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Venice in early October vs mid December

Okay dilemma I would like advice on for anyone who has been to Venice during this time. We are looking to visit Venice, Verona, and Rome mid December as our actual anniversary is December 20 (towards the end of our trip) and we are renewing our vows on the trip but got nervous with the weather (don’t get cold super easily so would be alright with like high 40s-low 50s but worried will be colder than that) and not much sun? So we started to think about going in the first two weeks of October instead for the trip as an option maybe? Really torn because it would be cool to do our actual anniversary and see all the Christmas stuff etc but don’t also want it to be too cold in Venice? (We would be there dec 15-20 and Verona dec 20-22). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by
4526 posts

So, have you looked at what the chances are of aqua alta during either dates? I am not sure how to predict these, but Wiki has extreme levels as early as mid-October and as late as February. If you don't know what aqua alta is, it is high tides most common between Fall and Spring (we had some in mid April one year). Winds also have strong influence on them, so that is going to be harder to predict.
With that in mind, you may have less risk early October.

Posted by
26832 posts

Based on your stated preferences, I think northern Italy in December is quite risky for you. Take a look at the actual, day-by-day, historical weather data for Venice available on timeanddate.com. Check at least the most recent three years; five would be better. As you can see, daily high temperatures in the forties are rather common and the thirties are not unheard of, and those are the high points of the day. It will be considerably colder when you head out in the morning and around dinner time. I believe Venice tends to be damp as well. In addition, cities built along rivers tend to be breezy, and Venice sits in a lagoon.

Posted by
16025 posts

We have been in Venice in October, the whole month in 2013. Maybe we were just fortunate, but I only recall 2 days of light rain during that time. Mostly the weather was very nice, with daytime temperatures mostly. In the 60’s. I never wore the cashmere turtleneck I took for warmth. We returned in October 2015, but only for a week. It was nice the whole time.

They did have acqua Alta predicted right after we departed in 2013, at the end of the month, but I don’t think it was a serious one.

In December, not only will it be colder and likely rainier, but the days will be shorter.

You didn’t ask about crowds, but that is something most people like to consider. The cruise ships were still docking in daily in the first half of October, and only dropped off slightly toward the end of the month. But who knows if they will return in force after the pandemic, or if they will return at all.

Posted by
930 posts

Avoid Venice in December. It's rainy and will be underwater. I'd do mid Sept to early Oct, no later.

Posted by
19637 posts

I've been to Venice in December as well as several times in January and February. Each time was wonderful. See if the ice skating rink is operating in the Campo San Polo. There will be a few Christmas market huts there as well. It will be a full moon on December 18, so the risk of Acqua Alta will be high. Nothing to worry about if your hotel is located on higher ground, and it is something to experience. Also the new Mose flood control system seems to be operational now and that should mitigate things.
temperature should be 40's and 50's F, but as always when it comes to weather, Caveat Emptor.

Great Christmas Market in Verona.

Posted by
1369 posts

We spent a week in December in Venice in 2014 --- in fact, we were there on December 20th. We were never cold and we loved having no crowds anywhere, not even in San Marco. Of course, seven years later, there may be more tourists in December, and you never know about weather except for its history and historical averages. I would tolerate considerably more cold, rain, snow, gray skies, and fog in order to avoid heat and crowds, but everybody's different.

There was not a lot of Christmas stuff, except for a sort of semi-serious race on the Grand Canal in various rowing boats full of people dressed like Santa Claus.

Posted by
1219 posts

December can be freezing. I remember there being ice in Campo San Barnaba that lasted for several days. On Torcello, there was ice in the smaller canals, frost on the shaded side of the basilica at noon.

That being said, being out and about at midnight in a freezing Venice is onecof my most cherished memories.

Posted by
797 posts

I was in Venice around Dec. 20th a little over 65 years ago and I remember it vividly. It was COLD, DAMP, OVERCAST AND MISERABLE. i would not think of spending one red cent of my or anybody-else's money to repeat the experience. Mid Sept. on the other hand has been very pleasant.

Posted by
19637 posts

65 years ago! How much were vaporetto rides, a nickel?

Posted by
3586 posts

I can’t top Irv, but I was in Venice just after Christmas, 1984. Same story, though, miserably cold temps. There were actually snow flurries one evening, so probably mid to low 30’s
It was our first trip to Italy, and we had hoped to do a gondola ride. The gondoliers were smarter than we were. They were on vacation.
We still found Venice to be magical. However, given a choice, I would never go in December.

Posted by
1315 posts

Does it have to be Venice?

I think Rome would be much nicer at that time of the year; less water in the streets; more indoor activities; slightly warmer, because more south and not so damp. The Tiber cannot compeed with the canals of Venice and the bay.

And I LOVE Venice.

Posted by
32517 posts

I'm sorry but Venice (one of my all time fav places) is horrid in December. The churches, where I retreat for a bit of cool air in summer, are deep freezers in December. No light coming through the windows, cold and damp.

Not for me, but you might enjoy it if it is what you want.

Posted by
3065 posts

The other thing about going to Venice in October is that Italy has strict rules about when they can turn on the heat in buildings and apartments/homes.
Same for when A/C can go on in summer.
I believe there are specific dates.....anyone know the current rules?
I was there early October in 2017, and our apartment was quite chilly and felt damp though it wasn't.
We bought hot water bottles at the pharmacy to have when sitting at night, and for sleeping to keep warm.
There will be heat on in December, but the weather both times might be quite wet and miserable.

Posted by
9 posts

The cold in Venice is worse than the hot. Wet and penetrating. This year it has not been but december could be