What is the best time to visit Venice?

Want to discover the city of Doges? Wanderlix shows you the best time to visit Venice, according to your tastes!

Ranked at UNESCO World Heritage, Venice is a city to visit at least once in its life. Between its channels, bridges, unique architecture, its Doges Palace and its history of extreme wealth, the Serenesime will transport you to another universe. Now that you know you want to visit the city of Doges, stay to know the best time to visit Venice.

It's okay, since Wanderlix has just prepared a guide to tell you when to leave!

When to visit Venice?

Weather

Located on the Adriatic Sea, Venice enjoys a Mediterranean climate wet trend. Even if temperatures are relatively mild, even in winter, the feeling may vary due to ambient humidity. Fogs and storms are fairly regular in the most romantic city in the world.

Note that the climate in Venice is to be distinguished from the hinterland. Indeed, the region of Dolomites enjoys a climate often warmer and especially less wet. So if you come to visit Venice (particularly in the summer), enjoy it to discover the mountainous lands that are just behind and that enjoy a very sunny climate.

Budget

To determine the best time to visit Venice, the question of the wallet is just as important as that of the weather. Thanks to its international reputation, the city of Doges is a city that can be visited throughout the year . However, there are some periods of much more intense tourist influx. However, which says more demands, also says rising prices.

This is obviously the case of summer period but also the carnival of Venice and acqua alta (both in winter). During these seasons, prices for air tickets and the cost of living may increase significantly.

If you want to visit the city at a lower cost, we recommend the months of April and May that are relatively quiet.

Visit Venice in winter

Venice in winter is Cold enough , and above all wet . This climate regularly brings a thick fog that invades the canals. In January, as soon as temperatures are low, the gel settles in the city of Doges.

Venice being a city composed of 100 small islands, floods are quite common ; this is the period of the acqua alta . Even if Venice has feet in the water this season, it is also what makes all its charm. On average, acqua alta occurs a hundred times over the year, mainly between November and April.

If you are not afraid of cold and rain, winter may be the best time to visit Venice. At this season, don’t miss a detour on the incontournable place Saint-Marc where the show is absolutely exceptional, because of its low position.

Visit Venice on average season

On the arrival of spring, the temperatures begin to climb and humidity is less strong . This period is perfect for strolling around the city in peace. The terraces begin to be filled gradually, without being invaded by tourists. Autumn also sees the summer visitors, for the greatest happiness of those who come to this period.

In addition to enjoying a pleasant climate, and a less affluence, spring and autumn are also times when the parties beat their full in the old city-state. So if you want to avoid tourists while enjoying the Italian heat, the low season is probably the best time to visit Venice.

Visit Venice in summer

Many people come to explore the city of the Doges in the summer, and yet, this is not the best time to visit Venice. As soon as summer arrives, humidity returns in force and the temperatures climb around 35°C. The atmosphere then becomes heavy, almost stifling. In general, the premises flee the city this season to take refuge in the land.

But reassure yourself, if planned to visit Venice in the summer, the days are longer. This allows you to go out later to enjoy fresh air. You will have all the time to visit the island of Lido and make a bronze session on its beaches.

When to visit Venice: the must-see festivals

The Carnival of Venice

Every year, from the end of January, the festivities transform the city of the Doges into a real commedia dell’Arte. If you want to impregnate culture, do as the Venetians and wear an Italian mask. The participants walk in the city between Place Saint-Marc, along the canals or in the Doge Palace. Carnival marks the end of social constraints and the disinhibition of its participants.

Just for the carnival, the month of February is certainly the best time to visit Venice. If it snows during this event, the show is only more beautiful. On the program of the carnival, you can attend a costume contest, the flight of the angel and eagle, or many plays and dances in the air.

Vogalonga

This is an aviron race that brings together more than a thousand small ships. The boats start for a 32-kilometre race. They leave from the Doge Palace and browse the city's must-see sites, as Burano, Murano , the Canal de Cannaregio or Punta della Dogana.

If you are in Venice on the Sunday of the Pentecost, don't miss this mythical race.

Festa della Sensa

Sensa is the name given on Sunday following the ascension. On this occasion, the Venetians celebrate the sea through a marriage, the Sposalito del Mar. The sea that made Venice a commercial and political power in the Mediterranean, this festival is the opportunity to pay tribute to it.

Regattas are then organized, as well as a ceremony on the island of Lido. During this mass, the mayor of the city throws a ring at sea. This ring represents the union between the city of Doges and the sea.

The Mostra of Venice

A must-see holiday in Venice, Mostra is an international festival that takes place on the last weekend of August. On this occasion, film stars defy the red carpet. In addition to cinema, this event celebrates art in its entirety; music, dance, contemporary art, etc. The Venice Biennial is an opportunity to bring together many Italian, European and international artists.

The first edition of Mostra dates from 1895, making this event one of the oldest celebrations of art throughout the world.

Festa della Madonna della Salute

On this occasion (November 21st), the inhabitants of the city cross a bridge of boats that stands on the Grand Canal. They join the church of Salvation to light candles. This party dates from 1630 and celebrates the end of the plague in Italy.