Things to do in Venice

Visiting Venice In August – The Definitive Guide

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Built on an archipelago of over a hundred small islands in the Adriatic Sea, the capital of Italy’s Veneto region is the most visited destination in the country. Known for its unique urban design, the intricacies of Venice’s transportation system and architecture are well planned. The only modes of transportation are on water or on foot, because the islands are connected by bridges and canals. Summer temperatures in Venice are on a downward slope in August, but the weather can still be quite hot. August is also the season that welcomes a lot of tourists, so the city can be crowded with tourists outnumbering the locals. A visit to Venice in August gives you a chance to explore the city in all its glory, with several events and festivals happening during the month.

What makes Venice in August Special?


Venice in August

The summer season in Venice in August attracts a lot of tourists, making the city come to life with bustling crowds in almost every corner. There are several remarkable events taking place in August, allowing you to fully absorb Venice’s rich culture. The atmosphere in the city is charged with excitement that is contagious. Venetians are proud of their unique culture and do not hesitate in showing it off at the various festivals.

Although the weather is hot and humid, it won’t stop you from basking in Venice’s magnificence. The sea breeze and the relatively pleasant temperatures provide an ideal setting for you to cool off by indulging in various watersports. With numerous things-to-do, festivals, and events to be a part of, you will never have a dull moment in Venice in August.

Venice in August : Weather


The weather in Venice in August is mostly warm, sunny, and humid, with an average of 14 hours of sunshine every day. On most days, the maximum temperature can reach up to 27°C, and the minimum temperature can drop down to 17°C. Humidity ranges from mildly humid (51%) to extremely humid (93%), and if you’re lucky, it can even drop down to 38% on certain days. Rainfall is expected on an average of 10 days in the month.

Venice in August : Top Experiences


1

St. Mark’s Basilica

Venice in August - 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
Weekdays: 9:30 am-5 pm (Last entry at 4:45 pm)
Sunday and holidays: 2 pm-5 pm (Last entry at 4:15 pm)
St. Mark’s Museum: Every day: 9:35 am-5 pm

Location

Merceria Orologio, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›

2

Doge’s Palace

Venice in August - 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
Sundays to Thursdays 8:30 am-9 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 am-11 pm

Location

Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›

3

Gondola Tour

Venice in August - Gondola Ride


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.

August Timings
Depends on chosen tour

Location

30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice,
Italy
Getting There ›

4

Teatro La Fenice

Venice in August -  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
Daily: 9:30 am-6:30 pm
Check up-to-date timings here.

Location

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
Daily: 10 am-6:30 pm

Location

Scoletta – Complesso Monumentale, Campo San Rocco, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›

6

Jewish Museum

Venice in August - Jewish Museum


The Jewish Museum opened in 1953, and is dedicated to the life of Venetian Jews. The museum has on display a wide selection of ancient books, manuscripts, textiles, furnishings, vessels, and other daily objects used by Venetian Jews in the past. The museum is built in two sections, with the first one devoted to the cycle of Jewish festivities, and the latter dedicated to the history of Venetian Jews through images and objects.

August Timings
10 am-7 pm

Location

Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 2902/b, 30121 Venezia,
Italy
Getting There ›

7

Venetian Craftsmanship Tour

Venice in August - 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.

August Timings
This tour operates on a daily basis in 4 batches:
9 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm

Location

Venice Tours Office - San Marco, 1130 - , Venezia
Italy
Getting There ›

8

Rialto Market Food Tour

Venice in August - Rialto 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
Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10:30 am

Location

Central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, Venezia
Italy
Getting There ›

9

Glassblowing and Lacemaking

Venice in July - Art of Glassblowing


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.

August Timings
Sunday, Tuesday, Friday - 1 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:30 pm
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday - 1:45 pm, 2:30 pm

Location

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Venice
Italy
Getting There ›

Venice in August : Events to Look Out For


Venice in August events

Venice Art Biennale 2022

April 23 - November 27
Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions in the world, and takes place every odd year. This year’s theme is “May You Live in Interesting Times”, and features artists from over 80 countries. The festival welcomes artists, curators, collectors, art enthusiasts, and tourists to experience visionary works unified by a common theme.

Venice in August events

Venice Film Festival

August 31 onward
Starting in late August, major and minor league celebrities show up at the glamorous red carpet laid out on Venice’s Lido Island to celebrate and appreciate the art of cinema at the International Venice Film Festival. While mainstream movies are usually highlighted, several international films, documentaries and virtual reality works are also premiered here, and tickets can be hard to get. But even if you don’t see a film, the chances of spotting your favorite celebrity are high, which is pretty exciting.

Venice in August events

Pellestrina Regatta 2022

August 7
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.

Venice in August events

Ferragosto 2022

August 15
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


Venice in August : Essentials


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LanguageItalian

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Time zoneGMT+2

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Country Code+39

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Socket Type C, F and L

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CurrencyEuro (€)

Venice Weather in August

The weather in Venice in August is mostly warm, sunny and humid, with an average of 14 hours of sunshine every day. On most days, the maximum temperature can reach up to 27°C, and the minimum temperature can drop down to 17°C. Humidity ranges from mildly humid (51%) to extremely humid (93%), and if you’re lucky, it can even drop down to 38% on certain days. Rainfall is expected on an average of 10 days in the month.

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 –

What to Pack for Venice in August

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. Pack a bathing suit if you’re planning to take a dip in the sea. Light, comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be walking around a lot. Mosquitoes are in abundance, so pack some mosquito repellant.

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


Venice in August - what to eat
Baccalà Mantecato

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

Venice in August - what to eat
Sarde in Saor

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

Venice in August - what to eat
Buranelli

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

Venice in August - what to eat
Scampetti Con Polenta

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


Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Venice in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec

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


What is the weather like in Venice in August?

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.

What should I pack for Venice in August?

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.

Is Venice crowded in August?

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.

What are the best attractions to visit in Venice in August?

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

What are the best events in Venice in August?

Some of the best events in Venice in August are Venice Art Biennale, Venice Film Festival, Ferragosto, and Pellestrina Regatta.