Best time to visit Venice in 2027
By the TravelCheap Editorial Team · Updated October 28, 2026
The busiest days in Venice are the spring and summer weekends and holidays, which is exactly when the city charges day-trippers its access fee. In 2026 that meant 60 days between 3 April and 26 July. For 2027 the city has announced about 72 days, from Good Friday to mid-August.
If you want fewer people, go in November or January to March, outside Carnival. Expect some acqua alta (high water) from October to January: floods usually last a couple of hours, and the MOSE barrier now stops the big ones.
Venice season by season
| When | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January to mid-February | Low, except Carnival | Cold and quiet. January is the low season for the tourist tax. Carnival 2027 ends on 9 February. |
| March | Low to medium | Mild, and before the fee days start. |
| Good Friday to mid-August | High | Access-fee season. Weekends and holidays are the most crowded. |
| Late August to October | Medium to high | Regata Storica in early September. The Biennale runs until late November. |
| November and December | Low | Highest chance of acqua alta, but also the emptiest streets. |
Fee calendar from Calendar of 2026 access-fee days (The Local Italy) and Venice will charge the fee on more days in 2027 (blue News). Tourist tax seasons from Tourist tax information for guests (Comune di Venezia).
Check live prices for your dates. We compare hundreds of travel sites through KAYAK.
Compare flights to VeniceAcqua alta and the MOSE barrier
High water happens mostly from October to January and usually lasts a couple of hours around high tide. Sirens sound when the tide is forecast at 110 cm, and the city puts out raised walkways in the busiest spots (Guide to acqua alta (Tuscany Now & More)).
The MOSE barrier is raised when the forecast reaches about 101 cm or more, to keep the city below 110 cm. It went up 18 times between 28 January and 11 February 2026 alone. Low parts of the city, such as Piazza San Marco and the Rialto market, still get wet at around 75 to 80 cm, below the level that triggers MOSE (How often MOSE was raised in early 2026 (Il Post)).
Pack waterproof shoes from October to January and plan the low squares for the hours away from high tide.
Venice dates for 2027
| Event | 2027 date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Ends Tuesday 9 February (Shrove Tuesday) | Expected; official programme not out yet |
| Access-fee days | About 72 days from Good Friday (26 March) to mid-August | Announced; exact calendar not out yet |
| Biennale Architettura | 8 May to 21 November | Confirmed by La Biennale |
| Festa del Redentore | Fireworks Saturday 17 July, festival Sunday 18 July | Expected (always the third weekend of July) |
| Regata Storica | Sunday 5 September | Expected (always the first Sunday of September) |
Sources: Venice Carnival dates (Europe for Visitors), Venice will charge the fee on more days in 2027 (blue News), Biennale Architettura 2027 (La Biennale di Venezia), The Redentore fireworks (Venice Welcome) and Regata Storica (Venezia Unica events). "Expected" dates follow each event's usual rule; check before you book.
The cheapest time to go
- January is the official low season for the tourist tax, and there are no access-fee days outside spring and summer.
- November is quiet but has the most acqua alta, so keep plans flexible.
- If you must go in summer, sleep in Venice or Mestre so you skip the fee and see the city early in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Venice?
For fewer people, go in March, early October or November. March avoids both Carnival and the fee season; November has the emptiest streets but the most acqua alta.
When is Carnival in Venice in 2027?
Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday, which is 9 February 2027. The official programme was not published as of October 2026.
When is the Venice Biennale in 2027?
The 2027 edition is the Architecture Biennale, open from 8 May to 21 November 2027.
Does Venice still flood?
Yes, mostly from October to January, usually for a couple of hours. The MOSE barrier stops the highest tides, but Piazza San Marco floods at lower levels than the barrier is designed for.
Plan the trip
Compare prices from many travel sites in one search. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
More Venice guides
Sources
- Calendar of 2026 access-fee days (The Local Italy)
- Venice will charge the fee on more days in 2027 (blue News)
- Tourist tax information for guests (Comune di Venezia)
- Guide to acqua alta (Tuscany Now & More)
- How often MOSE was raised in early 2026 (Il Post)
- Venice Carnival dates (Europe for Visitors)
- Biennale Architettura 2027 (La Biennale di Venezia)
- The Redentore fireworks (Venice Welcome)
- Regata Storica (Venezia Unica events)
Prices, timetables and trail status change. We checked the figures on this page on October 28, 2026. Found something out of date? Email contact@travelcheap.online.