Want to discover the City of the Doges? Generation Voyage tells you the best time to visit Venice, according to your tastes!
Unesco World Heritage Site, Venice is a city to visit at least once in a lifetime. With its canals, bridges, unique architecture, Doge’s Palace and rich history, the Serenissima will transport you to another world. Now that you know you want to visit the city of the Doges, you need to know the best time to visit Venice.
Just the thing, because Generation Voyage has put together a guide to help you decide when to go!
When to visit Venice?
Photo credit: MeteoBlue
The weather
Located on the Adriatic Sea, Venice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a tendency to humidity. Although temperatures are relatively mild, even in winter, the feeling can vary due to the ambient humidity. Fog and thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in the world’s most romantic city.
Note that the climate in Venice differs from that in the hinterland. The Dolomites enjoy a climate that is often warmer and, above all, less humid. So if you’re visiting Venice (especially in summer), take the opportunity to discover the mountainous areas just behind it, which enjoy a very sunny climate.
On the budget
When it comes to determining the best time to visit Venice, the wallet is just as important as the weather. Thanks to its international reputation, the city of the Doges can be visited all year round. There are, however, certain periods when tourism is much more intense. And higher demand also means higher prices.
This obviously applies to the summer period, but also to the Venice Carnival and theAcqua Alta (both in winter). During these seasons, airfares and the cost of living are likely to rise significantly.
If you want to visit the city more cheaply, we recommend the relatively quiet months of April and May.
Visiting Venice in winter
Piazza San Marco during theacqua alta – Photo credit: Shutterstock – irisphoto1
Venice in winter is quite cold, and especially wet. This climate regularly brings thick fog that invades the canals. In January, as soon as temperatures drop, frost sets in in the City of the Doges.
As Venice is made up of hundreds of small islets, flooding is a frequent occurrence during theacqua alta period. Although Venice’s feet are in the water at this time of year, it’s also what makes it so charming. On average, acqua alta occurs around a hundred times a year, mainly between November and April.
If you’re not afraid of the cold and rain, winter is perhaps the best time to visit Venice. At this time of year, don’t miss a detour to the unmissable Piazza San Marco, where the view is absolutely exceptional, thanks to its low-lying position.
Visiting Venice in mid-season
Photo credit: Shutterstock – lulu and isabelle
With the arrival of spring, temperatures start to rise and humidity is lower. This is the perfect time to stroll around the city in peace and quiet. The terraces start to fill up gradually, without being overrun by tourists.
Autumn also sees the departure of summer visitors, much to the delight of those who come at this time.
As well as enjoying a pleasant climate and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are also times when the ancient city-state’s festivities are in full swing. So if you want to avoid the tourists while enjoying the Italian warmth, the low season is probably the best time to visit Venice.
Visiting Venice in summer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aliaksandr Antanovich
Many people come to explore the city of the Doges in summer, yet this is not the best time to visit Venice. As soon as summer arrives, humidity returns in full force and temperatures climb to around 35°C. The atmosphere becomes heavy, almost stifling. Locals generally flee the city at this time of year, seeking refuge inland.
But rest assured, if you’re planning to visit Venice in summer, the days are longer. This means you can stay out later and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll have plenty of time to head to the Lido island for a sunbathing session on its beaches.
When to visit Venice: must-see festivals
Photo credit: Shutterstock – francesco de marco
Carnival in Venice
Every year, from late January onwards, the festivities transform the city of the Doges into a veritable commedia dell’Arte. If you want to soak up the culture, do as the Venetians do and wear an Italian mask. Participants stroll through the city between St. Mark’s Square, along the canals or into the Doge’s Palace. Carnival marks the end of social constraints and the uninhibited spirit of its participants.
For Carnival alone, February is certainly the best time to visit Venice. If it snows during this event, the spectacle is all the more beautiful. The Carnival program includes a costume contest, the flight of the angel and the eagle, as well as numerous plays and dances in the air.
Vogalonga
This is a rowing race involving over a thousand small boats. The boats set off on a 32-kilometer race. They set off from the Doge’s Palace and race around the city’s must-see sites, including Burano, Murano, the Cannaregio canal and Punta della Dogana.
If you’re in Venice on Whit Sunday, don’t miss this legendary race.
Festa della Sensa
Sensa is the name given to the Sunday following Ascension Day. On this occasion, Venetians celebrate the sea with a wedding, the Sposalito del Mar. As the sea has made Venice a commercial and political power in the Mediterranean, this festival is an opportunity to pay tribute to it.
Regattas were organized, as well as a ceremony on the island of Lido. During this mass, the city’s mayor throws a ring into the sea. The ring represents the union between the city of the Doges and the sea.
Venice Mostra
A not-to-be-missed event in Venice, the Mostra is an international festival held on the last weekend of August. On this occasion, film stars parade down the red carpet. As well as cinema, this event celebrates art in its entirety: music, dance, contemporary art and more. The Venice Biennale brings together many Italian, European and international artists.
The first edition of the Mostra dates back to 1895, making it one of the world’s oldest celebrations of the arts.
Festa della Madonna della Salute
On this occasion (November 21), the city’s inhabitants cross a boat bridge over the Grand Canal. They reach the Church of the Salute to light candles. The festival dates back to 1630 and celebrates the end of the plague in Italy.