Best time to visit Venice | A comprehensive guide

If you’re looking to spend some quiet time in Venice, January is an ideal time to get acquainted to the city. With the mercury dropping every now and then, the city offers you an ambiance that is straight out of a romantic movie. Days can be cloudy, accompanied with some Venetian fog, and there’s always chance of untimely rains. However, the weather is pleasant and does not get as chilly as it does in December. Pack enough layers, including gloves, scarves and a warm coat to make the most of the weather in January.

Despite the retreating winter, February can be quite cold in Venice. While you don’t need to pack as heavy as you would in January, you still require to carry enough overalls to keep you warm during early mornings and late evenings. February, however, hosts the most-awaited Venice Carnival that is the right time to stop by for a gala time and indulge in public shows as well as other events lined up especially for it. February is the ideal time to visit if you’re planning to enjoy the Venetian winter without having to book tickets during holiday season!

With the onset of Spring, Venice warms up and you can enjoy the newly bloomed flowers across the city. Expect a little more of rainfall than usual in this season, but apart from that there is plenty of sunshine with 12 hours of daylight on an average. Celebrations begin to pop up around this month and you may notice various events being held for Women’s Day on 8th of March and 19th March which is St. Joseph’s day (also celebrated as Father’s Day in Venice). With Easter break just around the corner, be prepared to encounter moderate crowd.

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

May marks the beginning of the peak season in Venice, which means you may encounter larger crowds, more queues and accommodation issues. However, this will also mean a cheerful atmosphere and sunshine that will brighten up the city unlike any other weather. You can expect warm days but don’t be surprised to see the temperature dipping by the end of the day. This season will also witness several water sports taking place, as Festa della Sensa, commemorating Venice's marriage to the sea, takes place on the first Sunday after Ascension Day. It is also followed by Vogalonga, a rowing race, something that tourists as well as locals believe in participating.

With the peak season along with summer, both on a full-swing, Venice is hot and sunny during June. There is still a chance of rain and some afternoon thunderstorms which drop in unannounced during summer season here. Pack light along with your beachwear, which is recommended if you want to catch some tan during the longest day in Venice, June 20. During odd numbered years, Venice hosts its Art Biennale, that runs from June to November. You may also catch up on its various previews and pre-events, apart from Art Night Venezia.

July is not only the hottest month in Venice, but is also the peak of its tourist season. The temperature rising can This is perhaps the best season to pack your bathing suits and sandals to cool off at the beaches. It is advisable to pack a sunscreen with high SPF to avoid a possible sunstroke. Venice celebrates its biggest festival — Festa del Redentore — commemorating the end of plague in the city during 1587. The spectacle attracts many from around Europe and the world and is celebrated widely across Venice with pomp and fervour.

August in Venice can still be hot, however, night time can turn pleasant as compared to June or July. There is above average rainfall during this month and also a chance of thunderstorm. It is recommended to pack according to the changing weather and keep a raincoat at hand. August in Venice is a great time to go rowing or sailing, which could provide a respite from the heat in this season. Ferragosto, a traditional Italian holiday, takes place in August along with the preparations of the famous Venice Film Festival. You may also find a lot of interesting outdoor concerts and movie screenings taking place in this month.

September witnesses a decline in the temperatures in Venice, however it does not require you to pack heavy just yet. Carrying a sweater for the evenings can do the needful as temperatures tend to dip moderately during the night time. While rain isn’t significant in this month, expect light drizzling every now and then which could cause the temperature to cool. With the Venice Film Festival taking place, September is also a lively time to visit the city. Experience a fun-filled, traditional gondola race at the Historical Regatta, which also takes place at the start of the month.

It gets noticeably cooler in Venice during October, and you may also find a little less crowd than usual as the peak season dissipates. You may require a thicker jacket during this weather as the temperature gets nippy with the daylight constantly decreasing. Opera season kicks in at La Fenice in October which is ideal for those who are enthusiastic about the art. With Halloween around the corner, several lively parties and haunts come alive in October with a much younger crowd. Expect to find some fun events lined up for the festival across the city if you’re in town.

There is a dramatic drop in the temperature that marks the onset of winters in Venice. November can also get rainier, with rainfalls occurring every now and then. The temperature can drop more as the month progresses, so be sure to pack wisely. November starts off with an All Saints Day in Venice, which is a public holiday for the city. The Festa della Salute held on the 21st of November is yet another festival that commemorates the end of plague in 1631. November is a great time to sip hot chocolate in an outdoor cafe before the winter kicks in in December.

December is the coldest month in Venice, and is also the beginning of holiday season in the city. Packing your cold gears, heavy jackets, hats and gloves is advisable if you plan to visit Venice during this season. With Christmas and Hanukkah around the corner, you may encounter several pop-up Christmas markets in the city. Closer to the New Year’s Eve, Venice will also have lively events taking place leading up to December 31st. The finale on New Year’s Eve features a firework show on Piazza San Marco and ends with couples kissing on midnight.