Venice rewards good timing. Visit in spring or early autumn and you will find pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Arrive in July or during Carnival and you will share the Rialto Bridge with thousands of fellow travellers. This guide breaks down the best time to visit Venice.
Best Overall: April to June and September to October
Spring and early autumn deliver Venice at its best. April through June offers blooming wisteria, pleasant temperatures (15 to 26 Celsius / 59 to 79 Fahrenheit), and the city before peak summer. September and October bring warm days, golden light, and thinner crowds after the first week of September. May and late September are the sweet spots. Book ahead for these popular months.
Best for Budget: November to February
Winter offers the lowest prices and fewest tourists. The trade-off is cold, damp weather and the likelihood of acqua alta. Carnival (February, dates vary) is an exception: prices spike and the city fills with costumed visitors. January and early December are the quietest months. The foggy winter atmosphere is uniquely beautiful and photogenic.
Acqua Alta Season: October to January
If you want to avoid the famous flooding, skip November and December. Acqua alta typically lasts a few hours in the morning and recedes by afternoon. The city installs elevated walkways in St. Mark’s Square and other low-lying areas. Check tide forecasts at comune.venezia.it. The phenomenon is most common from October through January.
