Venice is a stunning city; from its famous canals to its beautiful plazas, travellers have fallen in love with the historic city over and over again. The best time to visit Venice will depend on your preferences; you might opt for cooler weather with fewer crowds or bright sunshine and busy streets. Or maybe there’s a specific event in Venice that you’re dying to attend. You’ll find plenty of reasons to visit in every season, so we’ve had a look at the pros and cons of each of them to help you make the best choice.
The best time to visit Venice: Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Venice if you want to experience the city with fewer tourists. You’ll also find lower prices for a lot of hotels and hostels. The temperatures average around 19 degrees Celsius (about 66 degrees Fahrenheit), and you’ll find it’s still perfectly pleasant to stroll around the city so long as you pack appropriately. Autumn is also one of the best seasons for taking a gondola ride, particularly in late autumn when there are fewer crowds, and the water level is usually higher.
What to do in Venice in Autumn
The Venice International Film Festival usually begins around the first week of autumn and hosts a range of short films, documentaries and feature films from around the world. The Regata Storica is one of Venice’s oldest traditions, a series of traditional rowing races held on the first Sunday in September. Being able to witness it up close as part of the crowd is a truly unique experience. The city also hosts the Venice Marathon in October; it is open to anyone over the age of 20 if you want to participate.
What to pack for Venice in autumn
You’ll be grateful for a warm coat or jacket, particularly if you’re visiting later in the autumn. Clothes that you can easily layer will be useful in early autumn when you get a mix of cooler and warmer weather. A waterproof rain jacket and comfortable, waterproof shoes are also likely to come in handy.
The best time to visit Venice: Winter
Winter is the quietest tourist season in Venice. Although the streets won’t be as crowded and you will spend less time queuing, some attractions will also have shorter opening hours. Temperatures usually average around 8 degrees Celsius (approximately 47 degrees Fahrenheit), rain is common, and occasionally it snows, particularly towards the end of winter. Although there are fewer daylight hours in winter, Venice is a charming city to explore at night, so you may actually find yourself grateful for the extra hours of darkness.
What to do in Venice in winter
Consider spending your trip to Venice in winter soaking in some of the city’s popular indoor attractions without the pressure of the crowds. St Mark’s Basilica, for example, is often very busy in spring and summer but in winter you can avoid the queues and spend as long as you want there. In December, you’ll find Christmas markets at Campo Santo Stefano, a perfect place to find unique gifts for your loved ones back home. And, if you’re visiting around New Year, Saint Mark Square and the Palaces of the Grand Canal host thrilling New Year’s Eve celebrations that are sure to be unforgettable.
Carnival
Starting in February, Carnival is a 40-day long festival that runs up to the beginning of Lent. During this period, the crowds will pour in on the weekends when the street parties, masquerade balls and candlelit boat parades take place. Much of the excitement is focused on St Mark’s Square, where you’ll see people dressed up in elaborate costumes and sporting intricate masks. Roaming the city’s streets during the Carnival celebrations is a truly unforgettable experience, and you’ll be more than happy to put up with some colder weather to witness it.
What to pack for winter in Venice
Temperatures sometimes dip below freezing, so you’ll definitely want a warm coat or jacket. You’ll also be grateful for thermal underlayers, particularly early in the morning and late at night. A warm hat, as well as thick gloves and a scarf, will come in handy, too.
Autumn and winter in Venice: Acqua Alta
Venice is known as ‘The Sinking City, and if you visit in autumn and winter, you might experience that sense of sinking first-hand. ‘Acqua Alta’ is declared when the tide exceeds 80 centimetres above sea level; it is not considered actual flooding as it is a regular occurrence that often lasts only a few hours. When the tide reaches above 110 centimetres, a siren will sound throughout Venice, and you can be prepared by downloading the Hi! Tide app, Venice’s official app for predicting the tides. If you are caught out without the right footwear and clothes, you’ll find street vendors selling temporary waterproof shoe covers and overalls.
The best time to visit Venice: Spring
Spring is when the busy season in Venice starts to pick up, along with the temperature, averaging around 20 degrees Celsius (about 68 degrees Fahrenheit). Early May, in particular, is a period that’s often recommended for its pleasant weather and relatively few tourists. With warm but not too hot weather, this is one of the best times for some classic sightseeing in Venice. You won’t find the attractions quiet by any means, but there’ll undoubtedly be fewer visitors than during the summer months.
What to do in Venice in spring
The Rialto Bridge Markets is a perfect choice for an early morning trip; it is less busy than in the summer and you’ll find plenty of vendors selling local produce and artisan goods. Spring is also one of the best times to visit the city’s beautiful gardens, just as the flowers are starting to bloom. While there are some well-known, larger sites like Biennale Gardens, there are also several so-called “secret gardens” in Venice. These are less busy but just as beautiful, such as the Thetis Garden in the Castello district, with beautiful flower beds and modern art sculptures.
What to pack for Venice in spring
You’ll want to be prepared with lighter clothes for warmer weather, particularly in late spring. Evening and early mornings are usually still quite chilly, so bring a good jacket to explore the city when it’s cooler. Be prepared with a good, broad hat and sunglasses for sunny weather, and as always, a comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential.
The best time to visit Venice: Summer
Summer in Venice gets very hot, with temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius (about 82 degrees Celsius), and humid and muggy conditions make it feel even hotter. It’s usually the busiest season, with large crowds of tourists flooding to the canals every day. However, this makes summer the perfect time to explore outside the centre of Venice and have a unique Venetian experience. Why not head to Lido, Venice’s beach, which is often overlooked by tourists despite its beautiful views and being a perfect place to soak up some sun.
What to do in Venice during Summer
One of the best ways to enjoy Venice during the summer, when tourists are abundant, is to check out some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Consider using Venice as your base to explore some of the nearby islands, such as Murano or Torcello. If you do head to the more popular attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square, try to head there in the early morning or late evening. It helps you avoid both the crowds and the hottest temperatures of the day.
What to pack for Venice in summer
One important thing to remember when packing for summer is that although you’ll be dressing for warmer weather, if you have any of the city’s churches on your schedule, you’ll want to be able to cover up when you go inside. Luckily, the churches are usually quite cool, and you can often buy a scarf outside to cover your shoulders if necessary. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt during your trip.
