Spring in Venice feels like a fresh start. You get mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and changing skies that really set the scene for wandering the canals and piazzas.
Average daytime highs climb from about 50°F (10°C) in early March to around 70°F (21°C) by late May. Nights stay cooler, especially at the start of the season.
Rain showers happen pretty often, but they usually blow through quickly. Afterward, you get that clean, fresh air and clear views across the lagoon.
You’ll see a mix of cloudy and sunny days. The chance of rain goes up a bit as spring moves toward summer.
Daylight changes fast, and by late May, you get more hours to soak in the city. Water temperatures rise too, which makes the canals and waterfront feel even nicer.
Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and those quick rain showers make spring one of the most lively times to be in Venice. You’ll probably notice how the weather shifts from winter’s last gasp in March to the warmth that hints at summer by the end of May.
Overview of Spring Weather in Venice
Venice in spring feels like it’s always changing. Temperatures go up steadily, rain comes and goes, and the days stretch longer.
You’ll start with cool mornings in March, then get mild afternoons by April. By May, days feel warm enough to leave your jacket behind, but the weather still flips between sunny spells and cloudy, damp patches.
Typical Spring Temperatures
Early March usually brings daytime highs around 12°C (53°F), with nights dropping to 4°C (39°F). That crisp air near the canals can feel pretty sharp.
April warms up to about 16°C (61°F) in the afternoons, and evenings hover closer to 8°C (46°F). You’ll probably switch to lighter clothes as the month goes on.
May gets even better, with daytime averages at 21°C (70°F) and nights around 12°C (53°F). Late spring just feels right for exploring outside.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 12°C / 53°F | 4°C / 39°F |
| April | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 53°F |
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
Spring rain in Venice pops up often, and showers can surprise you. March feels unsettled, with lots of clouds and sometimes fog.
April brings more frequent rain, but storms usually don’t last long. You’ll want an umbrella or a light raincoat, but you won’t see endless rainy days.
By May, you’ll notice a slight drop in rain and more dry days for walking or boat rides. Humidity stays pretty reasonable, though mornings can feel damp near the water.
Venice usually gets 6–9 rainy days per month in spring. It’s smart to plan a few indoor options, just in case.
Length of Daylight and Sunshine Hours
Days get longer fast in spring, so you have more time to explore. Early March gives you about 11 hours of daylight, and by late May, you’re up to nearly 15 hours.
Sunshine builds as spring goes on. March has fewer clear days, but April and May bring more sunshine.
You’ll see about 4–6 hours of sunshine per day in March, bumping up to 7–9 hours daily in May. Late spring feels brighter and works better for outdoor fun, photos, or evening walks along the canals.
Month-by-Month Spring Climate Breakdown
Venice in spring warms up month by month. Days get longer, and rainfall stays moderate.
Each month feels a bit different, from chilly mornings in March to comfortable afternoons by May. These changing patterns shape how you plan your days outside.
March: Early Spring Conditions
March in Venice usually means 4°C (39°F) at night and 12°C (54°F) during the day. The air feels damp, and fog sometimes rolls in during the mornings, especially near the canals.
Days are still short, but you’ll notice daylight stretching past 11 hours. Rainfall averages around 50 mm spread across 5–6 days.
Showers come and go quickly but can feel chilly. Bring a warm jacket and waterproof shoes, since acqua alta (seasonal high water) can still show up.
Clouds cover the sky about half the time. Sunny breaks do happen, but you can’t count on them. March works well for quieter sightseeing, though evenings stay cold.
April: Transition to Milder Weather
April brings temperatures up to 8–16°C (47–61°F), making walks and outdoor meals more comfortable. Rainfall ticks up to about 65–70 mm, usually as light but frequent showers.
You’ll get nearly 13.5 hours of daylight, so there’s more time to explore. Humidity stays moderate, and the air feels fresher than in March.
Sunshine grows to about 5–6 hours per day, brightening up the city’s canals and piazzas. Pack layers—afternoons can feel mild, but mornings and evenings still hold a chill.
Sometimes the wind pushes water levels higher, but flooding isn’t as much of a hassle as in winter. April’s often the first month you can really enjoy a gondola ride or sit outside at a café.
