Venice Carnival in March
Great time to visit
Post-Carnival March offers the best balance of decent weather and manageable crowds. You'll catch Venice shaking off winter without the summer tourist madness.
Weather
March brings milder days with temperatures climbing to 15°C, though nights stay cool around 8°C. Spring rains arrive in heavy downpours but clear quickly.
15°C high8°C low9 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$280/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Su e Zo per i Ponti walking marathon
- •Festa del Redentore preparation events
March Tips
- •This is prime acqua alta season - check tide forecasts at comune.venezia.it
- •Restaurant terraces start reopening along the Grand Canal
- •Book gondola rides in late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds
All Months
Venice Carnival typically runs from late January to early March, ending on Shrove Tuesday. The final weekend draws the biggest crowds - and the most spectacular costumes. Saturday before Ash Wednesday is peak madness with 100,000+ visitors cramming into the historic center. For better photos and breathing room, come during weekdays in the festival's first week. The opening ceremony at Cannaregio features the traditional 'Flight of the Angel' from St. Mark's Campanile - worth planning your trip around. Weather in February averages 8°C with frequent rain. Pack waterproof shoes; acqua alta (flooding) can turn St. Mark's Square into a shallow lake. The city provides elevated walkways, but your costume might get soggy. March offers slightly warmer temperatures but carnival winds down by mid-month. Book flights and hotels by October - prices triple closer to the event.
Venice Carnival Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
10/10
Families
4/10
Adventure
2/10
Budget
2/10
Luxury
10/10
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