Venice Weather in January

January weather

Venice feels cold, damp and often grey in January. Days reach about 8°C, while nights fall to 4°C. Rain comes on several days, and the low sun can make the canals feel chilly. You'll get less daylight for wandering than in spring or summer.

It's a good month for the Doge's Palace, the Gallerie dell'Accademia and long stops in warm cafés. A walk around Dorsoduro is still lovely, but don't count on lingering by the water or taking a full day outdoors. If high water reaches St Mark's Square, sightseeing there can be awkward.

Events and atmosphere

New Year's Day and Epiphany, on 6 January, bring holiday traditions. Venice's Befana regatta takes place on the Grand Canal around Epiphany, with rowers dressed as witches. Carnival dates change each year, so it may fall later in winter rather than during your January visit.

If you hate crowds, January is usually a calmer time to see Rialto Bridge and the narrow lanes around San Polo. It's low season compared with the busy summer months, and stays often cost less. New Year and Epiphany can still draw visitors, though, so the quietest days aren't guaranteed.

A useful local tip

For acqua alta, or unusually high tides, check Venice's tide updates before heading to St Mark's Basilica. Raised walkways may help you cross flooded parts of the square, but they can get crowded. Keep your route flexible and use the vaporetto, Venice's water bus, if walking through wet lanes becomes a nuisance.