Worried about Venice

Don't sweat it. Bring some warm clothes and good walking shoes. If the canals freeze (just about impossible these days, then you just walk to where you want to go. Last May, I spent 3 days in venice and never touched a gondola or vaporetto. You'll see more of Venice if you're walking, anyway. Have Fun!

I don't mean to belittle your concern, but two thoughts come to mind; 1) When was the last time in your memory that any weather condition lasted more than two weeks? Personally, I can't think of any. Chances are, within the next two weeks, things will have warmed up, cooled down, and warmed up again...or cooled down again...or warmed up again... 2) In the end, what does it matter? You're still going, right? The history of canals freezing seems sketchy, but certainly very rare. In the unlikely event that water traffic could not move, it simply means that you would have to endure the inconvenience of walking farther to get to a bridge.

Here's the forecast for the next two weeks: http://www.timeanddate.com/weather/italy/venice/ext Venice is rather small and very walkable. We have been there when there was snow a couple of years ago.

Check out: Venice: Italy's winter wonderland at:
http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/friday/articles/venice-italy-s-winter-wonderland-1.974971 Venice: Italy's winter wonderland and enjoy the trip. There can never be a bad time to visit Venice. Never.

There's is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing...

Thanks, all. The weather forecast looks pretty bad (we are in venice the last few days of the carnivale and a few days after) and I am reading that canals are frozen! If we can make it out of the airport to our hotel in San Marco I am sure we will have a good time..

it actually sounds kind of cool to get to see Venice during a freeze! That will make for more interesting travel photos and stories than most of us get.
Just go with it and have a great time.

Randy's questions are easily answered: 1) When was the last time the weather stayed the same for two weeks - NOW. We've had wicked cold weather for over two weeks and it's predicted to continue. 2) The canals freezing may be rare, but they're frozen NOW. I understand your concern and don't think it should be belittled like it has been. While I doubt they will still be frozen in two weeks, if you are really concerned, one option is to change your hotel to an area that is more easily accessed by foot from where you arrive (be it bus plaza, train station, etc.) We will be there in 3 weeks and purposefully picked a place that is just 100m from the Vaporetta stop (with no stairs to climb) so my parents can easily carry their luggage. If the Vaporetta couldn't run due to frozen canals, we would be in a world of hurt trying to get there on foot from the train station.

We are arriving by plane and want to stay by San marco. From what I read, it sounds like boats are running so hopefully we'll make it to the hotel. The weather forecast shows temperatures getting a little better by next weekend (in the 40s). So I am hopeful! I really do not want to cancel our trip and hope it doesn't come to that!

Why would you cancel? Your original statement said nothing about being infirm. Venice is famous for walking. And as others have said, it will (or with the right frame of mind, could be) a wonderful experience anyway. Weather is weather. It happens. Temps in the 40's in Venice at this time of year are hardly unusual. Isn't that about what you expected for mid-February? Would you really have cancelled if the temps were, say, in the 20's? Isn't that a bit risky to travel in February under those limitations? I know the weather over much of Europe has been particularly harsh recently, but weather systems do move on, and it is February.....and Europe does have winter every year.... I'm just saying; what good is it going to do to worry about it? It is what it is...Make the best of it.

If you dress properly, you really should be quite comfortable. Remember, layers are key here... Take some wool socks, and keep an eye out for cafes for some coffee or cocoa. I was in Germany for Christmas a few years ago, and it was 16 below! Brutally cold, but we had a great time, nonetheless. We were prepared with the right clothing, and we alternated between indoors and out to stay warm. Now, if they only could have found a way to heat that cathedral on Sunday morning...
Consider yourself lucky, it's rare for someone to experience Venice in these weather conditions, so the crowds should be minimal and the photos spectacular!

I've had 5 trips to Venice--4 of which were in the Summer. It was pretty miserable on a very cold February day. Wooden walkways were going across St. Marks Square, as the tides that week were very high. I remember a bunch of women wearing ratty mink coats. This time of the year, who knows what conditions you'll face. Just take in the regular tourist stops, and be glad the Bridge of Sighs is open after repairs. You just have to take every day for what it is, and enjoy the day. Think about all your friends that have never had the great luxury of traveling to this absolutely unique place.

KT it was nice of you to come back and report on your trip,, thanks, wish more people would update their threads like that!

Hi - just wanted to post an update that we left Venice this morning after 5 days. Except for a bit of rain on the first day, the weather was gorgeous! We feel very lucky.

You can watch the conditions in any major Italian city in Weather.com. The lows are in the low to mid 30's and the highs are in the low to mid 50's for the next 5 days. Sunshine throughout this time period would be considered variable. Just go and enjoy the day. Venice never closes because of weather.

Nice to hear that Mother Nature minded her manners. Thanks for the follow up!

Hi KT
I'm glad you had a wonderful time in Venice. we are planning to go there also. May I ask which hotel you stayed at and were you happy with it?