice falls in the spring and autumn months, both beautiful times of the year to be in the City of Canals. In the spring, Venice thaws out, with temperatures rising from the lower 50s in March to the lower 70s in May, and in the fall, the city begins to empty of peak summer crowds, creating a magical atmosphere, though you’re likely to need a coat as November’s temperatures range from the upper 30s to lower 50s.
• Low Season (December through February): Winter represents the low season, which means none of the sweat and stress of the high tourist season, with temperatures averaging in the 30s and 40s. While this time of year certainly has its advantages, with fewer crowds and discounted lodging rates, keep in mind that sights may have shorter hours – many close as early as 5pm – and there will be fewer activities available. February, during Carnevale, is the exception, when rates are high, crowds are vast and there are numerous events to take part in. This season can bring some flooding, particularly at St. Mark’s Square and along Zatteree at the southern edge of Venice, though it’s unlikely to significantly affect sightseeing plans. A number of tobacco shops and a few souvenir shops sell boots that will help keep your feet dry.

Venice Weather by Month

• Weather Conditions in Venice During January: January ordinarily sees cooler weather in Venice, with temperatures commonly hovering around 3°C during the day and potentially dipping below freezing at night. This is the time when Venice`s renowned fog moves in, providing the canals with an otherworldly, sentimental atmosphere. Most days are partly overcast, and rain can be anticipated on on average nine days in January, with approximately 58mm falling altogether. Regularly, there is moderate or light rain for at least some part of the day. While the rainfall isn`t typically enough to confine one indoors, as the weather is rather chilly, layering up, carrying a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf are advisable. As a plus, the cruise ships have long departed, so crowds won`t need to be battled to see sights. (Average Maximum Temperature: 6°C. Average Precipitation: 58mm.)
• Conditions in Venice during February: Temperatures in Venice at this time tend to hover near 5° to 6°C during the day and just above the freezing point of 1°C at night, necessitating warm attire as in January. While the days continue getting longer, now rising to over 9 hours and 45 minutes of sunlight by February 1st and surpassing 11 hours by month`s end, the heavy fog can make things feel rather damp. Rainfall is not significant but, paired with dense fog, may lend an especially evocative air to canal excursions. (Average Maximum Temperature: 8°C. Average Precipitation: 50mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Venice During March: Temperatures are becoming milder this month but it remains fairly cool, requiring a hat, scarf, and coat. Daytime highs typically range from around 8°C to 12°C, dipping to 4°C at night. March is wetter on average, with around 64mm of rainfall over around 12 days usually occurring as moderate rainshowers along with occasional light precipitation and thunderstorms. A raincoat with a hood allows for comfortable movement in this climate. Daylight hours average around 12, with around 12 hours and 46 minutes by March 31 when sunset is just after 7:30pm. (Average Maximum Temperature: 12°C. Average Precipitation: 60mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Venice during April: April brings much more pleasant conditions, though temperatures do not become too warm. It marks the beginning of sunshine in Venice, with open cafes outdoors and many fabulous places to absorb the joyful atmosphere. The average high temperature has risen to 16°C and overnight lows are rather comfortable at 12°C. This month sees around the same amount of rainfall as March, with approximately 64mm falling over an average of 13 days in April, mostly as moderate rain, along with occasional thunderstorms. On most days, light clothing is suitable, though as the weather tends to change regularly, bringing a light jacket with a hood and/or an umbrella is advisable. The days are notably longer than over the winter months, with more than 14 hours of daylight and sunset at 8:17pm on April 30th. (Average Max Temperature: 16°C. Average Precipitation: 60mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Venice During May: May signals the official launch of the tourist period, and temperatures start to climb, with sunshine brightening up the entire city. You`ll begin to notice more insects, along with bigger crowds and sweatier visitors. The average temperature is around 21°C, which implies a light shirt or top and pants or shorts are typical day wear, though you may need a sweater in the evening with temperatures decreasing to 12°C after dark. Pack a swimming suit, as it will likely be warm enough to soak up the sunshine on the beach, or to engage in water activities like jet skiing. There is usually 70mm of rainfall over 11 days in May, regularly arriving as moderate rain or thunderstorms. There is a substantial difference in temperature from May 1 to May 31, with highs averaging around 15°C early in the month, increasing to highs of 23°C by the end of May. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 70mm.)
