Best Times to Explore Venice

Venice truly has no off-season.

The Serenissima is so distinctive and renowned that the urge to witness its beauty transcends the seasons. Each time of year offers its own advantages and challenges, along with various activities and events to experience along the canals—there's really no bad time to visit.

From vibrant festivals like Carnevale to the serene winter months, we highlight the optimal times to experience Venice.

From May to October, you'll find the finest Venetian festivals.

This period showcases Venice at its best, with pleasant weather and daylight extending well past 8 PM. As summer approaches, tourist numbers and prices increase, but you can still enjoy the best free activities in Venice to stay on budget. By mid-summer, the weather can shift from pleasant to sweltering—something to keep in mind if you plan to explore the city on foot. Crowds also gather for Carnevale in spring, which takes place on Shrove Tuesday.

May signals the onset of summer, filling the city with anticipation for the warm months ahead. Events begin to emerge, with the most notable being the Biennale, celebrating visual arts since 1895. June marks the start of the high season, attracting tourists, especially as schools break for summer around mid-month. If the popular tourist sites become overwhelming, consider exploring one of Venice's quieter neighborhoods.

Despite the rising heat in July, Venice remains lively—secure a good spot among fellow visitors for the Festa del Redentore fireworks (third Sunday of July). If the crowds become too much, a day trip outside the city can be refreshing. To cope with the sun's intensity, take advantage of the numerous beaches in and around the Lagoon, perfect for lounging.

September is one of the year's finest months—the heat subsides, yet the weather remains delightful, perfect for savoring the final days of the warm season. By October, autumn has settled in. While there are still pleasant days, it also brings the potential for acqua alta. Don’t forget to pack your rain boots just in case.

Visit between March and April for milder weather.

If you think the city empties out after the Carnevale festivities, think again. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, people return to the bridges and canals. Spring is the ideal time for exploration without the oppressive sun (and the occasional rain shower isn’t a bother).

April marks the genuine arrival of spring. Timeless celebrations like St Mark’s Day create a picturesque experience. A visit around Easter guarantees you'll witness much of the best that Venice has to offer, as the Holy Week is filled with festivities and ceremonies. However, keep in mind that schools in Italy are closed for Easter, attracting many tourists for weekend getaways.

From November to February, budget travelers will find the best deals.

Aside from Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the colder months see Venice at its quietest—while schools and workplaces are in session, tourist numbers significantly drop compared to the bustling summer months.

The absence of tourists doesn’t equate to a lack of vibrancy in the city. The Festa della Madonna della Salute animates the lagoon in late November, with stalls lining the canals and a candlelit procession crossing a bridge of boats to reach the Salute.

During Christmas, the area surrounding the Rialto Bridge sparkles with festive lights and markets, but it's in January for the Regata delle Befane—the boat race where participants don witch costumes—that visitors should secure a viewing spot on the iconic Ponte di Rialto.

The colorful costumes continue at the world-renowned Carnevale, a vibrant celebration of color and disguise. This February gathering marks the final moments of winter before the masks come off and spring begins to bloom in the city.