The short answer
For the fewest problems with high water, plan your trip between April and June or in September. In those months flooding is rare. October to December is the high-water season, and January to March can still bring it. If you want atmosphere over comfort, winter has Carnival and thinner crowds.
The guide below is based on documented dates and water-level rules. The ranking of months is our own reading of these facts, not a measurement. It does not include weather figures.
Venice month by month
What changes through the year. Fee days refer to the 2027 calendar.
| Month | High water | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| January | Possible | Carnival 2027 starts on 23 January. January is low season for the tourist tax |
| February | Possible | Carnival runs until 9 February 2027 |
| March | Possible | Last month of high-water season. Easter Sunday 2027 is 28 March. Fee days start on 26 March |
| April | Rare | 17 fee days. The Doge's Palace opens 9 am to 7 pm from 1 April |
| May | Rare | 15 fee days. The 2026 Biennale Arte opened on 9 May |
| June | Rare | 15 fee days, including a block from 28 May to 6 June |
| July | Rare | 14 fee days. The Redentore festival falls in July |
| August | Rare | 7 fee days, the last on 15 August |
| September | Rare | No fee days. The MOSE barriers have been raised in late summer in some years |
| October | Season starts | No fee days. Doge's Palace summer hours end on 31 October |
| November | Frequent | Winter hours (9 am to 6 pm) at the Doge's Palace from 1 November. Biennale 2026 closes on 22 November |
| December | Frequent | Peak of the high-water season, together with November |
Venice tours for every season
Guided walks, museum tickets, boat trips and gondola rides, with live prices and availability for your dates.
Acqua alta and the MOSE barriers
High water is part of life in Venice, and it can be planned for.
What acqua alta is
Acqua alta is high water that floods low parts of the city when the tide is high. It is most common from October to March, and about three quarters of the events fall in October to December, according to a secondary source.
MOSE
MOSE is a system of 78 movable gates at the three entrances to the lagoon at Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia. It was first used in a real tide on 3 October 2020. The authorities raise it when the forecast is above about 110 cm at Punta della Salute. Reports count more than 150 raisings since October 2020. In the 2025/26 season it was raised 49 times.
Water levels for visitors
From about 80 cm the lowest parts of St. Mark's Square get wet. From about 100 cm the square is flooded and raised walkways are set up. At 110 cm about 12 % of the city is under water and sirens sound. At 120 cm it is about a quarter, at 140 cm more than half.
The city's tide centre publishes the forecast for Punta della Salute. On 15 October 2026 it showed a peak of 60 cm and no high water. Check it a day before you travel and again in the morning. Pack waterproof shoes in winter. Hotels in the higher districts of Dorsoduro, northern Cannaregio and Castello are reported to be less exposed. See where to stay.
Venice Carnival 2027
According to the official carnival website, Carnival 2027 runs from 23 January to 9 February 2027. The last day, 9 February, is Shrove Tuesday, which matches the date of Easter on 28 March 2027. A travel guide named 30 January as the start. The official dates are the ones to use.
The theme and programme for 2027 had not been published by mid-October 2026. Book rooms early if you want to be there, since Carnival weeks are popular. Masks and costumes are part of the festival, and many events are held in St. Mark's Square and around the city.
Carnival falls before the 2027 access fee days begin, so the fee does not apply in that period.
Events and fee days to plan around
Dates confirmed in October 2026.
Biennale Arte until 22 November 2026
The 61st International Art Exhibition, "In Minor Keys", runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026 in the Giardini, the Arsenale and other places in Venice.
Redentore
In 2026 the festival was held on 18 and 19 July, with fireworks on Saturday evening and a boat regatta on Sunday. The 2027 date has not been confirmed.
Access fee days 2027
72 days from 26 March to 15 August 2027, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with a maximum of €10. Long blocks run from 23 April to 2 May and from 28 May to 6 June. The full list is in the access fee guide.
Overnight stays
If you sleep in Venice, you do not pay the fee. The tourist tax applies instead. If you only come for a day, see Venice in one day.
Best time to visit Venice: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Venice?
For little high water, April to June and September are the best choices. Keep in mind that April to June include access fee days in 2027.
When is the acqua alta season?
From October to March, with the peak in November and December. The MOSE barriers protect the city when the forecast is above about 110 cm.
When is Carnival in Venice in 2027?
From 23 January to 9 February 2027 according to the official carnival website. The programme had not been published in October 2026.
Is the access fee charged all summer?
No. In 2027 it applies on 72 set days between 26 March and 15 August, mostly Fridays to Sundays plus holidays. Overnight guests are exempt.
Is the Biennale still on?
Yes. The Biennale Arte runs until 22 November 2026. It is held in the Giardini and the Arsenale, among other venues.
Should I avoid winter in Venice?
Not necessarily. Winter has Carnival and fewer visitors. Just allow for high water, check the tide forecast and bring waterproof shoes.