Venice Carnevale and Weather in February

Ash Wednesday is February 13, so I dare say Feb 12 the last day. I've been to Venice in late January, and I don't recall seeing any ice. Could be relatively warm during the day, or they could get a patch of nasty weather. Be prepared for anything.

I've been several times and although there've been the odd year when the weather was unseasonably warm, most years it has been bitterly cold, including last year. Bring very warm clothes to be safe.

Yes, I'm up here in Wisconsin, and what is bitterly cold to a Californian, is relatively warm to me. Point well taken.

One of our visits to Venice was at the end Feb/begining March. While we had beautiful sunny and dry but cold days, it was the northeasterly wind that was the problem. It was eyewateringly cold and cut right through you. It snowed heavily the day after we left! I was so glad I had packed a warm hat, scarf and gloves to go with my winter coat.

January 26 - February 12, 2013 Here's the official website.

I went a few years ago and it was one of those amazing experiences that are hard to explain. The weather for us was not bad... actually quite warm a few days especially the day we went on the boat to Burano. However, most days it was a bit dreary and misty and the whole city was engulfed in this mysterious blue light which only added to the ambience. We stayed a few blocks off St. Marks and as I was traveling with photographers we were up every morning before dawn. That was the most incredible time as the Venetian people came out in full costume and moved about the city as we photographed them. Very few people were up at that time, so it was perfect. We did go to one 'ball' and had costumes and masks. It was very fun. I thought it was something I only needed to do once, but now that it has been a few years I am longing to go back. We did bring layers for our clothing as well as hats and gloves. Be prepared for anything. But most of all just allow the magic of Venice to unfold.

I went to Venice in 2010 for the first weekend of Carnevale, arriving on Thursday evening (from Verona) Feb. 4. I had heard that the first weekend is less crowded, so chose it. There were some people out in costumes on Saturday and the opening ceremony in the Piazza was on Sunday morning. The Piazza was filling up rapidly and I'm pretty short, so I opted to go to the museum instead. What great luck - the Correr Museum windows overlook the Piazza and we few visitors had great views of the whole event, without crowding! hint, hint. Monday was my last day and there was little going on during the day. The weather was mostly in the 50's. Sunday was warm and sunny all day, but Friday and Saturday were chilly and pretty wet. I brought hand warmers (from R.E.I.) and was happy to have them in my pockets.