• Weather circumstances in Venice in June: The visitor period is presently in complete swing – and, so is the heat. Expect hot, brilliant and prolonged days; the longest day is June 20, which brings nearly 16 hours of sunlight. Pack your beach gear, like a bathing suit and sunscreen, alongside t-shirts, shorts and capris. Generally speaking the maximum temperature is 24°C and it doesn’t cool down much at night, with low temps ordinary 16°C. Rainfall this month arises on an average of 12 days, frequently as post-meridian thunderstorms.
• The weather in Venice, Italy during July: July is the warmest month in Venice and the peak of tourist season. Daytime highs average around 28°C while overnight lows only dip to approximately 18°C. Be sure to pack a bathing suit to cool off at beaches such as Lido as well as lightweight clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and sandals for daytime wear and nicer casual outfits for evening activities. Given the high heat and over 15.5 hours of sunshine on July 1st, remember to bring and apply high SPF sunscreen and a hat. Around 63mm of rain typically falls over around 10 days in July, mostly in the form of summer thunderstorms. (Average Maximum Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 63mm.)
• Weather in Venice in August: August in Venice remains quite warm and busy, with the average high dipping one degree to 27°C. You can expect similar conditions at night, with pleasantly warm evenings as the temperature drops to 18°C. Rain increases somewhat to 70mm over nine days, generally as thunderstorms, and there is approximately 14 hours of daylight, with August 31 being the shortest day and sunset just before 8pm. August presents a good time to get out on the water for sailing or rowing to cool off from the intense heat, but if unable, be sure to duck under an umbrella or head indoors during the hottest parts of the day. (Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 70mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Venice during September: Temperatures are gradually decreasing now, reaching an average daily high of 24°C and nightly low of 15°C, while the number of visitors start to decrease. During daylight hours an shirt with short sleeves and pants or even shorts will generally be adequate, though you may need a sweater if a cool breeze blows through. Rain is seldom significant, falling on around nine days on average in September, mostly occurring in the form of thunderstorms followed by light rain. The number of hours of daylight is getting shorter, with less than 12 hours of sunlight by month`s end. (Average Daytime High Temperature: 24°C. Average Monthly Rainfall: 70mm.)
• Weather Conditions in Venice in October: It becomes noticeably cooler in October, and much less busy as the tourist season has concluded. Days are pleasant, usually around 14°C to 16°C, and after sunset, you`ll likely need a sweater or jacket as the temperature falls to an average of 10°C. Expect approximately the same quantity of rain as the prior month, with 70mm coming over 10 days, mostly moderate with the occasional thunderstorm. Daylight is decreasing, to just over 10 hours of sunlight on October 31 and sunset around 5pm. (Average Maximum Temperature: 18°C. Average Precipitation: 70mm.)
• Conditions in Venice during November: The weather is transforming dramatically now, with daytime highs decreasing to typically 11°C and nighttime lows to around 4°C. As this is one of the rainier months in Venice, precipitation increases specifically during the second half of the month, making an umbrella and warm outerwear more advisable. There is rather a large difference in temperature from the beginning to the conclusion of the month, starting out with highs around 10°C, falling three degrees to 7°C by month’s end. Overnight, temperatures hover just a few degrees above freezing point. (Average Daytime High: 11°C. Average Rainfall: 70mm.)
• Venice Weather in December: Considered one of the coldest months of the year in Venice, in December the average temperature regularly only reaches approximately 7°C, and after dark, it often falls close to freezing. One will need to bring cold weather gear, including a warm jacket, heavy sweaters, a hat, gloves and scarves. An umbrella and waterproof shoes or boots are likely to be appreciated too. A heavy fog and mist envelops the city now, producing a haunting landscape along with a chill in the air. The days are shorter now, with the shortest falling in mid-December bringing less than nine hours of daylight and the sun setting at 4:30pm. (Average Max Temperature: 7°C. Average Precipitation: 50mm.)

