Venice weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Venice is cold and damp, with average highs of 8.6°C (47°F) and lows of 2.3°C (36°F). Expect around 60mm of precipitation spread across 6-7 rainy days, though you'll still enjoy roughly 5 hours of sunshine daily. The lagoon city takes on a moody, atmospheric quality as winter settles in, with mist often rising from the canals at dawn.
This is Venice's quietest season. The summer crowds vanish, leaving the city to locals and dedicated travelers. You'll find fewer tourists clogging the Basilica di San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, though some attractions may have reduced hours. The festive atmosphere builds toward New Year's, with holiday decorations adorning the squares and a contemplative, almost melancholic beauty settling over the islands.
December 2026 is ideal if you value solitude and authentic Venetian life over perfect weather. Book accommodations well ahead—even winter draws visitors seeking the romance of empty canals. Bring waterproof layers and embrace the rain; it's part of Venice's character in this season.
Venetians (about 50,000 left, from 175,000 in 1950) hate Piazza San Marco and eat in Cannaregio's cicchetti bars — All'Arco, Al Timon, Cantina Do Mori — where you stand at the bar with an ombra (small wine, 2 euro) and small cicheti. Never order 'spaghetti bolognese' (not a Venetian dish and Bologna doesn't serve it either). The vaporetto Line 1 is the world's cheapest scenic cruise. Never sit on the Rialto steps eating a sandwich — 500 euro fine and locals will call the police on you. The correct pronunciation is 'Ven-EH-tsia,' not 'VEN-iss.'
What to pack for Venice in December
Venice's December chill demands layering and waterproofing. You'll navigate wet cobblestones and canal-side winds, so prioritize insulated, moisture-resistant pieces. Waterproof shoes are essential—the city experiences acqua alta (high water) flooding in winter months.
- Waterproof winter coat or light rain jacket
- Thermal base layers or merino wool shirts
- Waterproof hiking boots or insulated loafers
- Warm scarf, beanie, and insulated gloves
- Compact umbrella
What to pack for Venice in December
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Where to stay in Venice
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Venice
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Venice?
Flights to Venice in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Explore the Basilica di San Marco without crowds, visit the Doge's Palace, take a gondola ride through misty canals, browse art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, wander quiet neighborhood calle and campo squares.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Venice. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Venice
While December has its own character in Venice, the data-backed best months to visit Venice are April, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for VeniceOther places with a similar climate right now
Venice in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Venice?
Is December a good time to visit Venice?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Venice averages a high of 9°C (47°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F), with 60mm of rainfall across roughly 7 rainy days. Late April through May before cruise ships restart and Vogalonga rowing regatta fills the lagoon with 2,000 handcrafted boats.
Q02What is the average temperature in Venice in December?
What is the average temperature in Venice in December?
The average high temperature in Venice during December is 9°C (47°F), with an average low of 2°C (36°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January acqua alta floods San Marco with 90cm tides; locals wear knee-high stivali di gomma and cross elevated passerelle walkways set up overnight.
Q03How many rainy days does Venice have in December?
How many rainy days does Venice have in December?
Venice averages approximately 7 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 60mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Venice in December?
What should I pack for Venice in December?
For Venice in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Foldable rubber overshoes for acqua alta — cheap Chinese-made stivali sell out within an hour when tide sirens sound October-March.
Q05How crowded is Venice in December?
How crowded is Venice in December?
Tourist crowds in Venice during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Venetians (about 50,000 left, from 175,000 in 1950) hate Piazza San Marco and eat in Cannaregio's cicchetti bars — All'Arco, Al Timon, Cantina Do Mori — where you stand at the bar with an ombra (small wine, 2 euro) and small cicheti. Never order 'spaghetti bolognese' (not a Venetian dish and Bologna doesn't serve it either). The vaporetto Line 1 is the world's cheapest scenic cruise. Never sit on the Rialto steps eating a sandwich — 500 euro fine and locals will call the police on you. The correct pronunciation is 'Ven-EH-tsia,' not 'VEN-iss.'