April to June and September to early November are the sweet spot — warm enough to enjoy walking without summer’s oppressive heat. May and early October are particularly good. The Venice Biennale runs from late April to November.
Summer (July and August) is crowded and uncomfortable. 32 to 35 degrees with high humidity, canal smells, and narrow streets around San Marco become difficult to move through.
Winter (December to February) is cold, damp and magical. Fog drifts through the streets, tourist numbers drop dramatically. Carnival in February fills the city with masked revellers. January is Venice at its quietest and cheapest.
Since 2024, Venice charges a day-tripper entry fee (currently 5 euros) on peak days between April and July. Overnight hotel guests are exempt.