Venice already lies on the border between temperate and subtropical zones, so it generally has a pleasant climate all year round. The location by the sea favours mild winters with minimal snow and rain showers and warm, clear summers. Temperatures climb to 30 °C during the summer holidays and stay around 6-10 °C in winter.
In terms of rainfall, the Venice area is about average for Europe.
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What are the rainiest months?
How often do floods and the phenomenon called acqua alta, high water occur? Flooding is very common in Venice due to its location practically directly on the water, but it is not directly related to rain.
The so-called Acqua Alta occurs most often in Venice from November to February, when the sea is rough. On average, the lowest squares and streets are flooded 3-4 days a month.
Venice is statistically rainiest in summer, when heavy showers and thunderstorms can occur, but usually for 1-2 hours at most. On average, it rains about 8 days a month in Venice.
Weather during the year
See a summary of the weather in Venice by month of the year.
Weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year, with an average daily temperature of just around 6°C.
On the other hand, the rainfall in January is the least of the year, but this doesn't mean that flooding can't occur due to high tides. The winter months are generally prone to high water, but it is less frequent in January than in, for example, November or February.
During January, skies are overcast most days.
Weather in February
February's weather is in winter gloom mode with temperatures around 9°C with light rain showers, which are statistically the least frequent of the year.
On the other hand, February is the second most prone month after November to occasional flooding of the lowest squares and streets.
Weather in March
Spring is slowly making its presence felt in March, but temperatures rarely rise above 13 °C. The advantage of March is that showers are less likely, and acqua alta, flooding, is also less common in March.
Weather in April
April weather in Venice is very similar to the classic April weather in central or northern Europe. Temperatures normally hover around 16 °C, short showers are frequent, but prolonged rain is rare.
Skies alternate between clear and cloudy and there are often strong winds.
Weather in May
May is a very pleasant month with temperatures around 22 °C and about 8 days a month when showers occur.
If you like cool temperatures ideal for walking around town, then May is the month for you.
Weather in June
June is the rainiest month in Venice, which means nothing more than the occasional heavy shower that lasts no more than a few hours and occurs on average 9 days a month. Hiking is therefore not significantly affected.
Average temperatures are rising to a summer high of 25 °C and by the end of June, even the shallow Adriatic is starting to warm up.
Weather in July
July in Venice is the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures around 28 °C, but maximum temperatures often exceed 30 °C.
Thunderstorms occur about 3-4 times a month on average and the sea is pleasantly warm, ideal for swimming.
Weather in August
August is also a typical summer month with temperatures between 28 and 30 °C and occasional thunderstorms, but these only occur on average about 7 days a month.
In August, the sea is the warmest on the Lido, making it an ideal month to combine city and beach tourism.
Weather in September
September in Venice is still a summer month with temperatures around 25°C and rainfall similar to the rest of the year, i.e. about 7 days per month on average, but mostly only short intense showers.
Weather in October
October weather is not very similar to autumn. Temperatures are mostly around 18 °C and there are still as many showers as in the rest of the year, but there is no autumn chill.
Weather in November
November in Venice can be the riskiest month to visit, as flooding is the most common of the year.
However, the truth is that even in the event of flooding, much of Venice is walkable, so any flooding won't ruin your holiday. Expect temperatures to be around 12°C.
Weather in December
December is typically a winter month with temperatures around 8°C and relatively dry weather, with relatively little rain. December is a good month for a combination of walking around the city and visiting museums or galleries.
Sea temperature in Venice
Although Venice is not a typical beach destination, you can swim as well on the local beaches as anywhere else in Italy.
The sea is swimmable during our summer, when the water temperature is around 25°C from mid-June to the end of September.
Table of temperatures during the year
Venice - Weather across the year
When to go to Venice
If you're really only going for a short trip to Venice and don't plan any activities other than city hiking, the best seasons are spring, Indian summer (late September and October) and, if you can tolerate temperatures around 10°C, winter. These months are significantly cheaper than summer and you don't need the constantly clear skies to run errands around town anyway.
Book a hotel in Venice and avoid the fee
On the other hand, if you want to combine a trip to Venice with a dip in the sea, go between June and September when the water temperature is over 23°C.
Keep an eye out for holidays in February, when the famous Venice Carnival takes place, and also during the Venice Film Festival in August/September (see the Activities chapter for more). Prices skyrocket, so if you don't need to see the carnival, go another time.