Your ultimate guide to experiencing winter in Venice, Italy

Winter in Venice exudes romance, with mist and fog enveloping its canals and historic landmarks. Tourist numbers dwindle, allowing locals to reclaim their charming streets. For an authentic and serene experience in Venice, winter is the ideal season.

The winter season spans from late December to late February. While it’s chilly, it’s not frigid, with average temperatures around 36 °F in January and 40 °F in February. Expect some wind and occasional rain, but don’t let that deter you; the city’s charm and holiday decorations make up for the lack of sunshine.

Winter also presents one of the most budget-friendly opportunities to visit Venice, with affordable flights and hotel options. Continue reading to discover details about winter weather in Venice (and what to bring), winter festivals, Valentine’s Day events, and must-see attractions.

Winter climate in Venice

Winter in Venice can be quite chilly, with temperatures starting to drop as early as November and remaining low through March.

In December, the average temperature in Venice hovers around 38 °F, while in January, it can plummet to about 30 °F. You might occasionally experience a light snowfall in January during the coldest spells, but it rarely accumulates as the temperatures tend to be too mild or wet.

When snow does manage to settle, the city turns into a stunning winter wonderland. Be sure to pack warm attire, including a coat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof footwear, as the streets can occasionally flood.

Winter celebrations in Venice

Venetians have a deep passion for their culture, which they protect and celebrate with enthusiasm. If you find yourself in Venice during any of their festivals, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Many of these events hold religious significance and provide a glimpse into Venice’s rich history, and they are welcoming to all.

There’s nothing quite as moving as participating in a midnight mass beneath the stunning frescoes of St. Mark’s Cathedral on Christmas Eve. Strolling through the nearly empty alleys, filled with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries from the local Pasticcerias, truly makes a winter visit to Venice magical.

Feast of Santa Maria della Salute

Just before the official winter season peaks, the feast of Santa Maria della Salute, one of Venice’s most significant festivals, is celebrated every year on the 21st of November; witnessing this event is a truly special experience.

The festival honors Santa Maria, who is believed to have saved the city from the bubonic plague in 1630. This event features a procession from the Grand Canal to the stunning Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, built as a gesture of gratitude in her name.

The procession leaders don special beaked masks while carrying small lanterns filled with herbs, echoing the attire from the plague era. They are followed by large crowds lighting candles at the church.

Following the procession, festivities commence with food stalls set up around the church and throughout the city, featuring local delicacies like the savory castradina, a hearty soup made with mutton and cabbage, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December in Venice marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations. On December 8th, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the city's Christmas lights are officially illuminated.

The Christmas lights enhance the enchanting atmosphere of Venice in December, infusing the shorter days with a touch of romance. Gondolas also dress up for the season, while many historic sites adorn themselves with festive lights and decorations.

On this special day, you can find stalls offering traditional Italian delicacies scattered throughout the city.

Venice Christmas Market

The Venice Christmas market can be found at Campo Santo Stefano, the city's second-largest square after St. Mark’s Square, and typically opens during the final week of November.

Surrounded by elegant Venetian palaces and two magnificent churches, this market offers a spectacular backdrop for holiday shopping. Here, you can find everything from Murano glass trinkets to authentic Italian delicacies. It's also the ideal spot to purchase your carnival mask if you're planning to participate.

The market is conveniently situated near the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, allowing for additional cultural exploration. Entrance is free.

La Befana Boat Race

After the Christmas celebrations conclude worldwide, Venice honors the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. During this time, the ‘good witch’ rewards the well-behaved with gifts while playfully tricking those who haven't been so nice. The festivities culminate in the unique La Befana boat race.

Members of one of Venice's oldest rowing clubs don witch costumes, complete with broomsticks, and row down the Canal from San Toma to the Rialto Bridge, where a massive stocking hangs for the gifts.

This distinctive event is a sight to behold, as the city comes alive with a festive spirit. Expect to see fairs, festivals, and concerts happening throughout. If you need an excuse to visit Venice in January—beyond the lower flight and accommodation prices—this is a perfect reason.

Valentine’s in Venice

While it may require some strategic planning to secure great deals, spending Valentine’s Day in Venice with your partner is the ultimate romantic expression.

Crossing the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners caught their final view of the city before imprisonment, has taken on a romantic allure and draws couples from around the globe, in addition to being one of Venice's most stunning sights.

To enhance your experience, consider a gondola ride; the Serenade offers the pinnacle of romance, complete with a serenade from your gondolier. Just be sure to dress warmly for the cooler temperatures.

Venice Carnivale

Renowned worldwide, the Venice Carnivale stands as the epitome of street festivities. If you ever needed a reason to visit Venice in February, this is it. For approximately two weeks, Venice is transformed into an 18th-century spectacle with people adorned in the most extravagant costumes and masks.

Street parties and entertainment abound, with numerous private balls to choose from as well. The final weekend of events is the peak time to join in, but be prepared for higher costs and some planning, as tickets sell out quickly for specific parties. However, it is possible to do this affordably.

While wearing a costume is optional, it certainly adds to the enjoyment. This tradition, which began in 1162 to commemorate a victory, has evolved into one of the largest street festivals globally.

More activities to enjoy in Venice during winter

If the festivals aren’t enough to entice you to visit Venice in winter, consider exploring the many attractions that would typically be too busy in the summer months.

Lines at St Mark’s are much shorter, and St Mark’s Square feels less packed. Wrapped in a cozy blanket, you can savor a gondola ride through the canals, which take on a wonderfully romantic and slightly eerie atmosphere with the early-morning fog.

Even a glimpse from the Rialto Bridge is more serene without the throngs pushing for space. You’ll also find it easier to secure a table at Caffe Florian for a rich ciocolata calda, a deliciously thick hot chocolate to warm you as you watch life unfold.

Doge’s Palace

Adjacent to St Mark’s Cathedral is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture: the Doge’s Palace. During summer, it's so popular that entry can be challenging, but in winter, the crowds are thinner.

Once the hub of power in Venice, it serves as a fantastic place to learn about the city's rich history. Inside its opulent rooms, you'll discover valuable artifacts from a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the immense wealth Venice once possessed.

The palace houses some of the most renowned artworks in the world, including Tintoretto’s Paradise, one of the largest oil paintings on canvas. This masterpiece is located in the Great Council, where crucial governing decisions were once made, holding councilors accountable.

Visiting the palace also allows you to step onto the Bridge of Sighs, which linked the chambers to the cells where prisoners were held after their sentences were delivered. One of the most notable prisoners was Giacomo Casanova, who famously escaped to Paris.

Phoenix Theatre

Another delightful winter activity in Venice, especially on less-than-pleasant days, is to attend a performance at the Teatro La Fenice, the city's esteemed opera house and a significant landmark in Italy’s theatrical heritage.

This splendid theatre has literally risen from the ashes three times. Many legendary composers, including Verdi and Rossini, premiered their masterpieces here, so you’ll be in esteemed company. If you can’t attend a performance, consider taking a guided tour of La Fenice’s beautifully ornate theatres.