May: Warming Trends and Longer Days
May feels like early summer is just around the corner. Daily highs hit 21°C (70°F), and nights stay mild at about 12°C (54°F).
Rainfall averages 60–70 mm, but showers don’t stick around for long. You’ll get 7–8 hours of sunshine and more than 15 hours of daylight.
Humidity drops a bit, so the air feels pleasant. The Adriatic Sea starts to warm, though it’s still too cool for most people to swim.
Light clothing during the day and a jacket at night usually does the trick. Crowds pick up, but the weather is super reliable.
May stands out as one of the best months for outdoor life in Venice, from walking tours to evening strolls along the water.
Unique Spring Weather Phenomena
Spring in Venice brings a few surprises. Along with mild temperatures and longer days, you’ll run into weather quirks that can shape your visit.
Rising water from the Adriatic Sea and seasonal winds are the two big things to watch out for.
Acqua Alta and Seasonal Flooding
Acqua alta, or “high water,” happens when tides, wind, and atmospheric pressure combine to flood low spots in the city. It’s more common in autumn and winter, but it still pops up in spring.
Flooding usually hits places like St. Mark’s Square, where officials set up raised walkways for pedestrians. The Adriatic Sea pushes water into the Venetian Lagoon, and when spring tides line up with strong winds, water levels can rise fast.
Even though spring flooding tends to be milder than winter’s, it can still mess with your plans. These events usually last just a few hours before the water drops back down.
If you’re out and about, waterproof shoes or overshoes help a lot on high-tide days. Local authorities post tide bulletins, so you can plan your routes ahead.
Spring Winds: Bora and Sirocco
Two winds shape Venice’s spring: the Bora and the Sirocco.
The Bora, a cold, dry wind from the northeast, can show up with little warning. When it blows in, you’ll feel a sudden chill and brisk air, especially early in the season.
The Sirocco is basically the opposite—a warm, humid wind from the southeast. It brings moisture from the Mediterranean, sometimes making the sky look hazy.
This wind can push humidity higher, so the air feels heavier even if it’s not that hot. Both winds affect lagoon water levels.
The Bora tends to push water out, dropping the tides, while the Sirocco drives water inland, raising the risk of minor flooding. Knowing these patterns helps you prepare for sudden changes in comfort or how easy it is to get around.
How Spring Compares to Other Seasons
Venice in spring just feels more inviting. You get mild temperatures, longer days, and rain that’s usually easy to handle.
It’s more comfortable than winter and skips the heat and crowds of summer.
Spring vs. Summer Weather
Summer in Venice gets hotter and stickier than spring. In July and August, daytime highs often hit the low to mid-80s °F (28–30°C), and nights stay warm.
Spring keeps things cooler, from the 50s °F (10–15°C) in March to the low 70s °F (21°C) in May. Humidity jumps up in summer, too.
By August, muggy days are common, but in spring, it’s rare to feel uncomfortable. Rain doesn’t spike much in summer, but storms can be heavier and show up out of nowhere, unlike the gentler spring showers.
Daylight stretches even longer in late June, with more than 15 hours of sun compared to spring’s 11–15 hours. That extra light makes summer feel intense, especially with the heat bouncing off the stones and canals.
If you’re after comfort, spring is just easier for walking and sightseeing. Summer brings bigger crowds, more heat, and less breeze, while spring offers a sweet spot of warmth and decent humidity.
Spring vs. Winter and Autumn
Winter in Venice is damp and cold. Highs usually land in the 40s °F (5–9°C), and lows can dip near freezing.
Fog and gray skies are common, and daylight is short—less than 9 hours in December. Spring, by comparison, is brighter, longer, and just nicer for being outside.
Autumn has a bit in common with spring temperature-wise, but things change quickly. September can still feel warm, with highs around 75°F (24°C), but by November, you’re back in the 40s °F (7–9°C).
Rain picks up in autumn and tends to fall harder than spring’s lighter showers. Flooding risk is another difference.
Acqua alta is most likely in autumn and winter, while spring usually dodges the worst of it. That makes spring more predictable for exploring Venice without worrying about water blocking your path.
