If you’re planning a summer trip to Venice, you’ll want to know what kind of weather to expect. You can count on warm days, mild nights, and plenty of daylight to enjoy the canals and piazzas.
The climate stays comfortable for sightseeing, but the heat makes a shaded café or a gondola ride extra tempting.
Summer temperatures usually climb into the upper 70s to low 80s °F (mid-20s °C). Evenings cool off just enough for a light sweater or jacket.
Rain does show up, but showers tend to be brief and scattered, so you probably won’t lose a whole day to rain. Sunshine hours stretch long, giving you more time to wander before Venice glows in the evening.
The Adriatic shapes the summer vibe in ways you’ll feel. The sea warms up as summer rolls on, so swimming and beach trips along the coast become pretty appealing.
Humidity and breezes shift through the months. If you know these details, you’ll have an easier time balancing sightseeing with downtime.
Overview of Venice’s Summer Climate
Venice sits on the northern Adriatic Sea, so summers feel warm and humid. The city gets plenty of heat, but breezes and storms keep it from feeling oppressively hot for too long.
Rain falls all year, but summer days usually bring more sun than other seasons.
Climate Classification and Location
Venice falls into the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) category under the Köppen system. So, you’ll get hot summers, cool winters, and rain throughout the year.
The city sits low on a lagoon, just a few meters above sea level. Water surrounds Venice, and both the Adriatic and winds from Eastern Europe shape its weather.
The scirocco (warm, humid, from the southeast) and the bora (cooler, drier, from the northeast) really matter here. They swing temperatures and sometimes bring sudden changes.
Tides also play a part because Venice is so low-lying. High water happens more in autumn and winter, but summer humidity still reminds you how close the sea is.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
From June to August, daytime highs average about 26–29 °C (79–84 °F). Nights usually sit at 17–19 °C (62–66 °F).
Humidity runs high, making the air feel even warmer. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up often, but they rarely last.
Sunshine peaks in July, with 9 or more hours per day. That’s a lot of daylight.
Rainfall averages 65–80 mm per month, spread over a handful of days. Showers hit hard but end fast.
The lagoon warms up for swimming, with sea temps near 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) in July and August. That makes coastal day trips more popular, though mosquitoes can be a nuisance by the water.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Summer is a different animal compared to Venice’s winter. Winters are colder, foggier, and highs only reach 7–8 °C (45–46 °F). Nights can get close to freezing.
Spring feels milder, with highs around 17–22 °C (63–72 °F) by May, but you’ll see more rain then. Autumn starts out pleasant—especially in September—but by November, rain and chilly winds ramp up.
Snow? Pretty rare and light here, unlike some other northern Italian cities.
Summer is all about warmth, humidity, and those long, bright days. The city buzzes with life outdoors, but that also means you’ll run into the biggest crowds.
Average Summer Temperatures in Venice
Venice summers bring warm afternoons, mild nights, and steady humidity. June starts out mild, then things heat up through July and August, peaking in late July or early August before easing into September.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During summer, you’ll see daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s °F (24–27 °C). The hottest days can climb into the low 80s °F (28 °C).
Extreme heat above 90 °F (32 °C) doesn’t happen often, but it’s not impossible during a heatwave.
Nights are much milder. Lows hover around 62–66 °F (17–19 °C), so evenings feel good for a stroll or dinner outside.
The warmest nights might not dip below 70 °F (21 °C), especially late July and early August.
This mix of hot afternoons and cooler nights changes the feel of the city depending on the hour. You’ll want to prepare for midday heat, but evenings usually bring relief.
Monthly Breakdown: June, July, and August
June feels the most moderate. Highs average 74–77 °F (23–25 °C), and nights drop to about 62 °F (17 °C). It’s warm but not stifling—great for being outdoors.
July turns up the heat, with highs near 79–82 °F (26–28 °C). Nights rise a bit, usually above 65 °F (18 °C). Humidity also ticks up, so afternoons can feel heavier.
