Discover the best time to visit Venice: Seasonal travel guide

If you are dying to visit Venice but are on a strict budget, then, January may just be the time for you! The weather remains chilly with thick spells of fog and rain but you’ll still be able to go around and take in the city during the day. Make sure you have enough layers on you before you venture out though. This is also a great time to grab great hotel deals. And if you are in the city during the first half of the month, you’ll enjoy the Epiphany and Befana feasts that continue the spirit of Christmas.

As winter retreats, Venice takes on a festive feel with the Venice Carnival that assures you of a gala time with its parades, costume balls, live performances, and busy fairs. You can also come here for Valentine’s Day, for a romantic escapade with your special someone.

With the onset of spring, Venice warms up and you can enjoy fresh blooms across the cityscape. Expect a little more rainfall than usual this season, but there is plenty of sunshine with 12 hours of daylight on average. There are plenty of events around Women’s Day (March 8) and St. Joseph’s Feast (March 19) which also doubles up as Father’s Day here.

With April comes pleasant weather and lots of sunshine in Venice. Light clothing and comfortable footwear go a long way during this season. This is the best time for outdoor cafes and open-air events. Along with Easter in Venice, other iconic festivals including the feast of St. Mark on the 25th of April unfold celebrations at St. Mark Square. Apart from this, Venice also celebrates Liberation Day on the same day, commemorating Italy’s liberation during World War II.

May marks the beginning of peak season in Venice, which means you may encounter larger crowds and queues. You may even struggle to get the accommodation of your choice if you don’t book well in advance. However, the city is bright and pleasant making travel a joy. Several water sports events take place this month. It begins with Festa della Sensa, commemorating Venice's marriage to the sea, which takes place on the first Sunday after Ascension Day. This is followed by Vogalonga, a rowing race in which both crowds of locals and tourists participate.

Summer brings with it the swell of tourists and Venice is hot and sunny during all of June. From being a beach bum to embracing the art lover in you at the Art Biennale – there is plenty to do around here. Spend your days sightseeing, enjoying romance-filled gondola rides, and lingering over delectable meals packed with fresh seafood.

July is the hottest month in Venice and is the best time to don your swimsuits and cool off at the beaches. The highlight during this month is the Festa del Redentore which marks the end of the deadly plague in 1587. This spectacle attracts crowds from all over Europe and is celebrated widely across Venice with pomp and fervour. Music also takes centre stage during the Festa dei Nontari and the Venice Jazz Festival.

August in Venice can still be hot, however, nights turn pleasant when compared to June or July. Rainfall and thunderstorms are common so make sure you pack your raincoats and umbrellas. Visitors spend time rowing and sailing to beat the humidity and heat. Ferragosto, a traditional Italian holiday, takes place in mid-August and locals leave the city to enjoy the holiday elsewhere. So, you can witness a fairly empty Venice during this holiday.

September witnesses a decline in temperatures in Venice with light spells of rain. The main event in September is the iconic Venice Film Festival which adds plenty of glitz and glamour to the city. You can also experience a fun-filled, traditional gondola race at the Historical Regatta, which takes place at the start of the month.

The coolness of October kicks off the high-octave opera season in Venice. Make sure you book your tickets for a mesmerising performance at Teatro La Fenice – one of Italy’s leading opera houses. At the end of the month, Halloween parties add to the buzz of the city and are popular with the young crowd.

Winter arrives in Venice in November and brings with it plenty of rain. This is the perfect season to cosy up with a mug of hot chocolate or catch a concert or an opera performance. November is part of the shoulder season, in Venice, and you should be able to enjoy the city without being surrounded by tourists. During this month, important calendar events like All Saints Day and Festa della Salute adds a dash of festivities to the month.

December is the coldest month in Venice and is the beginning of the holiday season. Pack plenty of warm clothes and heavy jackets before heading to the Italian city for your holiday. Christmas adds festive charm to the city and you can swing by seasonal markets and even hit the ice rink. At the end of the year, you can sign up for memorable parties and welcome a brand new year while watching fireworks at the Piazza San Marco.