Venice is undeniably busy, so planning your trip to this beautiful city requires careful consideration of timing. The best time to visit depends on several factors, but perhaps the deciding one is crowd sizes, as the city can, at times, become overwhelming due to the sheer number of visitors.
That said, there are amazing festivals throughout the year and wonderful sights to visit no matter what time you go. I’ve been to Venice in all four seasons, and based on my experiences, here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Venice, Italy.
Best time to go to Venice: April, May, October & November
The shoulder seasons—April and May in the spring, and October and November in the fall—are hands down the best times to visit Venice. During these months, you’ll enjoy some of the city’s most pleasant weather. While springtime can bring occasional rain, it’s free from the sweltering heat that summer often brings.
Mid to late fall is decidedly less busy than the summer high season, while still having plenty of good weather days, especially compared to winter.
Spring in Venice (March to May)
Spring in Venice brings warmer weather and relatively manageable crowd sizes, making it a lovely time to visit. April is one of the best months to experience the city.
- Weather: Spring weather in Venice is generally mild. Highs in March hover in the 50s°F, climbing to the low 70s°F by May. Keep in mind, though, that this is one of the rainiest times of the year, so pack waterproof outer layers and a sturdy umbrella.
- Crowds: Early spring sees thinner crowds—at least by Venice standards, where a certain level of busyness is inevitable. However, Easter brings an influx of visitors due to school vacations and the city’s massive celebrations. By May, crowds begin to grow as the weather becomes warmer and summer approaches.
- Festivals: Spending Easter in Venice can be a unique experience, but it requires some logistical planning. Many attractions will be closed during the holiday, so double-check schedules in advance. That said, Easter offers alternative opportunities. Even if you’re not religious, attending a mass can be an interesting cultural experience. San Marco’s Basilica hosts the most impressive (and crowded) services, but smaller churches around the city can provide a more intimate and local perspective.
- Personal Insight: I’ve particularly enjoyed visiting Venice in the spring because it’s an excellent time to snag good deals. Early in the season, you’ll find that hotel rates are often much lower than during the summer high season, making it a more affordable stay.
- Tips: Decide what matters most to you: smaller crowds or warmer weather. If you prioritize avoiding crowds, aim for early spring. This way, you’ll enjoy shorter lines, easier restaurant reservations, and a more breathable city experience.
Summer in Venice (June to August)
The summer months are the busiest and hottest time to visit Venice. Out of the three, June has the most decent weather and while the crowds can be big, you can still have a wonderful time if you plan ahead.
- Weather: Summer in Venice is hot and humid, with July and August being the warmest months. Daytime highs reach the mid-80s°F, and while rain is rare, the humidity can make the heat feel more intense. Evenings remain warm and comfortable, with temperatures rarely dipping below the low 60s°F.
- Crowds: Summer is peak tourist season, and the crowds can be overwhelming. To be realistic, they can even feel uncomfortably dense at times. Iconic attractions, like St. Mark’s Square, are packed with visitors, as well as the city’s public transportation, making it hard to navigate or fully enjoy the experience. With such immense crowds, it’s also wise to stay vigilant about pickpockets.
- Festivals: Despite the challenges, summer in Venice offers exciting cultural events. The Venice Film Festival, the world’s oldest film festival, runs from late August into early September. Tickets for screenings are often available to the general public.. Another highlight is the Redentore Festival (Feast of the Redeemer) on the third Sunday of July, featuring spectacular fireworks displays over the city and grand festivities throughout Venice.
- Personal Insight: Venice in the summer is undeniably crowded, and that means everything—hotels, restaurants, and attractions—will be at capacity. If you’re planning a summer trip, advance preparation is crucial. Book your accommodations, tours, and dining reservations months in advance to ensure your itinerary is set and avoid disappointment.
- Tips: Don’t leave anything to chance. Pre-book as much as possible to avoid long lines. Be aware that the Vaporetto (Venice’s water bus) can get extremely crowded and hot during the summer.
Fall in Venice (September to November)
Fall is my absolute favorite time to visit Venice. The weather is slightly cooler yet still mild, making it perfect for exploring the city and taking day trips to the Prosecco vineyards or the other islands in the lagoon.
- Weather: Fall temperatures in Venice are more moderate, with daytime highs in the mid-70s°F in September, dropping to the low 50s°F by November. Rain becomes more frequent as the season progresses, with November being the wettest month, while September and October are generally drier.
- Crowds: The summer crowds begin to thin out as fall progresses. While September is still busy, by mid-October you’ll notice fewer people and shorter lines, making the city feel more spacious and enjoyable.
- Festivals: The Venice Biennale, a celebration of contemporary arts dating back to the late 19th century, features performances, exhibitions, and events scattered across the city. Another highlight is the Regata Storica, a historic regatta held on Venice’s canals, taking place on the first Sunday of September.
- Personal Insight: Fall is a particularly wonderful time to visit Venice. Seasonal food during the harvest months is a highlight, as well as the cultural events happening around the city.
- Tips: Even though fall is quieter than summer, early in the season Venice can still be bustling. Don’t assume you’ll find availability at the last minute. Plan ahead by booking attractions, hotels, and restaurants well in advance. I visited in October recently and hotels were booked up 3 months ahead of time.
Winter in Venice (December to February)
Outside of the ever-popular Carnival, winter is one of the quietest times to visit Venice. While the temperatures are cooler, this is a great time to explore the city’s museums and enjoy dining inside at some of the best restaurants.
- Weather: Winter in Venice is chilly, with January being the coldest month, as daytime highs only reach the mid-40s°F. Fog frequently blankets the city, creating a moody scene. Winter also brings heavier rains, particularly in December, which is the rainiest month. This can occasionally lead to flooding in central areas of the city.
- Crowds: Winter is low season in Venice, making it the best time for those seeking smaller crowds. That being said, Carnival, held in late February, is a large draw and numbers pick up again during that period.
- Festivals: The main Christmas market in Venice is at Campo Santo Stefano. Make sure to try a panettone — a Christmas sweet — and of course a mulled wine. The other main winter festival in Venice is a big one — Carnival. Carnival extends for about two weeks from late February to early March. But the days when the most festivities take place are Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday. You’ll find a city swimming with masked people and celebrations centered around St. Mark’s Square.
- Personal Insight: Winter has smaller crowds and therefore less demand which leads to better prices. This is a great way to have the opportunity to stay at nice hotels for a lower price tag — sometimes as low as half the price of high season. It’s also a fantastic time to go if you’re hoping for a more authentic Venice experience, as it’s a more slower and relaxed time.
- Tips: Winter is a really cozy time to visit Venice. The fog that often sits over the city creates a beautiful effect and makes a sort of otherworldly atmosphere. Do make sure though to layer up as it is cold, and pack good waterproofs in case of rain. If you plan to visit during Carnival, make all of your arrangements, especially hotel bookings, well in advance. Note that attractions often have reduced hours over the holiday, so make sure to check in advance and book tickets for limited opening hours.
More information for your trip to Italy
- One Day in Venice Itinerary
- 16 Best Museums in Venice, Italy
- 25 Best things to do in Venice, Italy
- Best Day Trips from Venice
- 25+ Best Restaurants in Venice
- 5 Best Gelato Shops in Venice
- 2 Days in Venice Itinerary
- 4 Days in Venice Itinerary
- 3 Days in Venice Itinerary
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.