Best Time to Visit Venice (Monthly Guide by a Travel Pro!)

Venice is one of the top picture-perfect traveling destinations in the world. The only way of navigating through Venice is by foot or by boat. Venice is such a quaint destination like no other and it’s unique characteristic make it a refreshing city to visit.

The best time to visit Venice is during September and October. In September, temperatures will see a high of 57 F (23.5 C) degrees and a low of 27 F (14.3 C). As for accommodations and flights, you can find hotels priced at $70 per night and flights as low as $150, as this is the slowest time of year.

When traveling to a destination such as this Venice, you’ll want to weigh the factors that help you know when to plan your vacation. Let’s dive into the best time to visit Venice.

Worst Time to Travel to Venice

Credit: Francesco Bonino

When traveling to Orlando, you’ll want to take into consideration the current season, climate conditions, and busiest time of year. The worst time to travel to Venice is August because the weather is hot and muggy.

August is considered to be the high season in Venice. During this time of year, travelers are crammed up in pricier accommodations as hotels have their highest rates of the year. August is also very hot and sticky and filled with annoying bugs, making your stay less enjoyable.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Venice?

The cheapest time to take a vacation to Venice is late January. Let’s break down some rates so you can have the best prices possible when trying to plan a budget-friendly trip.

When booking the cheapest trip to Venice, the most affordable that you’ll find is $107 per person for those who are willing to take standby flights, limit their expenses, and deal with any inconveniences that may arrive. When wanting to make your trip budget-friendly, you’ll want to book far in advance to get the best rates.

For the cheapest hotels, you can find rates as low as $82 per night for a solo traveler. When booking your flight, you can find flights as low as $400 per person.

Planning a budget-friendly vacation all depends on what kind of activities you have planned as well. You’ll have to factor in fine dining, private tours, etc. Costs vary per month so make sure to plan your trip three to six months in advance.

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in Venice?

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When planning your vacation to Venice, you’ll want to go when the weather is permitting and deals are at their lowest. Below, we discuss the weather by month so that you can choose the best time to visit for you and your family.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Tuscany

January: Epiphany and Befana

Credit: Givaga

Temperatures average between 31 F (-0.1 C) and 43 F (6.6 C) degrees during January in Venice. It is the coldest month of the year and the had the least amount of rainfall. January is also one of the most humid months out of the year with 81% humidity.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers for frosty cold temperatures. During this month Venice celebrates Epiphany and Befana. Epiphany and Befana is a national holiday in Venice and the 12th day of Christmas where Italians celebrate La Befana.

La Befana is a good witch that brings a stocking full of candy and a gift. This holiday is also celebrated with Regatta, a competition where senior oarsmen.

• Epiphany and Befana
• New Year’s Day

February: Carnevale

Credit: Stefano Mazzola

Temperatures average between 33 F (0.8 C) and 47 F (8.6 C) degrees during February in Venice. Venice has a total of 5 days with rainfall with accumulations around two inches. The city also have a sea temperature of 47 degrees, making it the month with the coldest seawater.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers as this is still a very frosty month. During this month, the city of Venice has Carnevale. Carnevale is a very large tradition in Venice.

Travelers from all over the globe come to visit for the most famous Carnival celebrations that include fairs, food, parades, and other children’s activities. If you want to attend this event, make sure you book well in advance as prices will rise significantly.

• Carnevale
• Valentine’s Day
• La Fenice Opera House

March: Festa della Donna

Credit: Catarina Belova

Temperatures average between 39 F (4.1 C) and 54 F (12.5 C) degrees during March in Venice. March is the first month of spring as it gets its slight warm up. Venice sees around 5 days out of the month with rain of accumulations up to two inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a coat, pants, long sleeves, and sneakers or boots. During this month, Venice celebrates Festa della Donna, also known as International Women’s Day. This day is celebrated when women go out to celebrate with one another, often leaving the men at home.

If you’re planning to dine out during this day, you’ll want to make your reservations in advance.

• Festa della Donna
• Beginning of Lent
• Visit an Opera House

April: Festa di San Marco

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Temperatures average between 46 F (7.8 C) and 61 F (16.1 C) degrees during April in Venice. It’s is an enjoyable spring month with beautiful temperatures to be outdoors. April sees rain for 8 days out of the month with accumulations a little over two inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, and a coat or jacket. During this month, the city of Venice celebrates Festa di San Marco. Festa di San Marco is San Marco’s feast day.

According to traditions, this is the day that men give their wives or girlfriends the bloom of the red rose.

• Festa di San Marco
• Liberation Day
• Easter

May: Vogalonga

Credit: Thomas Stoiber

Temperatures average between 54 F (12.7 C) and 70 F (21.5 C) degrees during May in Venice. May is the last month of spring and another comfortable month temperature wise. Rain falls for around 8 days out of the month with almost three inches of accumulations.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, long sleeves, and a jacket. During this month, Venice celebrates Volalonga. Volalonga is a rowing race that thousands of people sign up for.

