The best time to visit Venice: What to see and do by month

The best time to visit Venice: What to see and do by month

Gondola rides in spring or art museums in the fall? Take your pick in this month-by-month guide to Venice.

As one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities, there is plenty to see and do during a trip to Venice. The best time to visit “The Floating City” depends entirely on what you want from your experience. Whether it’s fewer crowds at top attractions like Piazza San Marco or soaking up traditional Venetian culture during the Venice Carnival, this month-by-month guide to Venice has everything you need to know. From weather to crowds, prices, and cultural events, discover the best time to visit Venice that fits your preferences.

Choosing the best time to go to Venice

April to June and September to October are perfect for enjoying mild weather conditions and thinner crowds than during the peak summer months. However, if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind compromising on weather, winter is a great time to visit the famous “Floating City.”

Best time for foodies

August is a great time to visit Venice and experience the freshest flavors of local fruits and vegetables. Eggplants and tomatoes are in season, and you can enjoy them in classic dishes such as bruschetta, caprese salad, and eggplant parmesan.

Alternatively, October is the best month to go to Venice to experience harvest. This is an excellent time for seasonal produce such as grapes, olives, chestnuts, and truffles.

Best time for people on a budget

Avoid the peak tourist season if you’re visiting Venice on a budget. November, January, or February are the best months to go if you want to save some money and don’t mind compromising on the weather.

Best time for sightseeing

Want to check out Venice’s most iconic sights? Visit the city in spring or fall. From April to June and September to early October, you will experience pleasant yet mild weather and fewer crowds than during the peak tourist season of July and August.

Venice throughout the seasons

Spring in Venice

March to May

Spring in Venice is mild and sunny, with showers throughout the month. Crowds are lower than during the peak summer season, making this the best time of the year to visit for sightseeing. Take advantage of the good weather and thin crowds to explore the narrow Venetian streets at your leisure.

Summer in Venice

June to August

Expect hot weather and big crowds since Venice in summer is the peak tourist season. This might not be the ideal time for sightseeing, but there are plenty of lively cultural events and concerts taking place in the city that are worth checking out. One of the most famous is the Festa del Redentore, which takes place on the third Sunday of July.

Fall in Venice

September to November

Fall in Venice is an excellent time to visit as it is much quieter than summer, but the weather remains sunny and mild. Fall is also the perfect season to visit for foodies, as the summer produce is reaching its peak, so you can enjoy the freshest, finest produce.

Winter in Venice

December to February

Winter in Venice is the cheapest and quietest season to visit. However, it is also the coldest time of the year, so pack your layers. Discover plenty of indoor activities or immerse yourself in the festive spirit by enjoying Christmas Markets, traditional religious services, or the festive lights. January begins with a New Year’s swim, where thousands of people dip into the chilly waters of Lido di Venezia. Epiphany and Befana celebrations also offer a lively atmosphere throughout the month.

Doge's Palace is a must-visit during your trip to Venice.

January in Venice

January is defined by cold, damp weather with short days and limited sunlight. It may not be the perfect time for seeing the city’s outdoor sights. However, you can spend your days exploring Venice’s best museums and art galleries –– and there’s plenty to choose from. Check out Doge's Palace, Museo di San Marco, or the National Museum of History. Alternatively, you can embrace the lively spirit of Epiphany and Befana on January 6th, welcoming fairs, concerts, and fireworks.

Weather

January is one of the coldest months in Venice, with temperatures averaging between 32 F and 44.6 F (0 C and 7 C). It will be mostly cloudy with minimal rainfall.

Explore the best museums and exhibitions in Venice

Venice Carnival is a vibrant celebration that takes place in January or early February.

February in Venice

February remains cold in Venice, but don’t let that put you off. As one of the most romantic cities in the world, spending Valentine’s Day in Venice with your love is unique. If you’re wondering what to do in Venice in February, you could enjoy a romantic gondola ride around the city’s famous canals. Just make sure to wrap up warm!

February also brings Venice Carnival to the city, a vibrant celebration featuring harlequin masks, lavish costumes, music, and plenty of food.

Weather

February is cold, with temperatures ranging from 33.8 F to 48.2 F (1 C to 9 C). Rainfall increases slightly.

Book a gondola ride along the Canals of Venice

Photo: Museoscienza53

March is the perfect month for exploring Venice's best museums.

March in Venice

Rainfall picks up in March, bringing plenty of spring showers. This is a great time to explore the city’s museums and art galleries, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or join a traditional Venetian cooking class where a local chef or family will guide you to make some of Venice’s most famous dishes. A great way to enjoy a rainy day in the city.

Weather

Temperatures rise in March, averaging between 41 F and 55.4 F (5 C and 13 C). Rainfall also increases.

Book your Venice cooking class experience now

Explore Piazza San Marco in April before the busy summer season.

April in Venice

Spring has well and truly arrived in April, with increasing temperatures and more sunshine. The crowds remain relatively low, making this a great time to visit top attractions, such as Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the Basilica di San Marco. Explore Venice on foot to see the city’s best neighborhoods and learn about its history, dating back to the 8th century. The Feast of San Marco also takes place on April 25, celebrating Venice’s patron saint with parades, music, historical dances, re-enactments, and more.

Weather

Average temperatures range between 48.2 F and 62.6 F (9 C and 17 C). Expect more sunshine, but rainfall remains steady compared to March.

Discover the best sightseeing experiences in Venice

Escape the city and enjoy a day trip to the island Burano.

May in Venice

May brings the perfect conditions for exploring the City of Canals. With mild and sunny weather and relatively thin crowds compared to peak summer, you can enjoy a relaxed and pleasant break this month. May is the perfect time to explore the small Venetian Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Historical re-enactments of Venice’s marriage of the Sea occur towards the end of the month, bringing a grand procession of traditional Venetian rowing boats traveling from San Marco to Lido di Venezia.

