People pack for Venice like any city break, with a big suitcase on wheels. That's the mistake. There are no cars and around 400 bridges, nearly all with steps, so unless you pay for a water taxi you'll likely carry your bag over a few of them between the water bus and your hotel. Pack light, pack for walking, and expect wet feet in the cooler months.
Venice weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C46°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 17°C63°F | 21°C70°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 25°C77°F | 19°C66°F | 13°C55°F | 9°C48°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 16°C61°F | 12°C54°F | 5°C41°F | 2°C36°F |
| Rain days | 10 | 6 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 6 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 8–10°C (46–50°F) and lows of 2–3°C (36–37°F), with 6 to 10 rain days a month. It's damp and often foggy on the lagoon. The MOSE flood barriers now stop the biggest tides, but low spots like Piazza San Marco can still flood, so pack a warm coat and water-resistant shoes.
Spring
March–MayHighs climb from 14°C (57°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in May, with lows of 6–13°C (43–55°F). It's wetter than people expect, with 13 rain days in March and 15 in May, the wettest month of the year. Bring a light rain jacket and a layer for cool evenings on the Zattere.
Summer
June–AugustHot and crowded. Highs reach 27–29°C (81–84°F) with warm nights around 19–20°C (66–68°F), and July still gets 11 rain days, often as short storms. Pack breathable clothes, a hat, and something to cover your shoulders for churches.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is warm at 25°C (77°F), October cools to 19°C (66°F), and November drops to 13°C (55°F) with lows of 5°C (41°F). Rain days hold at 10 to 11 until November, which only gets 6. Pack layers and shoes that can cope with wet stone.
What to bring to Venice
0 of 24 packedVenice means carrying your bag over stepped bridges, and this 19-inch softside spinner weighs 5.3 lb while still holding 39 L, so it's the one we'd take.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
You'll walk miles of stone paving and bridges, and a cushioned crash pad with a traction outsole makes day three a lot kinder to your feet.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version has the same breathable knit and cushioning for a full day of bridges and alleys, and Allbirds suggests sizing up half a size, so order accordingly.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap covers your shoulders for St Mark's Basilica in summer and keeps you warm on a cold vaporetto ride in winter.
- Pacsafe Coversafe V100 Waist WalletDocuments & Security
Packed vaporetto lines and the Rialto Bridge are pickpocket territory, and a slim waist wallet worn under your clothes keeps your passport and cards out of reach.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Summer evenings by the lagoon bring mosquitoes, and 20% picaridin is rated for up to 12 hours, long enough to cover dinner outside and the walk home.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Venice has public drinking fountains all over the city, so an 18 oz insulated bottle you refill as you go beats buying water at every kiosk.
Clothing
- Warm coatDec–Jan lows of 2°C
- Sweaters · 2
- Light tops · 4Jul–Aug highs reach 29°C
- Lightweight long pants or skirt · 2Covers knees in churches
- Light scarf · 1Covers shoulders in churches
- Light rain jacketMay has 15 rain days
Footwear
- Waterproof bootsFor high water and wet streets
- Wool socks · 3 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Blister plastersMany bridges and steps
Documents and money
- Passport
- Vaporetto pass or appFor the water bus
Tech
- Universal plug adapterSockets are C, F and L at 230V
- Power bank
What shoes should you pack for Venice?
Comfortable walking shoes you've already broken in. You'll cover a lot of ground on stone paving and climb dozens of bridges a day, and there's no hopping in a cab when your feet give out. From autumn into winter, add something water-resistant for high-water days.
What do people wear in Venice?
Smart-casual. Italians dress a step up from most tourists, even for a spritz. Cover shoulders and knees for St Mark's Basilica and other churches or you'll be turned away. Don't walk around in swimwear or shirtless away from the Lido beaches either, because the city can fine you for it.
What plugs does Venice use?
Italy uses type C, F and L plugs at 230V. An adapter with an EU plug fits C and F sockets, which you'll find in most hotels. Check that chargers from North America are rated for 230V.
Tours and things to do in Venice
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Venice.
What should you leave at home for Venice?
Leave the big hardside suitcase. Dragging it over stepped bridges is miserable and the wheels take a beating on the stone. Skip high heels too. In summer a hat does more for you than an umbrella.
Packing for Venice: questions people ask
What should I wear in Venice in October?
Layers. Highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows 12°C (54°F), with 11 rain days, so pack a light jacket, long pants and shoes that handle wet stone.
Can I bring a rolling suitcase to Venice?
Yes, but keep it small. You'll carry it over stepped bridges between the water bus and your hotel, so a light carry-on is far easier than a big checked bag.
What is acqua alta and when does it happen?
It's the high tide that floods low parts of the city like Piazza San Marco. It's most likely from autumn into winter, and the MOSE barriers now hold back the biggest tides.
Do I need to cover up in Venice churches?
Yes. St Mark's Basilica and most churches want shoulders and knees covered, so carry a scarf or light layer in summer.
How hot is Venice in summer?
Highs run 27–29°C (81–84°F) from June to August, with nights around 19–20°C (66–68°F). July and August are the warmest months.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.