Located on an archipelago comprising over a hundred small islands nestled in the Adriatic Sea, Venice, the capital of Italy's Veneto region, stands as the most frequented destination in the country. Renowned for its distinctive urban layout, Venice boasts meticulously planned transportation systems and architectural wonders. With waterways and footpaths as the sole modes of transportation, the city's bridges and canals seamlessly connect its islands. While August witnesses a gradual decline in summer temperatures, the weather can still be sweltering. This month also heralds an influx of tourists, outnumbering the local populace and inundating the city's streets. Despite the crowds, a visit to Venice in August offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in its grandeur, with numerous events and festivals enriching the city's vibrant atmosphere.
What makes Venice in August special?
August in Venice is a magnet for tourists, infusing the city with vibrant crowds that enliven its every nook. A plethora of captivating events unfold throughout the month, immersing you in Venice's abundant cultural tapestry. The air crackles with an infectious buzz of anticipation, as Venetians proudly showcase their distinctive heritage at numerous festivals.
Even amidst the scorching heat and humidity, Venice's splendor beckons you to embrace it fully. The refreshing sea breeze and moderate temperatures create a perfect ambiance for engaging in a plethora of watersports to beat the heat. With a myriad of activities, festivals, and events to partake in, August in Venice guarantees an exciting and vibrant experience with no shortage of excitement.
Venice in August: Weather
During August, Venice typically experiences warm, sunny, and humid weather, boasting an average of 14 hours of sunshine daily. Daytime temperatures often peak at 27°C, while nighttime lows can dip to 17°C. Humidity levels fluctuate from moderate (51%) to high (93%), occasionally dropping to 38% on fortunate days. Expect rainfall on approximately 10 days throughout the month.
Venice in August: Top experiences
1
St. Mark’s Basilica
Built in the eleventh century, the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, commonly known as St Mark's Basilica, is the most visited cathedral in Venice. Its unique interior and exterior architecture blends Byzantine styles with Venetian art and Romanesque elements in the form of gleaming golden mosaics, marble inlays, and precious pearls and stones. Get skip-the-line access to the Pala d’Oro golden altar and the Treasury, which are otherwise off-limits to visitors, and a free optional coupon to attend a 20-minute demonstration of glassblowing.
August Timings
Monday - Saturday - 9:30am to 5:15pm
Sunday and holidays - 2pm to 5:15pm
Merceria Orologio, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Doge’s Palace
Originally the residence of the Doge of Venice, the Doge’s Palace, also called the Palazzo Ducale, is now an art and history museum. The iconic building is hard to miss as you enter Venice from the sea. The palace’s Gothic architecture and Byzantine-style facade are simply enchanting, with its arcade of slender, almost delicate Istrian marble columns and gracefully cut arching windows. Take a walk through history as you marvel at the Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and the mesmerizing interiors of the palace.
August Timings
Open daily from 9am to 6pm
Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Gondola Tour
A visit to Venice is incomplete without a gondola tour as there is no better way to take in the sights of the city than from the canals. The experience is only made better if you choose the Venice Gondola and Serenade ticket, which includes a singer serenading you with traditional Italian songs. The cruise takes you along Canal Grande and minor canals around San Marco square and Rialto. The sunset and the city’s lights provide a magical backdrop against the water, that makes the view look like something straight out of a fairy-tale.
30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice,
Italy
Getting There ›
4
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice, or “the Phoenix Theater”, is Venice’s most famous opera house. After having been burned down in three different mysterious fires, first in 1776, then in 1834, and again in 1996, the opera house presently hosts several world-class opera shows. Be guided by audio commentary as you walk around the theater in awe of its tragic stories, the magnificence of its gold plated ceilings and walls, the Baroque elements, and the gilded balconies.
August Timings
Since the timings keep changing, it's best to stay up-to-date by checking the official site.
Piazza San Marco, 1965
30124 Venezia VE
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Museo Leonardo da Vinci
As the name suggests, the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum is dedicated to the life of the renowned artist and inventor. The museum houses a collection of full-size functional models of the machines made based on Leonardo da Vinci projects, which you will enjoy testing. With the help of interactive machines, labs, projections of anatomical studies, paintings, and videos, you will get an insight into the mind of the genius.
August Timings
Open daily from 9am to 7:30pm
Scoletta – Complesso Monumentale, Campo San Rocco, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
6
Venetian Craftsmanship Tour
A lesser known facet of Venice is its tradition of handicrafts and craftsmanship. Participating in one of these handicraft tours that show you how goods are made by local craftsmen, is a unique way to explore the authentic Venetian culture. Immerse yourself in a world full of famous Venetian carnival masks, soft velvets and brocades, leather book bindings, marbelized paper, and intricate gold and silver jewellery.
Venice Tours Office - San Marco, 1130 - , Venezia
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Rialto Market Food Tour
The Rialto Market, where meat, vegetables and seafood are sold at colorful stalls, is the essence of Venice’s culinary culture, which is quite different from the rest of Italy’s. Due to easy access to water, fish is a staple food in Venice, however, as there are no farmable lands, grains and dairy products are scarce. On this tour, a local Venetian foodie will guide you through the market, where you can try some of the local specialties and seasonal produce, and learn about Venice’s culinary history.
