Venice Carnival in May
Not the best time
May brings perfect weather and peak tourist season. Venice looks postcard-perfect, but you'll pay premium prices and fight crowds at every major sight.
Weather
May offers warm, comfortable days averaging 23°C with mild nights around 16°C. Occasional spring showers keep everything fresh and the humidity manageable.
23°C high16°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$380/day average
Events & Festivals
- •La Biennale opens
- •Vogalonga regata
- •Sposalizio del Mare ceremony
May Tips
- •La Biennale tickets sell out fast - book online months ahead
- •This is wedding season - expect photographers everywhere in San Marco
- •Gelaterias reopen seasonal flavors like fig and prosecco
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
BUILD YOUR VENICE CARNIVAL PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.