8 Fascinating Reasons to Visit Venice in February

Are you planning a trip to Venice in February? You might think that it’s not as exciting as other peak months. 

Don’t worry! We can assure you that there’s plenty to love about Venice in February.

So, get ready as we show you why it is the perfect month to visit Venice.

We have a guide here that will cover everything from the weather to the best things to do, delicious seasonal foods, where to stay, and how to get around the city. 

Reasons to Visit Venice in February

You might be surprised to find out that February is actually a fantastic time to explore this enchanting Italian city. 

Once you find out all the cool stuff it’s got, you’ll surely be itching to plan your trip.

Now, let’s get into the reasons why we fell in love with Venice in February.

Good Weather Temperature

One of the things that makes Venice amazing in February is its nice weather, not too hot or too cold.

It usually sees an average temperature of 4.4°C (40°F)—just right for a comfy stroll with light clothes (if you’re a cold-weather lover like us).

Plus, this temperature is perfect for cruising the canals, chilling at Piazza San Marco, and even going on day trips to spots like Burano, Murano, and Verona. 

Fewer Crowds

February is a great time to visit the city because it is not as packed as other months.

You get a chance to really enjoy famous sights like the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco without all the tourist rush.

Plus, you won’t deal with long lines at iconic spots like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

As for our culinary experience, hopping from bacari to bacari for Cicchetti and wine felt so authentic without a ton of other tourists around. 

Cheaper Prices

If you’re hunting for budget-friendly choices in Venice, February can be a solid pick. We were able to score some great deals on our hotels and flights.

Still, keep in mind that February isn’t as low as other off-season months like November to January because of the Venice Carnival, which pulls in crowds worldwide.

When there’s a lot of demand, prices usually are a bit higher. But they’re still cheaper than during the peak months like April to June.

Not as Much Rain

February is a nice break from the heavy rains you might see in other months. You’re looking at about five rainy days and around 43.2mm (1.7in) of rain. 

This means you can actually enjoy being outside without worrying too much about constant downpours. 

We also made sure to have a light rain jacket and umbrella, which came in handy on a couple of drizzly days.

But we gotta admit, trying to squeeze through those narrow lanes while juggling maps, cameras, and those umbrellas did lead to some unintentionally hilarious moments that had the locals cracking up (even us).

Carnival Celebration

The Venice Carnival is totally one of our favorite celebrations in Italy. So, mark your calendars until February 13th for the ultimate Venice Carnival experience.

One of the coolest parts of the Venice Carnival is the International Kids’ Carnival, running from February 1st to February 11th, 2024. 

It’s a fantastic chance for kids to enjoy all sorts of fun activities and events at places like Teatro Piccolo Arsenale and the Albanese Park Civic Center in Mestre.

Circle February 3rd on your calendar because that’s when the traditional Festa delle Marie takes place from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

It’s an enchanting water parade with 12 beautifully dressed Marias gliding through the canals from Campo Santa Sofia to Piazza San Marco.

And from February 3rd to February 4th, then again from February 8th to February 13th, 2024, brace yourself for the Venice Carnival Street Show. 

International artists will light up the streets and squares with music, circus acts, and clown performances, making your Venice trip even more awesome.

Also, don’t miss out on February 8th, 2024, when the Island of Pellestrina hosts a Parade of Carnival Floats. 

It’s a lively procession of beautifully decorated floats that adds to the carnival’s festive vibe and gives you a unique peek into the island’s celebrations.

Most of the events happening at the carnival are free, like the parades and street shows. 

But if you’re into indoor gigs like balls and parties, it’s a good idea to grab tickets or make reservations early (unless you don’t mind crashing the party in true Venetian style).

It’s a Romantic Time to Visit

February is such a sweet time to be in Venice. It’s not just because it’s the month of love but also because Venice itself is known as the city of love. 

For some super romantic vibe, we highly recommend hopping on a gondola ride through the narrow waterways, especially at night when everything’s glowing with lantern light. 

