In a nutshell
- When is the best time to visit Venice and when are there fewer tourists? We’ll tell you exactly when to go — and when to skip it.
- From April to June, the weather in Venice is at its best. Just be prepared — that’s also when the crowds peak.
- We personally love the fall and winter months and have visited Venice in both November and February — here’s why.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Our favorite time to visit Venice is fall and winter.
We’ve only ever been to Venice in November and February. Why? Three reasons:
- There are far fewer tourists in the city at that time
- Even in winter the sun can come out — it’s Italy, after all!
- From November through February, fog often hangs over the canals in the mornings and evenings, and we love that eerie atmosphere
That said, we know it’s not for everyone, and some people would rather soak up Venice in the sunshine.
In that case, the best time to go to Venice is spring and early summer — so April through June.
Either way, try to avoid weekends if you can. The city gets truly packed.
A lot of visitors only come for a day trip, and they almost always come on weekends. That’s also when they pay the Venice entry fee.
Venice Climate Chart
Our Venice climate chart gives you a quick overview of average weather by month.
Worth keeping in mind: the months with the best weather are also the most crowded. The off-season isn’t always sunny, but it’s far less busy — which also makes your hotel search in Venice easier. You can sometimes find real bargains at boutique hotels in Venice during that time.
Venice Weather by Month
Venice in January
At the start of January, Venice still has its Christmas decorations up.
Temperatures can drop to 32°F at night and in the morning, with fog rolling in, but during the day the thermometer can climb to around 50°F. Snow is rare.
Despite the dark season, there are occasional sunny days in January. There are an average of seven rainy days.
Venice in February
In February, Venice gears up for the event of the year: Carnival.
During Carnival week, the city is absolutely packed — not the best time to visit unless you’re specifically there for the festivities.
The weather is similar to January: mornings and evenings are often foggy along the canals and alleyways, there are six to seven rainy days, and daytime temperatures range between 41°F and 50°F.
We have personal experience with Venice in February: we visited shortly after Carnival once, and it was wonderfully sunny.
Venice in March
In March, temperatures slowly start to rise, and with a bit of luck a light spring jacket is all you’ll need.
Temperatures climb above 50°F and sunny days become more frequent.
There are an average of seven rainy days, and the city gradually starts to fill up again. By late March, around Easter, high season in Venice begins.
Venice in April
By April, high season is officially underway. Temperatures can already feel spring-like, and you probably won’t need a winter coat anymore.
However, compared to earlier months, it tends to rain more in northern Italy at this time of year — around eight rainy days per month.
If you want to visit Venice in April, try to avoid the week before and after Easter, when it’s at its most crowded.
Every two years, the Biennale also kicks off in April — one of the most important international exhibitions for contemporary art. It runs through November.
Venice in May
May is one of the most popular months to visit Venice. Temperatures hover around 68°F and there are plenty of sunny days — but also some rainy ones.
It gets seriously crowded in May, especially on weekends.
Vacationers often come over from Lake Garda for a day trip to Venice.
If you’re traveling to Venice at this time, we strongly recommend booking your tickets for attractions or a gondola ride well in advance.
Lies auch:
Venice in June
In June, you can not only explore the sights of Venice but also head to the beaches of Lido.
All the beach clubs are open and you can combine your trip with some proper beach time. Temperatures climb to around 86°F, especially toward the end of the month — though there can still be some rain showers.
Venice in July
In July, peak season starts to wind down and fewer people make the trip to Venice.
Part of the reason is the heat: temperatures climb well above 95°F and humidity is quite high, which can make sightseeing pretty exhausting.
Rainy days are rare. On the third Saturday of the month, the Festa del Redentore takes place, complete with a spectacular fireworks display. Accommodations are especially pricey that weekend.
Venice in August
August in Venice is much like July: hot and muggy.
It’s only in the second half of August that temperatures slowly start to drop — but they still stay around 86°F.
Rainy days can pop up toward the end of the month when the first fall thunderstorms arrive.
Most people stay on Lido in August to enjoy the beach. Hotel prices in the city itself tend to be a bit lower then.
Venice in September
In September, temperatures in Venice gradually cool down.
The weather is wonderfully pleasant — plenty of sunshine, an average temperature of 75°F, and only a few rainy days.
With a bit of luck, you can still hit the beach in September, especially in the first half of the month.
More tourists start returning to Venice then too. If you want to avoid the crowds, come on a weekday!
Venice in October
In October, Venice gradually gets cooler, with temperatures around 64°F.
It’s still a popular month to visit the city.
Many European travelers choose Venice as a fall travel destination in October, and the city sees a noticeable uptick in visitors during that time.
There isn’t much rain yet — an average of five days. You’ll most likely catch some sun too.
Venice in November
Starting in November, Venice officially enters the off-season. The days are shorter and cool, and mornings and evenings are often foggy.
That creates a truly mysterious atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers have left and the alleyways are eerily quiet.
There are about eight rainy days in November, but with a bit of luck you’ll catch some sunshine too.
We once visited Venice in November for a day trip and had a beautiful, sunny day.
And there are far fewer tourists in the city.
In November, Venice can sometimes experience flooding. You usually won’t find out until at most a day in advance, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Venice in December
December is arguably the coldest month in Venice.
Nights typically hover around 32°F, while daytime temperatures range between 41°F and 50°F.
The days are short, but they can be sunny. On the plus side, the alleyways and squares are beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Weekends are busier, mainly because of day-trippers who want to take a festive Christmas stroll through the city.
During the week, Venice is wonderfully quiet.
When are there fewer tourists in Venice?
Venice is never truly empty.
During the off-season — November through February — there are definitely fewer people in the city.
And the weather doesn’t have to be bad: while northern Europe is often grey and dreary in winter, Venice still gets its fair share of sunshine.
Flooding in Venice
Between November and February, Venice can sometimes experience flooding. But it’s not as dramatic as you might imagine.
For Venetians, flooding is completely normal — simply part of life by the sea. For visitors, it can actually be quite an experience!
First things first: Venice is never completely underwater. Typically, only a few parts of the city flood, and only ever for at most one day at a time.
St. Mark’s Square, one of the lowest-lying parts of the city, is almost always among the affected areas.
But don’t panic: the water is usually no more than ankle-deep.
The vaporetto continues to run as normal, and raised walkways are set up so you can still reach all the main highlights.
And at hotels in Venice, plastic shoe covers are handed out so you don’t end up with wet socks.
