Venice in the summer 2025: 5 reasons why it’s a great idea

For those who choose to visit Venice in the summer, there are countless opportunities to experience an extraordinary stay. 

Events unfold non-stop from June to September: some of international scope, others known only to the Venetians. The summer calendar is filled with countless opportunities to access museums and temporary exhibitions, not to mention the often overlooked possibility of spending pleasant hours on the sandy beaches outside the city.

Let's explore together what are the best opportunities to spend an extraordinary Venetian summer, and to discover a Serenissima that is always renewing and becoming more aware of its treasures.

The long, warm days of summer in Venice offer unique colors, atmospheres, and emotions to those fortunate enough to visit the city during the beautiful season. Nightlife becomes festive and vibrant, with spectacular fireworks illuminating the night sky during the Redeemer Festival.

Furthermore, Venice is a also a seaside city, and the means used to get around the city, from vaporetti to ferries, offer fresh and pleasant crossings in the lagoon, where we can discover beautiful islands including the famous Murano and Burano.

Obviously we cannot overlook the most important museums, palaces and gardens of the historic center, from the Doge’s Palace to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, ideal places to uncover every secret of the city while escaping the summer heat.

Finally, summer 2025 in Venice is the perfect time to relax on the beaches of the Lido, enjoy a romantic evening gondola ride, discover the unique stories behind the city’s most charming hidden churches, or end the day with an aperitif in a bacaro, tasting cicchetti and watching the sun set over the canals.

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Visiting Venice in summer has several advantages: long, bright days perfect for exploring the islands, enjoying a boat ride through the lagoon, or attending one of the many seasonal events.

That said, it’s important to remember that July and August are the hottest and most crowded months, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F) and humidity making the air quite heavy, especially during the central hours of the day.

Walking can become tiring, particularly as streets fill with tourists, and prices also tend to rise during this peak period.

For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere and milder weather, the best time to visit Venice in summer may be late June or early September. Still, even in July and August, the city reveals a vibrant and magical side in the evenings, when the heat eases and Venice comes alive with reflections, music, and energy.

Dealing with Venice’s summer heat requires a few precautions. First of all, avoid walking during the hottest hours, between 12 pm and 4 pm: this is the perfect time to take refuge in an air-conditioned museum, a shaded church, or a traditional trattoria.

Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and always carry a water bottle: many public fountains (known as “nasoni”) provide free drinking water. Traveling by vaporetto or boat can offer a break from the heat, as can a stop at the beach on the Lido of Venice, the ideal place for a refreshing swim!

Finally, planning evening visits can be a great idea: many iconic places, such as St. Mark’s Square or the Grand Canal, become even more enchanting in the golden light of sunset and with milder temperatures.

With events, visits to churches and museums, evening gondola rides, traditional aperitifs, and lagoon excursions, summer in Venice offers a wide range of unique experiences.

Let’s explore together 5 of the most enchanting adventures to enjoy in the lagoon city during the summer season.

From the Grand Canal to the city’s quieter waterways, an evening gondola ride offers an intimate and atmospheric experience, surrounded by soft lights, shimmering reflections on the water, and the muffled silence of the city. It’s the perfect time to explore hidden corners, admire the illuminated facades of historic palaces, and soak in a timeless, dreamlike atmosphere.

In the twilight just after sunset, when the crowds thin out and the air grows cooler, Venice takes on a different character: gliding through the canals means rediscovering the city with fresh eyes, enjoying the calm and noticing details often missed in the daylight.

Unusual views and light effects create truly enchanting moments, ideal for those in search of authentic emotions and lasting memories.

Summer is perhaps the season when Venice reveals its most festive soul. As the sun begins to set, the city shows off all its refined elegance, while osterie and bacari fill with cheerful patrons, creating a unique atmosphere of unforgettable sounds, colors, and scents.

An aperitif paired with a cicchetto, as the lagoon turns reddish with the sunset light, is the perfect way to enjoy a Venetian evening. Seated at an outdoor table, we can watch the slow passage of boats along the canals, while the fading light gently colors the rooftops and the water.

And even a short stroll along the Fondamenta delle Zattere, overlooking the Giudecca Canal, can become a romantic, simple, and unforgettable moment.

Among the unmissable summer events in Venice, the Redeemer Festival is probably the most anticipated. On the Saturday before the third Sunday of July, Venice dresses up for the occasion and commemorates the victory over the plague of the 16th century.

A bridge of boats is set up on the water, connecting the small Church of the Redeemer to Punta della Dogana, while fireworks illuminate the San Marco Basin, so spectacular that they can be seen even from the mainland.

Perhaps this festival is the best known, but what if we mention the Venice International Film Festival? In the splendid Palazzo del Cinema, every year from late August to early September, a Hollywood-style event takes place in the beautiful setting of the Lido.

The event is organized by the Venice Biennale and involves filmmakers and international stars. A red carpet that makes dozens of enthusiasts and onlookers dream every year.

And then there’s the Regata Storica, the first Sunday of September: an event with the flavor of history (it is over 800 years old!) but also the excitement of sport. Every year, the Venetians crowd the banks of the Grand Canal watching re-enactors and athletes. 

