Venice, “The Floating City”, is truly one of a kind.this city in north-eastern Italy is made up of 117 islands divided by canals and connected by hundreds of bridges.the largest car-free urban area in Europe, Venice is famous for its architecture, its works of art and, of course, the picturesque canals.
Few cities have inspired so many; Venice has been the setting for countless novels, plays, films and music videos.Before travelling to such a unique and magical place, you should make sure you choose the best time to visit Venice.
See also:
- Best hotels in Venice
- Best family hotels in Venice
- Cheap hotels in Venice
When is the best time to visit Venice?
- Best time to visit: Half of spring, and particularly the first half of May, is the best time to enjoy sightseeing in Venice. The cold of winter has risen and the sun appears daily, while temperatures are pleasantly warm.The tourist services are in full swing, however, it is unlikely that you will encounter large crowds. Unless your goal is to spend your days lying on the beach, there is really no problem to visit in May. If going in May is not an option, the second half of September is your next best option, as summer crowds start to decrease and temperatures are getting colder.You could say that August is the worst time to visit Venice, with sweltering heat and high humidity, lots of bugs and sweaty tourists to deal with.no matter what time of year you are in Venice, visiting the most popular attractions such as St. Mark’s Square, is best enjoyed during the early morning hours.Not only will you have the best chance to be at the front of the line for places like the Basilica and Campanile, but you can also take advantage of the morning light for especially magical photographs.
- The best time to visit the Rialto markets: the Rialto Bridge, located in the oldest and most central district of the city, has been a bustling centre for hundreds of years.As with many other popular destinations, the best time to visit is early in the morning, before 9 a.m., on a Friday or Saturday. The market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and the markets begin to decline after lunch.By going early in the morning, you will not only see the local fish and vegetable market, but also enjoy a fairly quiet scene on the bridge.
- The best time to attend Carnivale: Carnivale is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy, but there is no place in the country that makes it bigger or better than Venice. It takes place here, and in many places around the world, 40 days before Easter, with a final party before Ash Wednesday and Lent.’, ‘While many events, such as the opulent costume balls, require invitations and have very high ticket prices, many others, such as the candlelight parade, are free and open to the public, and if you arrive in Venice in the middle of the week during the first week, you might ask, “Why all the hype?”But that’s because all the excitement comes at the weekends, and the final weekend in particular. St. Mark’s Square is the focal point, where you’ll see the most elaborate costumes and masks. On weekdays, the area in general is still fun, and also quite manageable: at the weekend, visitors arrive and the streets fill up with people.Far from the costumes and all the masks, the local areas of Venice remain relatively quiet and peaceful.
- The best time for a gondola ride: Gondola rides are available all year round, and although any time is a good time for this unforgettable experience, it can be more romantic in winter, early spring or late autumn, with less boat traffic in the canals, especially the calm water and the blankets.Available for cuddling and protection from the cold, it becomes a more intimate trip than a summer adventure when the waterways are full and the temperatures are incredible. No matter what the season, the time of day you go matters too. Almost everyone plans to go at sunset or just after sunset, which means the canals will be packed with gondolas.If your priority is to capture that idyllic photograph, the best option is to go late in the morning or early in the afternoon, as crowds will be minimal and it will have plenty of light, not to mention that it’s also less expensive.
Tourist Seasons in Venice
- High Season (June to August) : the busy high season in Venice falls in the summer, when tourists crowd into even more expensive gondolas and hotels charge their highest rates.This season also means stifling the heat and annoying bugs, but if a summer vacation is a must, or if you simply enjoy the thrill of the crowds and want to take advantage of the longer days with plenty of sunshine, going to Venice during the high season may be for you. Summer in Venice is milder than in the scorching cities of inland Italy, and since most Venetian hotels are air-conditioned, it can be pleasant or at least tolerable.
- Mid season (March to May, September to November) : the mid season in Venice falls in the months of spring and autumn, both beautiful times of the year to be in the city of canals.In the spring, Venice thaws out, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s in March to the low 70s in May, and in the autumn, the city begins to empty itself of the summer crowds, creating a magical atmosphere, although you will probably need a coat as November temperatures range from the high 30s to the low 50s.