Venice Events and Festivals by Month

Venice Events in January

• New Year’s Day – New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Italy, and in Venice, most attractions like museums as well as shops, restaurants and other services are closed. Many Venetians celebrate the beginning of the new year by taking a morning dip in the chilly waters offshore from the Lido beach.
• Epiphany/La Befana – This nationwide celebration held yearly on January 6, denotes the twelfth day of Christmas and is one on which Italian children awaken to toys and confections within their shoes, commemorating the arrival of La Befana, a benevolent sorceress. In Venice, it’s also celebrated with a regatta known as La Regatta delle Befane, which highlights men dressed like the sorceress racing boats in the Grand Canal.
• Festival of Saint Anthony the Abbott – This traditional Italian celebration held annually on January 16th and 17th in Venice honors the patron saint of butchers, domestic animals, gravediggers and basket weavers. In Venice, it has historically signified the beginning of Carnival season. The festival commences with a bonfire outside two churches near the square, followed by mass in the morning of the 17th. At the conclusion of mass, onlookers can observe the release of balloons in the piazza representing blessings for all children and animals.
• Post-holiday Discount Period – By law, a sale timeframe starts in January, lasting six to eight weeks. While the date fluctuates yearly, the sales usually commence early in the month, after La Befana, renowned for offering quite good bargains, often with discounts of 25 to 35 percent or even more. Look for signs in shop windows reading SALDI, meaning “sales.”

Venice Events in February

• The Carnival of Venice – Carnival celebrations occur throughout Italy, but Venice is notable for hosting one of the biggest annual events. For two weeks or more following a tradition established in 1162, the city center is transformed into an elaborate outdoor theater with tens of thousands of masked participants attending balls and participating in activities like performances in the streets, juggling, and continual historical plays in central Piazza San Marco. The “grand finale” features a candlelit, silent boat parade along the Grand Canal where hundreds of gondolas float. Travelers from all over the world flock to the city to take in the parades on land and water, food festivals, children’s carnivals and other functions. It takes place 40 days before Easter, with a final gathering before Ash Wednesday and Lent. The festivities normally span two to three weeks prior to carnival day itself, falling on the day preceding Ash Wednesday in accordance with Easter`s date.
• Valentine’s Day – Surprisingly, only recently has Italy started celebrating the feast day of Saint Valentine, or Festa di San Valentino, with tokens of affection like love letters, hearts, and candlelit dinners. You can mark the occasion by taking a gondola ride and sharing a kiss under the famous Bridge of Sights, enjoying two-for-one admission at some of Venice’s museums, or toasting your love with a drink at an outdoors table in Saint Mark’s Square after dark.

Venice Events in March

• Festa della Donna – Women’s Day is yearly celebrated on March 8 throughout Italy, honoring mothers, and all women. On this day, men provide flowers, usually yellow mimosas, to the important women in their lives, and restaurants offer special meals honoring women. Reservations are advised if dining out on this day. Watch for concerts and local events that will be held around Venice and other cities through Italy.
• Festa di San Giuseppe – This is Father’s Day in Italy. The Feast Day of Saint Joseph includes the tradition of children giving gifts to their fathers, and zeppole (a fried dough similar to a doughnut) being consumed.
• Holy Week and Easter – Holy Week, or Easter Week, tends to fall sometime in March or April. It always starts with Palm Sunday, the Sunday ahead of Easter. This is an exceedingly busy period in Venice, with visitors crowding the city more than locals. Since it`s a long weekend, numerous Italians take the chance to depart from town, heading to the countryside, the shoreline, or the mountains. Visitors can enjoy pageants, classical music performances and Easter services during this time. Most major attractions and museums will be open on Easter Sunday and Monday, though many shops and restaurants will be closed.

