Also known as the “Floating City,” Venice is one of the most picturesque cities in Italy, and arguably the world. Not only are the views some of the most unique, but so is the lifestyle of Venice. Cars are very limited, and most transportation through the city is done by boat or gondola.
The best travel months to visit Venice, Italy are April, May, June, September, and October. Summer weather in Venice is more temperate (high 70s and 80s) than the scorching inland cities in Italy.
If visiting Venice, you cannot leave before hopping on a gondola, or narrow wooden boat, and taking a ride through the quaint water canals. The boat is always operated by a gondolier and can give you some of the most unique views of the city. Another must-see in the city is the traditional art of glassblowing known as Murano glass.
Many vendors will sell authentic Murano glass jewelry. Even though Venice is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, and arguably the world, it is still possible to visit and enjoy all the city has to offer. Consider traveling to Venice in its off seasons of spring, fall, and winter.
Table of Contents
Average Temperature In Venice, Italy
Venice enjoys a variable climate with all four seasons of the year.
The hottest months in Venice are in the summer, which stems from June to August. During this season, temperature highs can get as hot as 83°F (28°C) with lows in the 60s.
The coldest months in Venice are in the winter, which is from December to March. Winters in Venice are quite temperate in comparison to other countries. Typical highs during the day can go as high as 45-50°F (7-10°C), with lows at night going as cold as freezing (32°F or 0°C). Venice also has a fall and a spring with variable temperatures between 55-60°F (12-15°C).
Daily Chance Of Precipitation In Venice, Italy
Venice has two distinct periods during the year of wet and dry conditions. A wet day in Venice is considered a day that receives at least 0.04 inches of liquid precipitation.
The wetter season in Venice is approximately 7-8 months and stems between April and November. During this time, a given month gets approximately 2-3 inches of rain. There is more of a 24% chance in any day to be a wet day during this season.
The drier season is about four months and lasts between December and March. In this season, each month gets about two inches of rain. Winter in Venice receives mostly precipitation in the form of rain, but the city sometimes can get snowfall depending on the weather conditions. In January, there is an average of 1-2 days that receive snowfall in the month.
Humidity Comfort Levels In Venice, Italy
Since Venice is surrounded by water and experiences a relatively hot climate, it experiences quite a bit of humidity. It is variable based on the time of year. The most humid time of the year in the city is between June and September, where there is extreme humidity about 13% of the time. July is the most humid month of the year in Venice, with about 14 days of extreme humidity. The winter months (November-March) are the least humid.
In comparison to other Italian cities which are more inland, Venice enjoys very temperate summers which are not scorching. Because of this, summer is the best time to visit for the warmest weather. It’s also the best time to ride the boats and gondolas throughout the city!
Best Time Of Year To Venice, Italy For Great Weather
The summer also receives some of the highest rainfall but is not as uncomfortable in comparison to rainfall in its colder months. The weather overall is still warm and sunny, so it will not ruin your trip. However, it is advisable to bring an umbrella and rain jacket whenever you leave your accommodation for the unexpected shower.
Nighttime weather during the summer in Venice is also quite pleasant and warm. Since a lot of things stay open late in Italy, this is a great time to wander around the streets of Venice without getting chilly.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Venice, Italy For Low Prices
If you want to visit Venice for the cheapest prices and lowest crowds, definitely avoid visiting during its peak season of the summer. If you are tolerant of cold and wet climates, you are sure to lock in some of the cheapest prices of the year in Venice if you visit between December and February.
Venice sees the lowest number of tourists in the winter due to its cold weather, which can drop to below freezing at night. The only thing to keep in mind if visiting Venice in the winter is that although prices are low, attractions are open for less time during the day and the sun sets earlier. Plan accordingly, and start your day early to take advantage of everything.
To maximize savings even more, opt to stay in a hostel rather than a private hotel room. When you stay at a hostel, you share a dormitory with other travelers, but pay a fraction of the price. It is also smart to explore areas that are not visited frequently by tourists, such as the neighboring islands of Venice to avoid high prices.
When Is The Peak Travel Season In Venice, Italy?
Venice’s peak season is most definitely during the summer (June-August). This is because it is the city’s warmest and most pleasant weather of the year, and the season is the most popular for tourists available to travel. It is the perfect weather to not be overheated while walking around, but it is warm enough to enjoy a nice gelato in the square.
