High Tides Venice Acqua Alta

The St marks square suffers from this daily to some extent, don't let it stop you.

It generally only last a short time.

Thanks for your reply. Do you think we should bring boots or this is just a very short time?
Looking foward to Italy

They sell over shoes when it happens - long plastic bags.

I wouldn't take up space in suitcase for them.

I'll send you a pic they put out planks for you to walk on.

They know a couple of days ahead of time if it's going to happen. It's a combination of high tides (which are predictable) and weather (which is not).

It's also caused by high-winds which blow from the Sahara Desert across the Adriatic Sea and literally pushes water into the lagoon.

Thanks. should we bring plastic bags?
Is there any way to now prior if it is going to happen?
Have a happy and healthy

You really don't need to bring anything special. It's easy to get around the small amount of flooding (if any). Early October there is a small chance of some very minor flooding. My guess is even if they have some, you won't notice it.

There were a few inches of water in one part of St. Mark's square one morning (near the Duomo) while we were there during late October. It didn't even dawn on me that this was the infamous Acqua Alta until someone mentioned it later. The little bit that was there was gone the next time we walked through that afternoon.

Around St. Marks, they will set up elevated walkways if needed, it looks like they line up folding tables for people to walk on.

Acqua Alta came happen almost any time. We were there the first week in May, 2004, and for several days St. Marks was completly flooded, as well as several other areas of Venice. They have a siren that will sound if Acqua Alta is imminent. The elevated sidewalks were excellent. (they are stacked to one side until needed) We bought some kind of plastic boot-like covering for our shoes. The actual boots were too expensive. I would not bring boots to Venice though, since you do not know whether Acqua Alta will be a problem. We did not let the water stop us and enjoyed Venice very much. You can get around Venice, Acqua Alta or not.

Doris, Hoover, Alabama

Thanks all! Have a happy and healthy!!

The acuqa alta is impacted by the full moon (higher than normal tides), wind, and atmospheric pressure. Full moon isn't until 10/14. Don't take boots, you can walk on the elevated walkways or buy plastic bags. See here for pictures: Here.

Related Question, is there a website where you can find the specific times of day for the high tides? We want to tour the Basillica and sometimes in high tide it is closed. What time of day is best?

High water happens when the moon is full or new. Calendars all used to show the phases.

The best time to visit the Basilica is around noon - I was there last week, the flood lights were on when I entered around 12.15 and were turned off promptly at 12.30. Not to be missed.