Venice Events in April

• The Week of Culture – Typically occurring in mid-April, though precise dates aren`t usually announced until just before, this period sees many national museums and sites throughout Italy offer free admission. Some participating venues in Venice include the Accademia, Ca d`Oro, and Archeological Museum, among others.
• Festa di San Marco and Liberation Day – Held annually on April 25, this busy date on the Venetian calendar is an important religious observance of the city’s beloved patron, Saint Mark. He is honored on this day with a gondoliers’ regatta including commemorations of the saint who died on April 25, 68 AD at Saint Mark’s Basilica, and festivities in Saint Mark’s Square. Tradition also includes men gifting their wives or girlfriends the “bocolo,” the bloom of the red rose. The day also marks the anniversary of Italy being liberated at the end of the Second World War.

Venice Events in May

• Labor Day and the Festa della Sparesca – International Workers’ Day, or Labour Day, is a national holiday held each May 1 in many countries. Many residents of Venice leave town for the extended weekend, while those remaining can witness the gondolier regatta known as the Festa della Sparesca held at Cavallino in the surrounding lagoon.
• Festa della Sensa – The Festa della Sensa commemorates Venice`s historic connection to the sea through an elaborate ceremony. It occurs on the first Sunday after Ascension Day (forty days after Easter). Events feature a magnificent sea procession with colourful parade boats representing all the city`s rowing associations following the Serenissima vessel carrying the mayor and patriarch.
• Vogalonga – Held on the weekend following the Sensa festival, Vogalonga is an energizing rowing race including up to 3,000 individuals. The 32-kilometer route traverses from San Marco Basin to the island of Burano and returns through the Grand Canal, concluding at the Punta della Dogana. This is a marvelous occasion to observe, with motorized water traffic ceasing temporarily, allowing the waterway to belong solely to the rowers.

Venice Events in June

• Republic Day, celebrated annually on June 2nd, commemorates when Italy became a Republic in 1946 similar to other nations marking independence. While many establishments like museums and restaurants close for the occasion, some eateries remain open to serve the abundant travelers filling the city throughout high season. Keep an eye out for advertisements publicizing unique events and shows across town as part of the festivities.
• La Biennale – This biennial international exhibition focusing on modern art commences in the month of June in odd-numbered years, running through to November. Sixty days after Easter Sunday, known as Corpus Domini and commemorating the Holy Eucharist, is celebrated by Catholics. In Venice on this day, a lengthy procession traditionally unfolds within and surrounding St. Mark`s Square. This is reputedly the oldest such event in the country, dating back to the year 1317.
• Palio of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics – This traditional boat race filled with medieval pageantry is hosted in Venice every four years. The rotating regatta shifts between Pisa, Genoa, Amalfi and Venice. Prior to the race is a parade, with participants donning medieval attire and marching through the streets.

Venice Events in July

• Festa del Redentore – The largest event in July is the Festa del Redentore, or Festival of the Redeemer, which commemorates the end of an epidemic in 1576. It features fireworks and a rowboat race, while a temporary footbridge created from linked boats connects the mainland to Giudecca, becoming one of Venice`s most famous bridges. The unique celebration garners nationwide renown for its boat processions and elaborate Venetian-style meals hosted at many restaurants prior to the grand pyrotechnic display. Advance dinner reservations must be made as seating is limited.
• Arena di Campo San Polo – Beginning in late July and continuing until the end of August, this open-air cinema contains the largest screen in Venice and shows films that are usually repeats of the blockbusters from the prior season, although a number of premieres are also featured. Most films are in Italian or dubbed into Italian, though around six movies in their original English language version are generally screened.

Venice Events in August

• La Biennale di Venezia – The premier artistic event in Venice is considered one of the most significant art extravaganzas globally. Held biennially in odd-number years throughout the month of August, it includes the International Art Exhibition, International Film Festival and International Architecture Exhibition as well as the Festival of Contemporary Music and International Theatre Festival.
• Ferragosto – Traditionally marking the beginning of the peak summer holidays for most Italians, Ferragosto falls on August 15th to coincide with the religious celebration of Assumption. During this time, local Venetians commonly depart from the city to find respite at beaches or mountains from the heat and mosquitoes brought by summer. While some enterprises close, many remain open to cater for visitors. Fireworks display a substantial part of Ferragosto nationwide, such as in Venice.
• Venice Film Festival – The Venice Film Festival is an annual internationally renowned film festival on Venice Lido that brings out a bevy of stars who grace Venice’s gondolas and red carpets.
• Outdoor Evening Shows and Films – Several squares around Venice host al fresco movie screenings and live performances throughout the month of August, such as Campo San Polo. Check for signs with event details.