If you decide to travel to Venice in the summer, there is a large possibility that you will be competing with many other tourists and long lines for the most popular attractions such as gondola rides, museums, restaurants, and plazas. This is also something to consider when taking your travel photos in Venice, as you will most likely have a lot of people in the background of your pictures.
However, coming during this time can be the best opportunity to meet other fellow travelers and make international friends in comparison to other times of the year. It is still possible to travel to Venice and avoid crowds if you are strategic with how to schedule your days. Some attractions offer an option to skip the line if you go on an organized tour. Leaving early in the morning can also help you avoid the crowds that develop around late morning and early afternoon.
Another way to avoid crowds is to explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods around Venice which aren’t frequented by many tourists. This is also a great opportunity to interact with Venetians and live like a local. One neighborhood is Isola San Giorgio, which is a tiny island about three minutes away by boat.
Here, you can find impressive views of Venice and the Doge’s Palace without the usual crowds. One thing to consider if traveling to Venice during the summer is that this season is the wettest season for the region. Be prepared for some rainy days, and make sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella for your trip. If you do get rained out, not to worry, as there are plenty of indoor activities available in Venice.
One of the best things to explore while in Venice is the immaculate basilicas. St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see if traveling to Venice in the summer, and it is one of the city’s top attractions.
When Is The Shoulder Travel Season In Venice, Italy?
The shoulder seasons in Venice are during spring (March-June) and fall (September-November). During these times, there is a small increase in travelers compared to the winter, and the weather is more pleasant to walk around in.
If you visit Venice in the spring, one holiday you cannot miss is Liberation Day. It is a national holiday in Italy which celebrates the end of the Nazi occupation of the country in 1945. Venice lights up during this holiday, with music, festivals, and parades lining the streets. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in an authentic piece of Italy’s history and culture.
Another notable celebration that occurs in the spring in Venice is Holy Week, which is celebrated in April. This is the week that leads up to Easter, and is highly celebrated in Italy due to the country’s strong Catholic roots.
During this time, you can witness traditional Easter celebrations from local Venetians. Restaurants offer typical Italian dishes which are eaten during this holiday, such as lamb, beans, and salami. You can also indulge in Italian chocolate eggs, a tradition for Easter.
When Is The Low Travel Season In Venice, Italy?
The lowest season in Venice is during winter when it is the coldest. Although the temperatures are not as cold as some in the United States or Eastern Europe for example, it still can be uncomfortable without proper clothing. Because of the weather, you will find that there are very few tourists in the winter in Venice. This can be a great opportunity to visit if you want to interact with more locals without the presence of hordes of tourists around you.
Visiting Venice in the winter is still feasible and can be preferable if you are a budget traveler. Because demand is so low to visit Venice during this season, hotels, attractions, and transportation will charge their lowest fares. If you are reasonably tolerant of cold weather and bring appropriate gear like hats, sweaters, scarves, and jackets, walking around Venice can still be pleasant.
If you travel around Christmas or the New Year, you will be in for a treat. Streets, plazas, and homes will be adorned by string lights and Christmas trees, a beautiful and unique photo opportunity you can never get in the summer. Venice is also a wonderful place to buy one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for your loved ones, as artisans will be selling handmade goods such as shoes, artwork, Murano glass, or masks.
It really beats going to the mall, doesn’t it? You also won’t miss out on the renowned gondola rides that Venice offers in the winter, either. Gondoliers operate rides year-round and can even provide you with a blanket to keep you warm on the boat.
Best Months To Travel To Venice, Italy
You cannot visit Europe without seeing Venice, Italy. Also known as the “City of Canals,” there is not a shortage of unique activities to do, such as taking a romantic gondola ride through the city’s water channels, touring the intricate basilicas, and overlooking the water while eating an authentic Italian pizza.
Venice will have you amazed at its beauty and incredible infrastructure as one of the only floating cities in the world. The best time to visit Venice for the most pleasant weather is during the summer, between June and August. Venice has some of the best weather in the summer, as it’s not as hot as other cities in Italy.
If you want to avoid the massive crowds of tourists that come to Venice, consider visiting during the winter. The weather is a lot colder, but you will not be disappointed by the views which remain spectacular throughout the year.
