Best time to visit Venice

When planning your trip for a ride on a gondola you should check our guide to the best time to visit Venice to make the most out of your holiday.

Best time to visit Venice

When is the best time to visit Venice? In the in-between seasons, spring or summer, when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.

Best Time to go Sightseeing: The middle of May is a great time to go sightseeing, when it’s not so cold anymore, the sun shines and the city is ready to welcome its visitors. Alternatively, visit in September, when the summer heat has abated. No matter when you visit, remember – it’s best to visit popular attractions such as St Mark’s Square early in the morning. In fact, if you get up early to go sightseeing, you can get in the front of the queues… and the morning light is superb for taking pictures.

Best Time to Visit the Rialto Market: The famous market around Rialto Bridge is always busy, no matter what time of day and what season it is. So get there before everybody else has finished their breakfast, around 9am, on a Friday or a Saturday. Remember: the market is closed on Sunday and Monday

Best Time to enjoy a Gondola Ride: If you want a peaceful ride, come and visit and book your gondola ride in the in-between seasons, spring or autumn. Avoid going at sunset, when it's hard to get a gondola, as people love sunset rides. Instead take a ride in the late morning or early afternoon – it’s less expensive at those times.

Venice Events and Festivals 

January

• Festival of Saint Anthony (The Feast Day of Saint Anthony Abbott) January 16 & 17: A holiday celebrating St Anthony Abbott, patron saint of basket makers, butchers, domestic animals and grave diggers. 

February

• Carnevale di Venezia – February 16, 2021 and during the month of February: In Venice, Carnivale is more than just a celebration – it’s an experience. Taking place throughout February, Carnivale features numerous exciting events, masked balls and colorful processions in gondolas along the canals and in St Mark’s Square.
• Valentine’s Day – February 14: Reasons to celebrate this romantic day in the city of romance: To enjoy a gondola ride and a kiss under the famous Bridge of Sights, followed by a drink and/or dinner in St Marks Square.

April

• Festa di San Marco and Liberation Day – April 15: This is a busy day for Venetians, when they celebrate their patron saint, St Mark and the country’s independence simulataneously. Venice hosts a special regatta on the canals as well as various events in St Marks Square. Traditionally, men also give the women in their lives a red rose to celebrate Italy’s liberation.

May

• Labour Day and the Festa della Sparesca May 1: International Workers’ Day is celebrated in Venice with a gondola regatta in the lagoon.
• Festa della Sensa – May 23 & 24 2020: A colorful event celebrating the city’s relationship with the ocean held on the first Sunday after Ascension Day. Includes a stunning procession of boats.
• Vogalonga  May 31: Held on the weekend following Festa della Sensa, this exciting rowing race runs a 32km course from San Marco Basin to the island of Burano. Around 3,000 people take part..

June

• Festa della Repubblica – Republic Day is a national holiday held on June 2 each year. It is similar to Independence Day in other countries, and celebrates the nation becoming a Republic in 1946. Though many businesses, including museums and restaurants, will be closed, there are almost always some eateries open that cater to the countless visitors that flood the city during high season. Keep an eye out for posters announcing special festivities and concerts throughout town.
• La Biennale – Month of June in years with odd numbers: La Biennale starts with a parade in and around St Mark’s Square. Not taking place in 2020, but will be held in 2021.

July

• Festa del Redentore – July 19: The Festival of the Redeemer features a rowing competition followed by fabulous authentic dinners at Venice restaurants and an incredible fireworks display. Book restaurants in advance.
• Arena di Campo San Polo – End of July and throughout August: Nothing beats open-air cinema in the summer months. Features top rated new films, some in English.

August

• Outdoor Concerts and Movies Throughout August: You’ll find a number of outdoor events this month in Venice’s popular squares. 

September

• Venice Film Festival September 2 to 12: Held at Venice Lido, this prestigious red carpet event hosts screen stars from all over the world. 
• Regata Storica di Venezia September 6: One of the city’s largest rowing events, it takes place on the first Sunday of September every year. Includes 4 different races on the Grand Canal featuring different boats including gondolas. Guaranteed fun, delicious food, plenty of music and excitement.

October

• Venice Marathon – October 25: Famous marathon that starts on the mainland and ends at St Marks Square.

November

• Festa di San Martino – November 11: A noisy festival when children use the family’s pots and pans to celebrate St Martin. The only way their noise stops is by giving them a treat. 
• Festa della Salute – November 21: Celebrates a plague that flattened Venice in the 17^th century. Includes a footbridge laid across the Grand Canal leading to St Marks Square to the church for mass.

December

• Christmas Markets – Mid-December to mid-January: Held in Campo Santo Stefano, offering a variety of stalls selling all sorts of hand-crafted Venetian items including toys, tasty treats and more. There’s music and various events to enjoy, too.
• Christmas Eve/Christmas Day December 24 & 25: In Venice, Christmas Eve dinner is a fish meal followed by Midnight Mass. Everything is closed on Christmas Day, but there is a free concert at 4pm at Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari Church.
• Festa di San Silvestro/New Year’s Eve – December 31: Head for St Marks Square to enjoy all the fanfare at midnight.