Venice in summer also comes alive with open-air concerts that offer unforgettable musical experiences in breathtaking settings. In June, the “Venezia Suona” festival brings music and art to the charming Parco Ex-Umberto I in the Cannaregio district. In the first half of July, it’s Piazza San Marco that turns into an open-air stage, hosting internationally renowned artists.

Because here in the city, every occasion is perfect for celebrating!

What could be more summery than a tour of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon? All it takes is a vaporetto ride to enjoy an unforgettable day exploring Murano, where masterpieces of glassmaking are crafted daily, or the vibrant and colorful Burano.

Summer is also the ideal time to discover the beaches of the Lido di Venezia, a rare mix of elegance and simplicity, where wild nature meets refined luxury. Here you can rent a charming Liberty-style beach hut, relax on a sunbed under a parasol, or stroll along the golden sandy shore.

The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated, perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing swim. Summer days are breezy and cooler, offering the perfect chance to experience a different side of La Serenissima.

When the heat sets in, Venice offers some surprisingly cool and artistic hideaways. Lesser-known churches become peaceful sanctuaries, often air-conditioned or naturally cool, and far from the crowds.

One example is the stunning Church of San Zaccaria, just a short walk from St. Mark’s, yet wrapped in silence and shadow, home to masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli, nestled in its namesake square in Cannaregio, is another oasis of calm, where visitors can admire its exquisite polychrome marble interior.

For those who prefer art in a museum setting, Palazzo Grimani in the Castello district is perfect for a cultural break out of the sun, with its frescoed rooms and airy spaces. The Gallerie dell’Accademia, with wide, climate-controlled halls, also allows you to enjoy works by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto without breaking a sweat.

To avoid the typical summer crowds in Venice and enjoy the city calmly, the secret is to plan our visit times well.

A great option is to get up early and take advantage of the first morning hours, when the main monuments are less crowded and the air is cooler. Avoiding the middle hours of the day, especially between July and August, helps to escape the crowds and the intense heat.

Another useful tip is to explore less touristy neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Castello, where we can find authentic and less frequented spots. Also, booking skip-the-line tickets for museums and attractions is essential to save time and avoid long queues under the sun.

Finally, always carry a bottle of water and take frequent breaks in cafes or places with air conditioning. This way, it’s easier to keep our energy up and enjoy Venice in summer in a pleasant and relaxed way.

Early mornings and late evenings are the perfect times to experience Venice at a slower pace, away from the crowds and the heat.

Sunrise over the canals offers a unique light, ideal for those who love photographing quiet corners or visiting local markets while they’re still frequented only by Venetians. After sunset, the air becomes more pleasant and many calli come alive with open-air events, small concerts, or simple strolls among the glow of street lamps and the silhouettes of gondolas.

Taking advantage of these moments means enjoying summer in Venice in an authentic way, appreciating a city that slows down and reveals its most intimate and charming side.

What to do in Venice in July and August, when temperatures often rise above 30°C? To face the hottest days, it's useful to know where to find air-conditioned spots to rest: besides the main museums, some historic bookshops and hidden cafés offer a cool and peaceful refuge.

Choosing shaded paths, like the narrow alleys of the Santa Croce district or the arcades near the Arsenale, can help reduce sun exposure during peak hours. As we've mentioned earlier, the many public fountains are also a valuable resource to cool down and refill our water bottle.

Alternatively, carrying a damp cloth can offer instant relief without taking up space, and wearing lightweight clothing made of natural fabrics can make all the difference when dealing with how hot Venice gets in summer. These simple strategies are among the most effective Venice heat tips for enjoying the city in a comfortable and pleasant way.

If we choose summer to explore the Serenissima, it’s important to pack smart and travel light.

Hot, sunny days make lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen essential. Don’t forget a pair of comfortable, breathable shoes, crucial for walking across bridges and narrow alleys, and perhaps a light scarf, useful both as sun protection and for visiting churches.

Anyone planning a trip to the Lido or nearby beaches should also pack a swimsuit and a beach towel.


As for the evening, it’s a good idea to bring something light but with long sleeves, as humidity can linger even after a hot day.

Good planning makes the visit more enjoyable, even during the most crowded periods. So, to handle summer in Venice at its best, here are a few key items that are very useful to have:

- an offline map or a pedestrian navigation app, great for exploring the less known sestieri;

- a handheld fan or a small battery-powered fan, for instant relief during the hottest hours;

- refreshing wipes, a power bank, and a light crossbody bag—practical accessories for everyday use.

And let’s not forget that Venice in summer also means events: to fully enjoy the summer festivals in Venice, it’s wise to book tickets in advance and keep an updated program at hand.

Venice is stunning at any time of the year, but in summer it’s perfect for those who love open-air art cities, with sunsets over the water, cultural events, and a light that transforms every square.

Sure, August is definitely crowded, but with the right precautions, it’s still possible to discover its most authentic side. Compared to winter, visiting Venice in summer also means experiencing a vibrant and enchanting city.

Planning, shaded breaks, and smart timing are key: with a little organization, even in the hottest months, Venice will offer us memorable experiences.