Venice in January: weather and travel tips

Tailor-made Travel

Jan 2024

plan my trip

written by Joanne Owen

updated 2.08.2023

Thinking of visiting Venice for a winter pick-me-up? Read on for a run-down of everything you need to know about visiting Venice in January. It covers the weather in Venice in January, and what events you might get to enjoy during your trip, plus inspirational itinerary suggestions that’ll have you grabbing for your passport and suitcase.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Italy, created by local experts

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

8 days / from2671 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

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Enchanting Italian Lakes

8 days / from3319 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

16 days / from3319 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

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Florence: A Trip Back In Time

5 days / from1630 USD

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

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Eternal Rome for the Weekend

4 days / from1036 USD

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

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Wine and food in Tuscany

6 days / from2725 USD

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

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Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri

10 days / from3107 USD

Fascinating Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento and Capri

Southern Italy is the dream of many: charming towns to explore on the Amalfi Coast, crystal clear waters around the island of Capri, a heaven for foodies in Naples and surroundings as well as historical sights such as Pompeii are at your fingertips to discover.

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Trieste - a combination of hiking and culture

5 days / from861 USD

Trieste - a combination of hiking and culture

Experience Trieste, not just visit it! Discover this reality from another angle, the local one, made up of small daily rituals and places hidden from tourists. Keeping you company along the routes will often be the blue of the Adriatic and the wonderful views of the Gulf of Trieste.

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Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

10 days / from2889 USD

Best of South Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

Colourful villages draped over steep cliffs, cities steeped in culture and history, crystal-clear warm waters and cities frozen in time – South Italy has a lot to offer. Experience it for yourself with this exciting trip.

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From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia

12 days / from3379 USD

From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia

Sardinia has a long history dating back to the late 6th century. Buildings remain from various eras and can be found across the island. Add to this the raw beauty of the limestone rocks and the rustic coastal beaches, and this island will not leave you wanting.

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Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily

11 days / from2725 USD

Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily

A picturesque Mediterranean island just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, Sicily was once the centre of the known world. Today, the island’s winding coastal roads, charming towns, and picture-perfect scenery make it ideal for exploring by car.

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Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

7 days / from2725 USD

Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

Spend your first 3 nights at Lake Como in Italy, discovering the area by boat or foot, before heading to Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt with its peaceful nature is the ideal backdrop for strolls, hikes and other activities with the whole family.

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Romantic Venice

4 days / from1581 USD

Romantic Venice

Enjoy a weekend getaway in the most romantic of cities. This compact trip features a pleasant walking tour, which provides a unique insight into the history, art and architecture of Venice, and a gondola ride. You will also have some free time to explore this labyrinthine city.

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Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

10 days / from2725 USD

Dive into Apulia - cuisine & culture

Explore Apulia in a rental car. From Gargano to Salento, Puglia is a treasure trove of priceless wonders. Lecce, Bari and Taranto together with Ostuni, Polignano and Alberobello are just some of the delights you will find in Puglia.

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Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

8 days / from2338 USD

Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

From the narrow streets of Rome to the colourful houses perched on the Sorrento Peninsula, the charm and elegance of Italy are seductive. On this unique trip, you will experience spectacular sites and breathtaking views in both iconic destinations.

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Piedmont Discovery

10 days / from3488 USD

Piedmont Discovery

Piedmont is a culinary heaven, with world-class wines and truffle waiting to be discovered. The capital city Turin is a cultural center with a picture perfect skyline. Afterwards, continue to the countryside around Alba, with wine tastings, cooking classes and enjoying the mountains and nature.

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A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

11 days / from3553 USD

A gastronomic journey in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast

This is truly a trip that gets all your senses tingling. Taste the most wonderful and freshly made Italy food in Naples one day and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast the next. Experience the smells, taste, feels and sights of Italy when traveling from Florence to the Amalfi Coast.

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Italian Cities of the Renaissance

8 days / from3265 USD

Italian Cities of the Renaissance

Enjoy a week in Italy, discovering the historical landmarks that the country's top cities have to offer; from the ancient sites of Rome, to the waterways of Venice and the cobbled streets of Florence.

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An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

11 days / from5396 USD

An Italian dream trip: Rome, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast

Savour la dolce vita on this fantastic trip to the real Italy. Discover ancient history and take a cookery class in Rome, before marvelling at Baroque architecture and iconic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. Exploring the rugged scenery on the Amalfi Coast and Capri concludes a wonderful trip.

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Exploring Vatican City and Assisi

6 days / from1575 USD

Exploring Vatican City and Assisi

Soak up sights and delights of Ancient Rome, with this week-long trip, including visits to the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, before journeying to the home of St. Francis of Assisi, Eremo delle Carceri.

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Treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome

9 days / from3210 USD

Treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome

From the charming waterways of Venice, to the Renaissance-imbued streets of Florence, to the historic city of Rome, Italy's top three cities are as unique as they are unmissable. Experience them all on this fascinating trip.

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Highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more

16 days / from4905 USD

Highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more

This trip is nothing but short of highlights: spend the first few nights in the capital city of Rome before moving down south to Naples. From here, you will discover the Amalfi Coast before heading to Florence. Tuscany and Cinque Terre await and finally - the fashion capital Milan.

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Classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice

13 days / from4142 USD

Classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice

A trip for everyone - learn how to cook pasta in Rome, sample the best gelato in Florence, hike Cinque Terre and explore Venice on your own. This trip is packed with highlights for the whole family.