Venice Events in September

• Annual rowing contest of historic Venice – One of the most spectacular celebrations in Venice, and the foremost rowing event of the calendar year, underlining the city`s reliance on boats and waterways. Occurring routinely on the first Sunday of September each year, it consists of four separate races and involves numerous kinds of boats, for example the gondola. Groups of gondoliers, some dressed in costumes, race along the primary canal. The occasion is accompanied by significant enthusiasm, food and melodies.
• Celebrazione del Triompho della Croce Festa – Il 14 settembre è un giorno santo contrassegnato annualmente da una processione nella chiesa e la grande scuola (Scuola Grande) di San Giovanni Evangelista nel sestiere di San Polo.

Venice Events in October

• Seasonal operas at La Fenice – Venice’s renowned opera house is an unforgettable place to view an opera, and is highly advised, even for non-opera fans.
• Venice Marathon – Every fourth Sunday in October, this internationally recognized race starts on the mainland and finishes in St. Mark’s Square.
• Halloween – Even though Halloween isn’t an Italian holiday, it’s become progressively popular in recent years, particularly among youthful adults. Many of the shop windows feature Halloween decor, and nightclubs, bars and restaurants on the Lido host Halloween costume parties.

Venice Events in November

• All Saints Day – November 1 is a public holiday in Italy. On this day, Italians recall their deceased loved ones by visiting cemeteries and graves. In Venice, families traditionally crossed a pontoon bridge to the island cemetery of San Michele and placed flowers on the graves of relatives they revered or respected. Today, they make the trip by vaporetto or water taxi to honor the dead and maintain contact with the loved ones they expect to see in the hereafter.
• Festa di San Martino – Each year on November 11, children equipped with their mothers’ pots and cutlery create an uproar around Venice, chanting the saint’s praises and demanding treats in exchange for taking the noise elsewhere.
• Celebration of Health Festival – The festival honoring health is held annually on November 21. The day commemorates the plague that severely impacted much of the city’s population, when a third of Venetians died from a plague that occurred in the early 17th century. Participants express gratitude at the church of the Madonna della Salute in the Dorsoduro sesteire, which was built by survivors. City workers extend a walkway constructed on floating boats across the Grand Canal which leads from the San Marco quarter to the steps of the church where the main doors are opened, as they are only once a year and have been for nearly four centuries, to welcome the masses for mass.

Venice Events in December

• Venice celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah in the city`s Ghetto neighborhood, which was Europe`s first segregated Jewish community. Visitors can witness the lighting of the Menorah candelabra, sample kosher cuisine, and partake in various Hanukkah festivities.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception – On December 8th, Catholic believers celebrate the day of the Virgin Mary’s conception of Jesus. This is a national holiday which means many operations may be closed.

In the Christmas Market that is located in Campo Santo Stefano from mid-December to mid-January, visitors can find stalls full of exquisite Venetian handicrafts including nativity scenes, toys for children, and seasonal treats for tasting. Live music is also provided as entertainment for those attending the festive gathering

• Christmas Eve/Christmas Day – Residents of Venice celebrate Christmas Eve with a multi-course seafood dinner, and many follow the meal with a midnight Mass at Saint Mark`s Basilica with services offered in Italian, English, French and German. All are welcome, and though it officially starts at 11:30pm, you’ll need to arrive a few hours earlier to reserve a spot. On Christmas Day, everything will be closed. Venetians celebrate over a large lunch with family and opening gifts. You can follow them later to a free concert held at 4pm at the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church.
• New Year’s Eve in Venice – December 31st is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Venice and across Italy. You will find celebrations throughout the city, and hundreds gather in Piazza San Marco square to enjoy fireworks, toasts, music and a midnight kiss as the new year begins.