August is usually the hottest. Highs reach 80–83 °F (27–28 °C), and nights can stick close to 68 °F (20 °C). The first week of August? That’s often the hottest stretch.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 74–77 (23–25) | 62 (17) |
| July | 79–82 (26–28) | 65–66 (18–19) |
| August | 80–83 (27–28) | 67–68 (19–20) |
Historical Temperature Trends
Venice’s summer temperatures tend to stay stable year after year. The hottest stretch lands in late July and early August, when highs average around 83 °F (28 °C).
Even the coldest summer nights rarely drop below 54 °F (12 °C), even in odd years. So, summer stays reliably warm compared to spring or fall.
Over recent decades, the city has gradually warmed up, much like the rest of northern Italy. The changes are minor, but you might notice nights feeling a bit hotter and stickier than they used to.
Rainfall During the Summer Months
Rain hits Venice in summer, but it doesn’t usually ruin your plans. You’ll get short, heavy showers mixed with sunny spells, so the weather keeps you guessing.
Average Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Venice gets a fair amount of summer rain, but it’s not evenly spread through June, July, and August. Each month averages 70–90 mm of precipitation, which adds up to about 8–10 rainy days per month.
Unlike winter’s lighter, more frequent showers, summer rain comes in bursts. You might have several dry days, then a sudden storm.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~80 | 9 |
| July | ~70 | 7–8 |
| August | ~85 | 8–9 |
So yes, it rains, but it usually won’t dominate your trip.
Types of Summer Rain Events
Most summer rain arrives as convective thunderstorms. Warm, humid air over the lagoon rises, storm clouds form fast, and by late afternoon or evening, you might get thunder and lightning.
These storms hit hard but move on within an hour.
You’ll also get short showers that sneak up and leave just as quickly. They’re less intense but still leave the stone streets wet and slick.
Long, drawn-out rain is rare in summer. When it does happen, it’s usually because a larger weather system sweeps across northern Italy.
Even after the rain, Venice’s lagoon keeps humidity high, so the air feels warmer and heavier.
Effects of Rain on Travel Plans
Rain hardly ever cancels your Venice plans, but it might change how you get around. Narrow streets can flood a little during heavy storms, and stone walkways get slippery.
Bringing a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket is a smart move.
Outdoor activities like gondola rides might pause during thunderstorms. But museums, churches, and indoor spots stay open and often feel quieter when it rains.
Public transport, especially vaporetto water buses, usually sticks to the schedule. Still, boarding can get crowded as people dodge the rain.
If you plan ahead, you can tweak your itinerary and still enjoy your day, even if the weather turns.
Humidity and Sunshine in Summer
Venice summers bring high humidity, long sunny days, and strong UV exposure. These all shape how comfortable you’ll feel outdoors and how you plan your day.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays pretty high all summer. In July, average relative humidity drops to about 71%, which is actually the lowest for the year.
June and August usually sit between 72–75%.
Warmest afternoons, especially above 28°C (82°F), can feel heavy. Evenings and nights stay humid too, so don’t expect a ton of relief after sundown.
If humidity gets to you, you’ll probably prefer mornings and evenings for exploring. Light, breathable clothes and lots of water help you cope.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Venice gets long, bright days in summer. July averages about 9.5 to 9.6 hours of sunshine per day, which is the yearly high.
June and August also see plenty of daylight, with late sunsets.
This gives you more time for outdoor activities like walking tours or island visits. But the hottest, stickiest hours hit midday.
Here’s a quick look at average daily sunshine:
| Month | Hours of Sunshine (avg/day) |
|---|---|
| June | ~9.2 hours |
| July | ~9.6 hours |
| August | ~9.0 hours |
It’s smart to plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the air feels a bit cooler.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Venice sees a high UV index in summer, often hitting level 7 to 9 on clear days. Unprotected skin can burn fast, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
You’ll want to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear a good hat, and put on sunglasses that block UV. Light, long sleeves give extra protection and can actually keep you cooler in direct sunlight.
Shade can be hard to find in open squares and along the canals, so plan for breaks indoors or under covered walkways. Staying mindful about sun safety lets you enjoy Venice’s outdoor charm without regret.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The Adriatic Sea around Venice warms up steadily from late spring and peaks in midsummer. That means swimming feels good, not chilly.
Water temperatures shift a lot between seasons, so knowing these trends can help you plan your beach days or water sports.