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Medieval Towns & Outdoor Fun - Switzerland and Italy Combo

14 days / from8666 USD

Medieval Towns & Outdoor Fun - Switzerland and Italy Combo

Paraglide over Switzerland's landscape, join a night watchman on a mythical tour through Lucerne, explore Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, as well as cosmopolitan Zurich and Milan. This trip leaves nothing to be desired!

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Is January a good time to visit Venice?

In short — yes! In all honesty, the weather in Venice in January is cold, but there’s not really a bad time to visit this charming city. But, perhaps, you should not go to Venice in August if you’re not at all keen on huge crowds.

It’s all a question of what you most want to do. For example, while sun-drenched strolls and extended al fresco dinners are out in January, you will benefit from there being fewer fellow tourists. Firstly, you’ll have more choice when it comes to accommodation, and the cost will be easier on your pocket.

Of course, fewer visitors is also better when it comes to checking out the city’s top attractions, galleries and museums. In addition, visiting Venice in January means you get to see the city in a different light — the fog and mists give the city an eerie allure.

Thinking of visiting Venice? Browse our inspirational Italy itineraries to start planning your dream trip.

Souvenirs and carnival masks on street trading in Venice, Italy © Lukasz Janyst/Shutterstock

Visit Venice in January to shop with fewer fellow tourists getting in your way! © Lukasz Janyst/Shutterstock

Air and sea temperatures in Venice in January

Wondering about the weather in Venice in January? The average daily high is around 6°C, but note that it drops to an average of 0°C at night. Oh, and it can dip below freezing.

Swimming is out in January — the water is far too cold at 11°C, with wind speeds of up to 7mph adding to the chill.

Is it cold in Venice in January?

Having read our rundown of what temperatures to expect, you’ll have spotted that it is, indeed, cold in Venice in January! In addition to the low temperatures, a biting wind can make feel it feel even colder.

But don’t let that deter you. Simply wrap up snugly, smug in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself a pretty packet by visiting Veneto's capital in January, free from the frustrations of over-crowding.

For more info, read up on the weather in Italy in January, and when to go to Italy.

Can it snow in Venice in January?

In general, while it does sometimes snow in Venice, even a sprinkling of flakes is a rare occurrence. That said, while there’s only a teeny chance of seeing snow in Venice in December, it’s a little more likely in January, which sees an average of 1.2 days of snowfall throughout the month.

Set on taking a trip at the beginning of the year? Discover more of the best places to visit in January.

Venice in snow with gondolas on St. Mark square, snowing in Venice © Shutterstock

Venice in snow with gondolas on St. Mark square, snowing in Venice © Shutterstock

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Unforgettable, fully customisable Venice itineraries

To shirk off post-Christmas blues and start the new year in style, browse our immersive Italy itineraries, some of which have Venice at their heart.

With a local Italy travel expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning and booking, like all Rough Guides trips, the following itineraries can be totally tailored to your needs.

  • Romantic Venice: looking for a loved-up break? Our Romantic Venice trip might just hit your sweet spot! Including a gondola ride (blankets provided, but wrap up warm!), and an immersive walking tour, you’ll also have free time to feast and shop.
  • Treasures of Italy: to experience some of Italy’s top attractions in around a week, take a look at our Treasures of Italy trip. Encompassing Venice, Florence and Rome, you’ll enjoy a rewarding range of cultural and culinary experiences on a break that can be entirely tailored to your needs.
  • Grand Tour of Northern Italy: if you have a longer trip in mind (lucky you!), our Grand Tour of Northern Italy itinerary takes in a tonne of top Italian attractions and experiences in around two weeks. From Venice’s canals and islands, to Milan’s modern verve and medieval grandeur, to Florence’s Renaissance charms, this delivers a bunch of fulfilling experiences for foodies and history buffs.
santa-maria-del-fiore-duomo-florence-italy-shutterstock_1340862311

Rough Guides' trips can be tailored to cover a variety of Italian treasures. Florence © Shutterstock

What to do in Venice in January

While the cold and fog could curtail some of your sun-vibed Venetian dreams, be assured that there’s plenty things to do in Venice in January.

Experience the Epiphany Regatta

Held on 6th January, Venice’s Epiphany Regatta is quite something to behold. Signifying the end of the holiday season, Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy, with festivals, fairs, firework displays and markets held around the country.

In Venice, the day is marked by a regatta that sees thousands of athletes from the city’s oldest rowing club take to the water dressed at witches. They’re actually dressed as the Befana figure from Italian folklore. In a mash-up of Father Christmas and the Magi who brought gifts for Christ, this broom-toting character is said to fly down chimneys between the 5th and 6th January.

Since the Befana stuffs toys and sweets into stockings, the regatta’s finish line at the Rialto Bridge features a giant stocking.

Epiphany Regatta in Venice © Shutterstock

Epiphany Regatta in Venice © Shutterstock

Visit Venice’s galleries and musuems

While you can obviously do this at any time of the year, visiting Venice’s top cultural attractions can be all the better in January. Think shorter (or non-existent) queues and more space to see what you came to see.

Go ice-skating

The Christmas markets might have been packed away but, if you visit Venice in January you can extend that festive feeling for a little longer! And the reason? From December to March, Campo San Polo, one of Venice’s largest piazzas, is transformed into an ice-skating rink. What a way to inject a spot of magic into what can be a bleak month.

Venice carnival © Calin Stan/Shutterstock

© Calin Stan/Shutterstock

Joanne Owen

written by Joanne Owen

updated 2.08.2023

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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