Weather

May in Venice is sunny and mild, with average temperatures between 41 F and 71.6 F (13 C and 22 C). Rainfall remains high.

Discover the best island tours from Venice

Don't miss a show at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice's Phoenix Theater.

June in Venice

Summer arrives in the city during June. Sunshine is plentiful, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to discover the city’s top attractions. However, head indoors when the rain comes on and witness a classic Venetian theater performance at the Teatro La Fenice. June 2 is Republic Day, commemorating the official formation of the Italian Republic after World War II.

Weather

June is warm and sunny, with temperatures between 48.2 F and 78.8 F (17 C and 26 C). Rainfall is moderate to high, with short-lived showers.

Book your Venetian theater experience now

Witness the vibrant celebrations taking place in Venice during July.

July in Venice

July starts Venice’s high season with hot weather and lots of crowds. However, the city also enjoys a bustling atmosphere and fun cultural events, including Festa del Redentore. Occurring on the third Sunday of July to commemorate the end of a plague in 1576, the festival features firework displays, feasting, and a boat race. If you want to escape the heat, why not enjoy a day trip to the Dolomites for stunning natural landscapes and cool temperatures?

Weather

July is usually the hottest month in Venice, with temperatures between 66.2 F and 84.2 F (19 C and 29 C). Rainfall is minimal to moderate, with an average of 13 hours of sunshine daily.

Discover the best things to do in the Dolomites

Enjoy the breeze of a gondola ride during the hot month of August.

August in Venice

August remains hot and busy, so this may not be the best time to visit Venice if you want to avoid crowds or travel on a budget. Still, August welcomes the fantastic Venice Film Festival. As one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, this is a must-visit for movie lovers. August 15 also marks the start of Ferragosto, a public holiday across Italy, during which many local businesses will close. For something different for the whole family, check out Caribe Bay Waterpark — one of Venice's best places to visit.

Weather

August is hot. Temperatures range from 64.4 F to 82.4 F (18 C to 28 C). Expect plenty of sunshine and a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the month.

Check out the best family-friendly activities in Venice

Various rowing regattas take place in September, drawing big crowds.

September in Venice

Temperatures begin to cool in September, and crowds begin to thin, making this one of the best months to go to Venice. You can experience Venice’s top landmarks and attractions without the queues that summer brings. Alternatively, you can soak up local culture at the Burano Regatta or the Regata Storica (Historic Regatta), two of the city’s most famous rowing races.

Weather

September is cooler, with temperatures between 59 F and 75.2 F (15 C and 24 C). There is still plenty of sunshine, and average rainfall remains moderate.

Discover the most famous landmarks in Venice

Venice Art Biennale is one of the best things to do in the city in October.

October in Venice

October is a great time to visit Venice if you love art. Not only are the city’s most famous galleries much less crowded, but the Venice Art Biennale is in full swing. As one of the most prestigious art showcases in the world, several venues around the city host special events dedicated to various art forms. Festa del Mosto (Festival of the Must) takes place on the first Sunday of October, featuring the blessing of horse wagons, followed by wine tastings, pressing demonstrations, entertainment, and more. You can also participate in the famous Venice Marathon on the final Sunday of the month or cheer on the runners from the sidelines.

Weather

Temperatures drop into October, ranging from 50 F to 64.4 F (10 C to 18 C). Days become cloudier, and rainfall remains moderate.

Explore Venice’s best art and exhibitions

Escape the cold weather with a traditional Murano glass-blowing workshop.

November in Venice

Venice brings a transition from fall to winter in Venice, with chilly weather. Enjoy the beginning of the festive season with All Saints’ Day on November 1, one of Italy's most significant religious festivals, to remember the deceased and honor all saints. Or witness the Festa Della Salute on November 21, a local festival commemorating the end of the plague in 1631. If you’re looking for a fun-filled indoor activity, why not try a glassmaking class on the picturesque island of Murano, known for the world-famous Murano Glass.

Weather

Venice begins to get cold in November, averaging 41 F and 53.6 F (5 C and 12 C). Rainfall remains moderate, and days are mostly cloudy.

Discover the best glass-blowing experiences in Murano

Spend the day ice skating at an outdoor rink in December.

December in Venice

December in Venice is cold, but you can warm up with the city’s vast array of festive events. From Venice Christmas Markets to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paoloto to ice skating in Campo San Polo, you’ll have plenty of choices regarding what to do in Venice in December.

Weather

Pack your thermals because temperatures range between 33.8 F and 46.4 F (1 C and 8 C). Average rainfall is low, but days are cloudy and overcast.

Explore Christmas activities in Venice

Best time to visit Venice: FAQs

What is the best month to go to Venice?

The best month to visit Venice depends on what you want to get out of your stay. For mild and dry weather and thinner crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to October.

What month in Venice is the least crowded?

Excluding Christmas and Carnevale (Venice Carnival), Venice’s low season runs from November to May. You can expect fewer crowds during these months.

What time of year is Venice flooded?

Known as acqua alta (high water), seasonal flooding generally occurs between October and March. However, in recent years, flooding has also occurred in spring and summer.

Is Venice expensive for tourists?

Due to its romantic appeal and high demand, Venice can be more expensive than some other cities you might visit. However, you can always find more affordable places to stay and eat and free activities in the city to make your time in the city more budget-friendly.

What is Carnival season in Venice?

Carnevale, or Venice Carnival, is a ten-day celebration that occurs in the days before Lent. The exact date changes every year, but Carnival generally begins around the end of January or early February.

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