This is one of the largest water festivals in Venice. The race starts at San Marco Basin to Burano which is the mid-point, then ends Punta della Dogana for the grand finale.

• Volalonga
• Festa della Sensa
• Festa della Sparesca

June: Visit Doge’s Palace

Credit: MarinaDa

Temperatures average between 61 F (16.1 C) and 76 F (24.9 C) degrees during June in Venice. June is the first month of summer and a warm month. It is also the month with the most amount of rainfall with accumulations around three inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing for warmer temperatures such as shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, and sun protection. During this month, June is the perfect month to visit Doge’s Palace. Doge’s Palace is a landmark of Venice that was built between the 10th and 11 centuries.

The Doge’s Palace since then has been turned into a museum that has historical exhibits that are open longer during the summer hours for tourists.

• Doge’s Palace
• Visit St. Mark’s Square
• Shop at Mercato Di Rialto

July: St. Mark’s Basilica

Credit: Catarina Belova

Temperatures average between 64 F (18.3 C) and 81 F (27.7 C) degrees during July in Venice. July is a moderately hot summer month in Venice. It is the perfect month for swimming with sea temperatures at 77 degrees.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and swim essentials. During this month, you can visit St. Mark’s Basilica. St. Mark’s Basilica is called the Church of Gold.

It is the most famous cathedral located in Venice. It features exhibits from architecture and art masterpieces from its time. The cathedral has an interior mosaic design and has a mix of eastern and western styles.

• St. Mark’s Basilica
• Visit the Bridge of Sighs
• Visit Burano

Related Read: Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

August: Take a Gondola Tour

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Temperatures average between 63 F (17.7 C) and 81 F (27.5 C) degrees during August in Venice. Rain falls for around 6 days out of the month in August with accumulations around three inches. July has the warmest sea temperature with water temperatures around 77 degrees.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing and your swim essentials. During this month, you and your family can book a Gondola Tour. A Gondola tour is one of the main parts of Venice’s history.

You will float through photo-worthy canals, take in traditional Italian singing, and admire the beautiful architecture. A Gondola tour is enjoyed the best at early sunrise or sunset.

• Take a Gondola tour
• Enjoy classical concerts
• Dine along the grand canal

September: Visit Teatro La Fenice

Credit: Francesco Lorenzetti

Temperatures average between 57 F (14.3 C) and 74 F (23.5 C) degrees during September in Venice. September is the first month of autumn and a moderately hot month. It rains for around 6 days out of the month with accumulations around three inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack a jacket and other lightweight items for warmer temperatures during the day. During this month, you’ll want to visit Teatro La Fenice. Teatro La Fenice is the most famous opera house in Venice.

This opera house was rebuilt from ashes after it had burnt down in 1996. It has premiered some of the best opera performances of the 19th century.

• Teatro La Fenice
• Glassblowing and Lacemaking
• Venice Walking Tour

October: Festa del Mosto

Credit: Songquan Deng

Temperatures average between 49 F (9.6 C) and 64 F (18 C) degrees during October in Venice. October is another enjoyable autumn month temperature wise in Venice. It rains for 7 days out of the month with rain accumulations around three inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack a jacket, pants, t-shirts, and sneakers. During this month, Venice celebrates Festa del Mosto. Festa del Mosto is a celebration of the grape harvest that feature tastings, regatta, and live music.

• Festa del Mosto
• Venice Marathon
• Halloween in Venice

November: Festa della Salute

Credit: Vera Petrunina

Temperatures average 39 F (4 C) to 52 F (11.6 C) degrees during November in Venice. November is the last month of autumn with temperatures decreasing from enjoyable to cool. Rains falls for around 5 days out of the month with accumulations around five and a half inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month you’ll want to pack warmer clothing such as a cost, pants, long sleeves, and sneakers boots. During this month, Venice celebrates Festa della Salute. Festa della Salute celebrates the end of the 1630 plague that hit one-third of Venice’s population.

The locals celebrate by making a voyage across a bridge of boats through the Grand Canal to light candles and pray to the Hoky Virgin. During this celebration markets sell produce, sweets, and their specialty dish: castradina.

• Festa Della Salute
• All Saints’ Day
• La Biennale

Related Read: 40 BEST Restaurants in Italy

December: Christmas Festivities

Credit: Gianluca Piccin

Temperatures average between 33 F (0.6 C) and 45 F (7.4 C) degrees during December in Venice. It rains for around 5 days out of the month with accumulations around two inches. December is one of the months with the highest humidity with an average relative humidity of around 81%.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack your coat, boots, and plenty of layers. During this month, Venice is best known for their Christmas activities. Christmas time in Venice is a very magical time of year.

The holiday brings out its pop-up markets and decorated gondolas. The pop-up markers have traditional Christmas delicacies and festive handmade items.

• Christmas festivities
• Venice Craftsmanship Tour
• Leonardo da Vinci Museum

What is the Best Time to Visit Venice With Family?