August Timings
Open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 3pm
Closed on Sundays
Central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, Venezia
Italy
Getting There ›
8
Glassblowing and Lacemaking
The iconic Murano glass and Burano lace have adorned many royal palaces and churches across the world. Visit the islands of Venetian Lagoon to learn more about the legendary Murano glass and Burano lace, as well as watch demonstrations. Take home mementos after witnessing the process for yourself.
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Venice
Italy
Getting There ›
Venice in August: Events to look out for
Pellestrina Regatta 2023
August 4, 2024
The island of Pellestrina hosts a regatta on the first Sunday in August every year. You can enjoy the colorful celebration from the shores of the island and cheer for your favorite teams. The ladies’ team compete in mascarete, while the men row the pupparini, both of which are traditional Venetian vessels.
Ferragosto 2024
August 15, 2024
Ferragosto is a national holiday, marking the height of the summer holidays for Italians. Venetians celebrate this day by frolicking around on the beach, lakes or mountains to escape the heat that comes with the peak summer. This is probably the only day in the summer that the streets of Venice are empty. You can either enjoy the crowdless streets or take a dip in the sea like the locals do.
Venice in August: 3-day itinerary
3 Days In Venice
1
Venice in August: Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, F and L
CurrencyEuro (€)
Venice Accommodation In August
Venice is a relatively small city so it is easy to travel from one end to the other. San Marco is a good neighborhood to stay in for first time visitors as it is close to all the main attractions. Dorsoduro and Castello are neighborhoods that are surrounded by a vibrant nightlife and cool restaurants. Cannaregio offers more budget-friendly options for accommodation. Here is our pick of top accommodations for every budget –
- Luxury – JW Marriott Venice, The Gritti Palace, Aman Canal Grande
- Mid-range – Hotel Le Isole, Al Mascaron Ridente, Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
- Budget – Casa Rezzonico, Veneziacentopercento, Alle Botte
What to Pack for Venice in August
Remember to pack lightweight summer attire for August, as the weather tends to be hot and humid. Include an umbrella or rain jacket in case of unexpected showers. Additionally, don't overlook essential sun protection items such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you're hitting the beach, be sure to pack a bathing suit. Opt for light and comfortable footwear, as there will likely be plenty of walking involved. Given the prevalence of mosquitoes, it's wise to bring along some insect repellent as well.
Getting Around Venice in August
The main modes of transportation in Venice are on foot or by water. The water transportation system is well-connected. ACTV runs all public transport in Venice, including waterborne services. Although the service is efficient and punctual, boats on main lines fill up and are prone to overcrowding during peak season. Vaporetto are smaller vessels for short distances. Interisland ferry services to Murano, Torcello, the Lido and other lagoon islands are usually provided on larger motonave.
You can also take a gondola, but these are charged by time and not distance. Water taxis are available, which are licensed taxis with a yellow stripe, but are more expensive than the water buses. Venice also has a bus network. ACTV and ATVO buses leave from Piazzale Roma for the Mainland, Mestre and its city centre, Venice Marco Polo airport, and the Treviso Canova airport.
Venice in August: Seasonal delicacies
Baccalà Mantecato is a creamy dish made by cooking cod fish for hours until it becomes soft, and then mixing it with extra virgin olive oil, milk, pepper, salt, and garlic. Then it’s spread across some delicious bread, and eaten as a cicchetti, or a small Italian appetizer plate.
Where to order: Al Timon, Sestiere Cannaregio
Sarde e Saor is an appetizer that is a mix of sweet and bitter flavors. It is usually served in small bars where locals come in for a quick glass of wine and a snack. The sardine-based dish is made with pine nuts, raisins, white onions, and vinegar, and is meant to be eaten 24 hours after preparation.
Where to order: Trattoria Da Gigio, Cannaregio
Buranelli are traditional donut-shaped cakes. Originally round, now buranelli are also shaped like the letter “S,” which makes it helpful for dunking in coffee.
Where to order: Bakeries in Burano
Polenta is a favorite among Venetians. Prepared with cornmeal, milk, butter, and parmesan, polenta is often preferred over pasta in Venice. It is best served with a side of scampetti or shrimp.
Where to order: Trattoria Al Gazzettino, San Marco
Tips for visiting Venice in August
- August is peak season for tourists, so make sure you book your flights, hotels, and tickets to various attractions in advance.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
- Vaporetto stops can be confusing, so check the signs at the landing dock to make sure you’re at the right stop for the direction you want. At major stops like Ferrovia, Piazzale Roma, San Marco and Zattere, there are often two separate docks for the same.
- One-way tickets for the water buses cost a lot, so if you’re planning to take more than 3 trips, it is cheaper to buy a Water Bus Pass.
- Book an accommodation that is close to a water bus stop, to minimize dragging your luggage on foot.
Month-by-month guide to visiting Venice
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Planning to visit Venice in August?
Here are a few detailed guides on essentials in Venice that will help you plan your trip better.
FAQs
The weather in Venice in August is usually hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the low 30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit). There can be occasional thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived and do not last long.
Pack light summer clothing as the weather is hot and humid in August. Pack an umbrella or a rain jacket in case it rains. Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself against the sun. Also, pack a light shawl to cover your shoulders in churches.
Since August is peak season time, you can expect places in Venice to be crowded. But it's also the best time to explore the city because of the long daylight hours.
The Grand Canal is one of Venice's most iconic landmarks and it's especially beautiful in August when the sun is shining and the water is sparkling. Take a ride on a gondola or simply stroll along the canal and take in the sights. Venice is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the world, and August is a great time to explore them