- Low season (December to February) : winter is low season, which means there is none of the sweat and stress of the high tourist season, with average temperatures in the 1930s and 40s. While this time of year certainly has its advantages, with few crowds and discounted accommodation rates, bear in mind that the attractions may have shorter opening hours (many close from 5pm) and there will be fewer activities available.February, during Carnevale, is the exception, when rates are high, crowds are huge and there are numerous events to participate in. This season may bring some flooding, especially in St Mark’s Square and at Zatteree in the southern tip of Venice, although it is unlikely to significantly affect tourism plans. A number of tabacchi (tobacco shops) and some souvenir shops sell boots that will help keep your feet dry.
The weather in Venice by months
The weather in Venice in January
Venice is at its coldest and quietest in January, with daytime temperatures usually hovering around 3°C and sometimes dropping below zero, especially at night.Most days are partly cloudy, and you are expected to experience rain on an average of nine days in January, with a total of approximately 58 mm. Often, there is moderate or light rain for at least part of the day. While it’s usually not enough to keep you inside, as it’s quite cold, you should plan to dress in layers, wear a coat, hat, gloves and a scarf.On the plus side, cruise ships have been leaving for a long time, and you won’t have to fight the crowds to see the sights. (Average maximum temperature: 6°C. Average rainfall: 58 mm.)
Venice weather in February
February can still be quite cold in Venice, with temperatures generally ranging from 5°C to 6°C and nightly lows to a little more freezing at 1°C.Warm clothing is a necessity as it was in January, but the days are getting longer now. The rain is not significant, but with the dense fog, you are likely to feel somewhat damp.A month before, there was about nine hours of sunlight, by February 1 that increases to 9 hours and 45 minutes, and by the end of February, you will enjoy a little over 11 hours of light with the sunset just before 6 pm. As the fog is usually quite heavy now, it can be an especially romantic walk along the canal.)
Venice weather in March
Temperatures in March are getting milder, but it’s still great, so you’ll need to pack that hat, scarf and coat. Temperatures range from about 8°C to 12°C during the day, dropping to 4°C at night.This month is more humid, with about 64mm of rain in an average of 12 days; rainfall is likely to be moderate, with occasional light showers and thunderstorms. A hooded raincoat will allow you to move around comfortably. There are about 12 hours of daylight on average, with 12 hours and 46 minutes by March 31, when sunsets occur just after 7:30pm.(Average maximum temperature: 12° C. Average rainfall: 60 mm.)
The climate in Venice in April
April gives way to a much more pleasant climate, although it is not too hot. It is the beginning of the sun in Venice, with outdoor cafes and plenty of fabulous places to enjoy the lively atmosphere.This month experiences about the same amount of rain as in March, with about 64mm falling on an average of 13 days in April, mainly as moderate rain, along with occasional storms.On most days, light clothing is appropriate, although as the weather tends to change frequently, bring a light jacket with a hood and/or an umbrella. Days are significantly longer than they were during the winter months, with more than 14 hours of daylight and sunset at 8:17 p.m. on April 30. Average rainfall: 60 mm.)
Venice weather in May
May marks the official start of the tourist season, and temperatures begin to rise, with sunlight illuminating the entire city.The average temperature is around 21°C, which means that a shirt or T-shirt or trousers or shorts are typical attire during the day, although you may need a sweater at night with temperatures dropping to 12°C after dark.Prepare a swimsuit, as it will probably be warm enough to sunbathe on the beach, or to participate in water sports such as water skiing.in May, there is generally 70mm of rain for 11 days, often as moderate rain or thunderstorms.there is a significant difference in temperature from May 1st to May 31st, with average maximum temperatures around 15°C at the beginning of the month, increasing to 23°C at the end of May.
Venice weather in June
The tourist season is in full swing, and so is the heat; expect warm, sunny and long days; the longest day is June 20, which brings almost 16 hours of sunlight.Pack your beachwear, which includes a swimsuit and sunscreen, along with T-shirts, shorts and capris. The average high temperature is 24°C and it does not get very cold at night, with average low temperatures of 16°C.The rain this month occurs on an average of 12 days, often as thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Venice weather in July
July is the hottest month in Venice and the peak of the tourist season.the average high temperature is 28°C, with lows only dropping to around 18°C during the night.Prepare your swimsuit so that you can cool down in the water on beaches like Lido, along with T-shirts, shorts and sandals to wear during the day and nice casual clothes to go out at night.About 63 mm of rain falls on an average of 10 days in July, mostly through summer storms (average maximum temperature: 28°C).)
