Venice In November: Is it worth it? (2024)

You’ve booked the flights, notified work you will be AWOL, all the while dreaming of eating pizza next to the Adriatic Sea on the canals of Venice…so what next? 

We’ve taken all the best things we did and saw on our trip to Venice and made this handy guide for you!

Let’s take a look at all the best things to see and do in Venice in November.

What’s The Weather Like In Venice In November?

The weather in Venice in November could work in your favour on your visit, as you won’t have the blistering sun beating on you as you walk the tight streets of Venice, and tourism takes a dip during this time.

• Temperature: The average temperature should be around 12°c (54°f)– not exactly sun bathing weather, but (usually) not so cold that you won’t want to explore! The temperature can vary, and it is not uncommon for it to drop below freezing at night so prepare for all weather.

• Fog: During Autumn and Winter, fog is common in Venice. Though it will impact visibility, it does create a mysterious aura around the streets of Venice.
  
• Sunshine: Days are noticeably shorter in November, with around 4-5 hours of sun. Don’t let this dishearten you! Venice comes alive at night, with twinkling waterside restaurants lining the canals. The lack of sun is definitely made up for in atmosphere.

When is rainy season in Venice?

Venice has frequent rainfall through the year, but there are two periods which stand out the most:

• April-June: May in particular is one of the wettest months of the year, with frequent thunderstorms included.
• October-January: November is in the highest months that Venice experiences rainfall, with a general peak happening around this time.

Make sure to plan your activities (and clothing!) accordingly, and a little bit of rain will not dampen your trip to Venice at all.

When does the sunset in Venice in winter?

In November, Venice experiences shorter days with the Sun rising around 7am and setting by 5pm.

Keep these timings in mind for you to maximize daylight hours. Early mornings offer a soft light ideal for capturing the city’s canals, while evenings provide a golden hue perfect for highlighting its historic architecture.

Plan your excursions accordingly to make the most of Venice during this time of year.

Things To Do In Venice In November

This astounding floating city is bursting with history and culture.

Despite temperatures dropping from its usual subtropical climate, Venice in November is still the experience of a lifetime.
A trip can be planned to suit any budget, whilst still getting the full Venetian experience.

1. Admire The Basilica San Marco

Also known as Saint Mark’s Basilica, this astounding Cathedral is a must for anyone visiting Venice.
On the outside, its intricately decorated exterior draws flocks of tourists in the thousands each year. On the inside, the delicately painted ceilings will leave you in awe.

This 12th-century backdrop also offers the perfect setting for those iconic, jaw-dropping photos seen across social media.

Insider Tip: For prayer, mass, and services entrance to the Basilica is free, and you can take in the breathtaking painted ceilings. Queues can be long (30-60 minutes), but it is entirely worth it.

2. Relax On A Gondola

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should know that the most popular activity to partake in when visiting Venice is a trip on a Gondola!

You will make your way through the maze of canals, watching Venice go by as you sit back, relax, and maybe even enjoy some Gelato as you go!

Can You Ride Gondolas In Venice In November?

Absolutely! In fact, it is one of the best, most romantic, things you can do in Venice, and we personally think it is a must during your visit at least one.
There are so many Gondola experiences to choose from that it helps when others have had a great experience too- below are a few highly recommended Gondola experiences for you to look through.

3. Shop ‘Til You Drop At Rialto Market

Rialto Market is one of the last remaining Venetian markets, unfortunately, down to the lack of tourism it attracts.
Visiting Venice in November would be a great opportunity to skip breakfast, make your way to this market, and enjoy the fresh produce that the locals have to offer!

It is so easy for traditions (and the local’s livelihoods) such as markets to be forgotten; it is important that we, as tourists, make an active attempt to support the countries we are visiting as much as we can.

4. Enjoy Italian Cuisine

Italy is renowned for having some of the best cuisine in the world which you can enjoy whilst meeting others and socialising: like a true Italian.

Join a local chef who will teach you all the secrets to cooking beautiful meals- skills that you will carry with you for a lifetime!
Sip Prosecco as you prepare pasta and Tiramisu, before sitting down to enjoy your creation.

Or if you’re thinking “but i’m on holiday, I don’t want to cook”, why not join a food tour that will ensure your taste buds are taken on a delicious journey as you venture from one hidden gem to the other right in the heart of Venice.

5. Free Walking Tour

As you are admiring the beauty of Venice, you are likely to just stroll past buildings with so much history without realizing.

That is why walking tours are one of the absolute best ways to experience any city you visit. They are almost always led by citizens of Venice, also.

Insider Tip: On the first Sunday of every month, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Gallerie dell’Accademia and many more museums are FREE by Italian law!

These are perfect for people on a budget as they usually only require a small tip to the guide at the end of your tour as a courtesy.
They often last a few hours, and are so insightful. You’ll walk away with a ton of new facts to take home!