Best Time to Visit Venice in Spring
Venice in spring gives you mild temperatures, longer days, and a steady uptick in things to do outside. The weather flips from cool to comfortable pretty quickly, so timing your trip can make a difference if you want good conditions and smaller crowds.
Ideal Weeks for Travel
The most comfortable weeks usually fall from mid-April through late May. During these weeks, daily highs often hit 65°F to 74°F (18°C–23°C), and evenings stay cool but not cold.
You can walk the canals or hop on a gondola without sweating it out like in summer. Early March still feels chilly, with highs closer to 50°F (10°C).
Late May brings warmer air and sunsets that stretch past 8:30 PM. Rain picks up a bit as spring moves along, but showers don’t last long.
If you want the least weather drama, late April is a good bet. Frost is gone by then, water temperatures climb, and gardens hit their peak color. These weeks bring reliable weather and lighter crowds than summer.
Crowds and Local Events
Spring draws more visitors than winter but doesn’t reach the packed levels of July and August. The busiest spring days usually line up with Easter holidays and local festivals, when hotel prices jump and spots like St. Mark’s Square fill up fast.
Events such as Vogalonga, a May rowing regatta, bring in both crowds and excitement. These gatherings add some buzz but also mean more foot traffic, especially around the Grand Canal.
If you’d rather avoid crowds, skip the big holiday weekends. March and early April are usually quieter, making it easier to wander narrow alleys or visit smaller churches.
By late May, tourism picks up, but it’s still less hectic than high summer.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Spring in Venice
Spring in Venice usually means mild temperatures, light breezes, and the occasional rain shower. You’ll want to be ready for sunny afternoons outside, but also those sudden showers or seasonal flooding that can catch you off guard.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
Pack layered clothing since mornings and evenings can get chilly, while afternoons warm up nicely. A light sweater or jacket over a short sleeve shirt is a solid choice.
Bring a couple pairs of long pants and one or two lighter tops so you can mix things up.
Shoes matter a lot here. Pick comfortable walking shoes that can handle cobblestones and maybe a few puddles. Waterproof shoes or quick-dry sneakers will save you some trouble if the streets get wet.
Don’t forget a compact umbrella and a light rain jacket. Even though rain doesn’t last long, showers show up fast.
A small backpack makes it easier to haul extra layers, water, and snacks as you wander around.
For evenings, toss in a scarf or wrap. Venice’s narrow streets and shady canals seem to keep things cooler after sunset.
Grab sunglasses and sunscreen too—the spring sunlight bouncing off the water can be unexpectedly strong.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
Spring feels like the perfect time to explore Venice on foot. The weather lets you stroll through St. Mark’s Square, cross the Rialto Bridge, or get lost in the quieter neighborhoods without dealing with those summer crowds.
You can hop on a gondola or take the vaporetto (water bus) to check out the city from the canals. It’s way more pleasant when the temperature isn’t sweltering.
Gardens like the Giardini della Biennale or tucked-away courtyards start blooming around now. These spots are usually less crowded and offer a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
Venice hosts festivals like Festa della Sensa in May, where traditional regattas celebrate the city’s maritime history. If you’re after a calmer vibe, you might head to nearby islands like Murano, Burano, or Torcello. They’re much easier to reach when the weather’s mild.
Dealing with Rain and Flooding
Rain often shows up in Venice during spring, but it usually doesn’t stick around for long. Honestly, it’s smart to toss an umbrella or rain jacket in your bag so you can keep exploring, rain or shine.
Sometimes you’ll run into acqua alta, that seasonal flooding that can hit spots like St. Mark’s Square. It pops up less often in spring than in autumn, but hey, it’s Venice—anything can happen. The city puts up temporary raised walkways, so you can still get where you need to go even if the ground’s underwater.
If you’re expecting flooding, grab some waterproof shoes or shoe covers. Before you head out, check the local weather and tide reports—most hotels post updates, and there are plenty of apps that’ll ping you with real-time alerts.
When the water rises, just switch gears and check out some indoor spots like museums, churches, or maybe just cozy up in a café. Venice has learned to handle these floods fast, so with a bit of flexibility, you’ll be fine.