Climate in Venice in August
August in Venice is still very warm and very busy, although the average temperature drops to 27°C this month. At night, you can expect the same, with warm and relatively pleasant nights, and the temperature drops to 18°C.The rain increases slightly to 70 mm in nine days, mainly as thunderstorms, and there are approximately 14 hours of daylight, with August 31 being the shortest day and the sunset just before 8 p.m. M. August is a good time to get out on the water and go boating or paddling, to cool down from the intense heat, but if you can’t do it, make sure you get under an umbrella or head inside during the hottest part of the river.day.(Average maximum temperature: 27°C. Average rainfall: 70mm.)
Venice weather in September
Temperatures are starting to drop slowly now, reaching an average high of 24°C and a low of 15°C, while tourist crowds are starting to decrease. During the day, a short-sleeved shirt and trousers or even shorts are usually adequate, although you may need a sweater if a cool breeze is blowing.Rain is generally not significant, falling on an average of nine days in September, mainly in the form of thunderstorms followed by light rain.the days are shortened, with just under 12 hours of sunlight at the end of the month.)
Venice weather in October
It is noticeably cooler in October, and much less busy with the end of the tourist season.the days are pleasant, usually around 14°C to 16°C, and after the sun goes down, you will probably need a sweater or jacket, as the temperature drops to an average of 10°C.Expect about the same amount of rain as last month, with 70mm falling in 10 days, mostly moderate with occasional storms. Daylight is decreasing, to just over 10 hours of sunlight on October 31st and sunset around 5pm.(Average maximum temperature: 18°C. Average rainfall: 70 mm.)
Climate in Venice in November
The weather is changing dramatically now, with high temperatures dropping to an average of 11°C and lows to 4°C.As this is one of the rainiest months in Venice, the rain increases particularly during the second half of the month, making the need for an umbrella and a warm jacket more likely. There is a fairly large difference in temperature from the beginning to the end of the month, starting with maximum temperatures of around 10°C, dropping from three degrees to 7°C at the end of the month.(Average maximum temperature: 11°C. Average rainfall: 70 mm.)
Venice weather in December
One of the coldest months of the year in Venice, in December, the average temperature usually only reaches 7°C, and after dark, it often decreases to freezing point. You will need to bring your cold weather kit, which includes a warm jacket, thick sweaters, hat, gloves and scarves.A heavy fog and mist are now building up, creating a disturbing urban landscape along with a chill in the air. The days are shorter now, with the shortest day in mid-December with less than nine hours of light and the sunset at 4:30 p.m. (Average maximum temperature: 7°C. Average rainfall: 50 mm.)
Events and festivals in Venice 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, including museums, shops, restaurants and other services are closed. Many Venetians celebrate the beginning of the new year by taking a morning dip in the cold waters of the beach on the Lido.
- Ephiphany / La Befana : this national holiday, celebrated annually on 6 January, marks the 12th day of Christmas and is one of the days when Italian children wake up with toys and sweets in their shoes, celebrating the arrival of La Befana, a good witch.
- St. Anthony’s Festival (the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot) : this Italian festival, held on January 16th and 17th in Venice, celebrates the patron saint of butchers, domestic animals, gravediggers and basket makers.At the conclusion of the mass, visitors can watch the balloon launches in the square that represent blessings for all children and animals.
- Post-holiday sales : a state-mandated sales period begins in January and lasts between six and eight weeks.
Events in Venice in February
- Carnevale di Venezia: Carnivale is held all over Italy, but Venice is known for hosting one of the biggest parties of all.It involves tens of thousands of costumed participants attending costume balls and participating in activities such as street performances, juggling and an ongoing program of historical plays in the centrally located Piazza San Marco. The “grand finale” includes a silent candlelit water parade where hundreds of gondolas float along the Grand Canal.Travellers from all over the world flock to the city to enjoy the land and canal parades, food fairs, children’s carnivals and many other activities, which take place 40 days before Easter, with a final party before Ash Wednesday and Lent.
- Valentine’s Day : surprisingly, only in recent years has Italy started to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or St. Valentine’s Day, with love letters, hearts and candlelight dinners.