6. Murano And Burano Day Trip

For those on a slightly longer trip to Venice, a trip to the colourful streets of Burano is an experience that should be considered.

Just a 30 minute boat ride from Venice, you will be transported into a quaint, Italian village and allowed to explore. 

Murano is known for its long history of Glass-Making, and is a unique experience to share with everyone at home.

7. Doge’s Palace and Prisons

A tour of Doge’s Palace and Prisons is ideal for any visit to Venice in November to stay out of the colder weather for a while!
Admire the artistic ceilings that sit within this amazing example of Gothic architecture.

For any dark tourism fans, the Prison Quarters are a great change to the delicate streets of Venice.
And even better, the tours are guided; meaning you’ll get a professional telling you all about the building and its history.

8. Visit Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the bridges along the Grand Canal, having been built in the 16th Century. It provides breathtaking birds-eye views of this iconic waterway.

It can, understandably, get pretty packed on this bridge, so try to visit either late in the evening, or super early in the morning to have it all to yourselves.

Fun fact for Spider-Man fans: scenes from ‘Far From Home’ were filmed at this very location!

Events & Festivals In Venice In November

> Feast of the Madonna della Salute

Every year on November 21st, this religious celebration takes place.
Citizens of Venice pull together, and walk over the floating bridge, that is constructed for this time, towards the Salute Church to pay homage to Mother Mary, lighting a candle and praying for their health.
The main focus of this celebration is the reflection of the Plague, and how it wiped out 1/3 of the population of Venice within weeks.

If you are in Venice during this time, you must jump at the chance to join this yearly tradition.

Are there any Christmas markets in Venice in November?

Mestre Markets has 2 main Christmas markets which start right at the very end of November and run until early January. 

Mercatino di Natale at the Piazza Ferreto starts on the 27th November.
Mercato dei Portici at Via Palazzo starts on the 30th November. 

If you’re here during this time, make sure to check them out!

Insider Tip: The majority of businesses and attractions in Italy are closed on November 1st for All Saints Day.

Getting Around Venice

The best, and cheapest, way to get around Venice is on foot! It is very small, and takes around one hour to walk from one side of the city to the other. 

That being said, you should absolutely take a water taxi at least once for just a few Euros.
It is fun, and you will definitely be asked by friends and family if you did this!

You can also make use of the Vaperettos (public water bus). They work just like regular buses/trams, in which they have numbered routes for each area of the city.

For a 3-day travel card, it will set you back around €40- not exactly cheap. However you can also get to Murano/Burano, from/to Marco-Polo Airport, and use any of the public transport within Venice with this pass.

How Many Days Should You Spend In Venice?

In order to ensure you see everything that Venice has to offer at surface level, 2 days at least is a must. 

If you want to experience a little bit more but at a comfortable pace, we recommend 3-4 days.
This will give you time to do all the most famous attractions, all the hidden gems, along with a day in any museums, and a day trip to Murano and Burano, or any other day trips from Venice.

What To Pack For Venice In November

Venice in November is going to be colder than its usual sub-tropical heat so layers, layers, layers! 
You’ll want the option to add/take off layers throughout the day. 

Comfortable boots/shoes, sweaters, rain jackets, and an umbrella should all be packed in your bag- just in case.

Don’t forget you’ll also need a Type C plug adapter for all your electronics!

Where To Stay In Venice

Venice is definitely not short of beautiful hotels, and you’ll have no issue finding the perfect one for you.

We have lined up three hotels of differing budgets for you to book- all are highly reviewed, so we hope you love them!

📍Alloggi Acquavita
Budget

Alloggi Acquavita is just 15-minutes from Piazza San Marco. This historic guesthouse is set alongside the canal- ideal for those visiting Venice on a budget, without sacrificing a comfortable stay.

📍 Hotel Montecarlo
Mid-Range

Set in a 17th Century building, Hotel Montecarlo is just around the corner from Piazza San Marco- ideal for short breaks in November, as it is close to all the tourist hot-spots.

📍 Locanda Vivaldi
Luxury

Locanda Vivaldi offers elegant rooms, with some overlooking St Mark’s Basin.
Based just a 7-minute walk from St Mark’s Basilica, this traditional hotel hosts the chance for a luxurious, cosy stay on those cold November nights in Venice!

Conclusion: Is It Worth Visiting Venice In November?

Whilst the weather may be colder, and the chance of rain higher, this should not put you off visiting Venice in November.

In fact, it is the perfect time if you want to be able to embrace Venice, in all its glory, without the crowds of tourists. 

You will find that in November, you will be walking among more Venetians than tourists. This will mean you are less likely to queue for museums, and will get to that photo opportunity much quicker, and without people in the background of your photos. 

Also the colour of the buildings reflecting off the wet cobbled streets is a sight to be seen- arm yourself with a colourful umbrella, and you will fit right in.

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Italy. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.