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Venice is a great place to travel any time of year, but some seasons may be more convenient than others. The best time to visit Venice is during the fall, from September through November.

If you’re traveling with a baby, you’ll want to bring your baby carrier. A Barry carrier will help you out when you need to get in and out of the water buses. Make sure that the carrier you bring is breathable to adjust to any temperature changes.

There is so much to do in Venice that you don’t want to over plan, especially if you’re traveling with kids. By traveling during the fall, you’re able to avoid high prices and crowds to make your trip more enjoyable.

When is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in Venice?

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The best time to avoid crowds in Venice is September to November. This is when tourists desert the city and the temperatures range from the upper 30a to the mid 70s. When the city empties out, this makes vacations much more of a magical place to visit.

When is the Rainy Season in Venice?

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The rainy season in Venice starts in November and lasts until late January. It will typically rain a lot in the winter. In combination with the colder temperatures, this sometimes may turn off tourists from visiting this time of year.

Every winter, the city has its periods of flooding. On the plus side, even if you decide to travel during the rainy season, cafes, tourists spots, and restaurants will still remain open.

If you’re going to book a trip, make sure you avoid booking in November, as it’s the rainiest month of the year.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Venice?

Visiting a new place can be overwhelming yet exciting all in one. Below are several of the best experiences that you can have in Venice when visiting.

Go Lion Hunting

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Lion hunting in Venice is something the whole family will enjoy, especially young children. Everywhere in Venice, you’ll see winged lions that is the symbol of city’s patron and founder. The lion became the symbol of Venice when the saint’s relics were brought to Venice by two Venetians.

Spotting the lions around Venice is a game that has become popular among families. This game in particular gives children the opportunity to look around and observe their surroundings. The lions among the city are divided between winged and not winged.

Shop For Carnival Masks

Credit: Casper Van Den Abeele

You’ll probably notice that wherever you go in Venice, you’re likely to find carnival masks all around. To find authentic masks in Venice, you can cross the Rialto bridge and head to San Polo neighborhood. In the windows, you’ll see carnival masks and costumes.

If you come along a shop where you see an artisan maker, that’s how you know you’ve really found an authentic carnival mask. Children will enjoy helping you shop around for a mask, and you may even be able to find a non-authentic one they could enjoy.

At a place called Ca’ Macana kids will be able to learn how masks are made and can even try decorating their own. If you want to partake in this activity you’ll need to book ahead.

Watch Glassblowers

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Venice’s glassblowers have their own workshops which were quarantined to the island of Murano in the 13th century. On the island you can find locations for free glassblowing demonstrations. You’ll be able to see molten glass become vases and other works of art from the ages.

After the demonstration, you can go to the showrooms where you’ll have the option to buy. If you browse around Murano, you’ll most likely be able to find unique pieces of better prices. If you have daughters, they’ll be sure to love the necklaces that are made out of glass beads.

Tour the Grand Canal

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The best way to explore Venice is taking a tour through the Grand Canal. Venice’s transportation system runs from Piazza Roma to Piazza San Marco.

The tour of the Grand Canal is simply one-of-a-kind. You’ll pass through glittery palaces of those from the early Renaissance era. After you pass through the palaces, you’ll come among gondolas, water taxis, delivery boats, police boats, and maybe some kayaks.

Go on a Treasure Hunt

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Believe it or not, there are many treasures to be discovered in Venice that children of all ages will enjoy. These treasure hunts will encourage your kids to look around and explore both historical and cultural settings.

Some things on your list can be found in a variety of locations, while others that are worth extra points will be found closer to attractions.

Some of the items on your treasure hunt list that you’ll want to add are a lion, an ambulance, a garden, a pointed window, a golden lion, a well, a boat grocery store, a horse, a gelato stand, and a bride in a gondola. The gelato stand will be the one everyone looks for!

Related Read: Italy: Travel Budget Calculator

Ride in a Gondola

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One of the most unforgettable experiences in Venices is riding in a gondola. You’ll be rowed through the canals by a singing gondolier. Couples in particular like to ride in these for the romance, but gondolas are enjoyed by families too! Certain gondolas can be pricey, but there are also rides you can take on a budget.

There are four bridges that cross across the Grand Canal so it can become a long walk if you’re looking to cross any of these, especially for families. Not only are gondolas great for transportation, but they make for a photo-worthy experience to add to your album.

Take Tours of a Palace

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If your family is into history, you can pass up taking a tour of some of the palaces. You’ll be able to get an idea of what life was like for the Venetian society. Some of the finest palaces have been turned into museums.

The Ca’D’oro palace is now an art museum, with the interior decorations and furniture being the same as they were during the Middle Ages. You’ll be able to see the palace’s carved stone that overlooks the Grand Canal.

The most interesting palace among kids is the Ca’Rezzonico. The interior of their palace shows what life was like during the 18th century. The ballroom inside is the length of the palace, and shows exhibits on the life of women and the costumes that they wore that were considered fashionable at the time.