Venice is perhaps best described as "half fairy tale and half tourist trap," as noted by the novelist Thomas Mann. The city can fulfill many visitors' vision of it: a romantic place with quiet, winding streets and canals, and treasures like St. Mark's Square, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the islands of Murano and Burano. As one of Italy's most popular cities, however, tourists flock to Venice, leading to its reputation as an overcrowded and overpriced destination. Venice attractions include St. Mark's Basilica in the city's only square and Palazzo Zenobio, one of the largest palaces built in Venice. Flights to Venice land at San Marco Airport, about 30 minutes away from the city center by water taxi.

With its unique location at sea level and its famous network of canals, Venice attracts visitors from all over the world throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is during summer, when schools are on vacation, the weather is hot, and festivals abound. Fewer people come to the city during the winter months. However, despite the cold, February is a popular time among Carnival-goers who fill the city with music and laughter. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit when there are fewer visitors and pleasant weather.

high season: June to August
low season: November to February
shoulder season: March to May, September to October

Weather Information

Located on the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea, Venice can experience rain showers anytime of the year, which can cause acqua alta, or high waters. This is particularly important, since the city streets may flood during this time. With temperatures reaching average highs in the 80s, summer can get especially warm, which can cause unpleasant odors from the canals. Winter can be cold, especially in January and February, with a chance of snow and average lows of 32 degrees. The most pleasant times to visit are during the spring and fall, when high temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s.

Crowd Information

Venice gets crowded during major festivals such as Carnival in February, La Biennale di Venezia from June through November, the Festa del Redentore in July, and the Regata Storica in September.

Closure Information

Most hotels, shops, and restaurants remain open year-round, and unlike many other places in Europe, establishments in Venice don't close during August.

Information provided by The Italian Government Tourist Board