Average Sea Temperatures
The sea near Venice goes through a pretty regular seasonal rhythm. In winter, water temperatures usually hover around 9–10°C (48–50°F). That’s honestly too cold for swimming unless you’re wearing a wetsuit.
By spring, things warm up a bit to about 14–15°C (57–59°F). It’s still on the chilly side, but you might notice it starting to feel a little milder.
Summer is when the water really shines. In July and August, the sea averages around 25–26°C (77–79°F), which feels just right for long swims. Even in September, the water typically stays above 23°C (73°F), so you can stretch the swimming season into early autumn.
| Season | Avg Temp °C | Avg Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 9–10 | 48–50 |
| Spring | 14–15 | 57–59 |
| Summer | 25–26 | 77–79 |
| Autumn | 19–20 | 66–68 |
These numbers come from long-term trends. Sure, daily conditions can shift, but midsummer is reliably the warmest time for a dip.
Best Months for Swimming
If you’re looking for the best swimming, you should aim for June through September. During these months, the water almost never drops below 20°C (68°F), which most people find pretty pleasant.
August tends to have the warmest sea, often topping out near 26°C (79°F). July’s nearly as good, and those long daylight hours make it even more tempting. Early September still offers great swimming, while late May or early October can be nice if you don’t mind cooler water.
Want to dodge the crowds? Late June or early September usually gives you warm water and fewer people on the sand. Families with kids often pick August, since the sea is at its calmest and warmest.
Water Activities and Safety
Venice’s warm summer waters open up a lot of options. You can swim at the Lido di Venezia, try paddleboarding, or even join a sailing trip out on the Adriatic. July and August bring mild sea temperatures, so you can stay in the water for ages without getting cold.
Still, you should watch out for rip currents in some spots. Beaches are generally safe, but sometimes currents show up out of nowhere. Stick to marked zones where lifeguards keep an eye out.
The sea’s salinity is a bit lower than the global average. Floating feels a touch easier, though you still need to be careful. Water shoes help, too—some parts of the shore have pebbles or shells you won’t want to step on.
Wind and Other Weather Considerations
Summer in Venice usually brings light to moderate winds, steady air pressure, and mostly clear skies. The weather stays calm for the most part, but now and then a storm or high tide might shake things up. Knowing what to expect can help you plan for comfort and safety while you’re out exploring.
Typical Summer Wind Patterns
Most summer winds in Venice blow in from the southeast or southwest, thanks to the Adriatic Sea. These breezes often take the edge off the heat, especially during July and August.
Wind speeds tend to stay mild, averaging 7–12 km/h (4–7 mph). Strong gusts don’t happen often, but you might notice a quick burst during passing storms. The city’s canals and narrow streets block a lot of wind, so it usually feels calmer inland than out by the lagoon.
Every so often, you’ll get the scirocco, a warm, humid wind from North Africa. It doesn’t show up as much in summer as it does in spring or autumn, but when it does, it can bump up the humidity and make the air feel pretty heavy. On those days, outdoor activities might feel a bit less comfortable until things change again.
Air Pressure and Visibility
Air pressure in Venice during summer generally stays steady, with just small ups and downs. This stability means you get long stretches of clear skies and pretty predictable weather, which is probably why summer draws so many travelers.
Visibility is usually great, averaging 10–15 kilometers most days. Breezes from the lagoon and sea help clear out haze, so you get crisp views of landmarks, islands, and even the horizon.
Fog almost never shows up in summer. It’s more of a winter thing, so you won’t need to worry about low visibility when you’re boating or walking through the city. After a rain shower, you might see a quick mist near the canals, but it usually doesn’t last long.
Occasional Weather Extremes
Summer usually feels pretty calm, but sometimes the weather surprises you. Short, intense thunderstorms might pop up in the late afternoon or evening, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and sudden gusts of wind. These storms don’t stick around long—most finish up within an hour.
High tides, called acqua alta, don’t happen much in summer compared to autumn or winter. Still, if a strong storm rolls in with wind from the south, water levels in low-lying spots can rise for a bit.
Heat waves can also show up. Sometimes temperatures shoot above 30°C (86°F) for a few days, especially in July. When that happens, it’s really important to find shade, drink plenty of water, and take breaks indoors.