We did this, and it was really an unforgettable evening for us.

Oh, and make sure you hit up some of the city’s top-notch restaurants for a candlelit dinner with yummy Italian dishes that’ll make your getaway even more special.

Daytime Hours Are Pretty Decent

One of the cool things we loved about Venice in February was getting a good amount of daylight to check out the city. 

You can expect almost 10.5 hours of daylight every day, which is way better than the shorter days you get in other winter months.

This means you can start your day bright and early, around 7:15 am, when the sun rises. 

This gives you loads of time to wander around St. Mark’s Square, take a chill cruise along the lovely canals, and check out iconic spots like the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. 

All of this before the sun calls it a day around 5:35 pm.

Carnival Food

You’ve got to check out the food during the Carnival of Venice. You get to snack on yummy treats like frittelle (filled doughnuts), galani (twist-shaped cookies), and castagnole (deep-fried dough balls) as you roam around the lively Carnival scene.

We shamelessly indulged in far too many of those sugary fritters between events!

And oh, don’t miss out on the seafood goodies like sautéed shrimp and baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish spread) – they’re absolute must-eats during the festivities. 

Weather in Venice Italy in February

Venice’s weather can be a bit all over the place, but knowing what to expect can make your trip planning way easier.

The average temperature usually hangs at around 4.4°C (40°F), which is perfect for bundling up and pretending you’re in a romantic Italian movie. 

Just don’t be surprised if your “pretend” shivering turns all too real after a while.

But just so you know, Venice’s weather is actually quite mild compared to other parts of Europe, like Ufa and Abisko.

Those cities can get seriously freezing with their harsh winters!

Does It Snow in Venice in February? 

Snow is a rare sight in Venice. But if you happen to visit in February, there’s a chance you might see some light snowfall.

Just a quick heads-up: Snow can mess with transportation in Venice since it’s a snug and compact city.

Winter Temperature in Venice in February

During the day, temperatures hover around 8.3°C (47°F) and drop to as low as -2.2°C (28°F) at night.

Definitely pack some layers and a warm coat because that Adriatic Sea breeze can be nippy. 

Also, keep in mind that Venice’s geography can make temps a bit wonky, and sometimes you might see some temporary flooding (acqua alta) in certain spots. 

Average Low Temperature: 1.1°C (34°F)

Average High Temperature: 8.3°C (47°F)

Average Temperature: 4.4°C (40°F)

Precipitation: 43.2mm (1.7in)

What to Eat in Venice in February

Venice is a foodie paradise in February, especially during Carnival time! You’ve got to try the traditional treats that everyone’s talking about. 

And let’s not forget the fresh fruits and veggies that are in season – they’re a real highlight.

Carnival Foods

Frittelle

Frittelles are like fluffy doughnuts stuffed with yummy fillings like cream, custard, or zabaglione.

You’ll spot them all over Venice, especially with street vendors during the Venice Carnival. 

We gotta share a little trick with Frittelle – have them fresh and warm because they’re not as good when they cool down and get all dense and chewy. 

So, grab a bunch in a paper cone and enjoy them while strolling through Venice’s beautiful squares.

Galani

Then, there are galani, those pretty ribbon-shaped cookies that are perfect for dipping into hot espresso or mulled wine. 

You can find them from wandering vendors during Carnevale or in pastry shops. We had ours topped with nuts, and we didn’t regret it!

Ravioli di Carnevale

Ravioli di Carnevale is a yummy pocket filled with sweetened ricotta, chocolate sauce, or custard. 

It is not your usual pasta ravioli but a special treat enjoyed during Carnevale. 

You’ll often find them at home holiday meals in Venice or on special Carnevale menus at trattorias and osterias. 

Sometimes, they’re baked or lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar.

Those were our personal favorite – the contrast of the crispy exterior and gooey filling was just heavenly.

Mammalucchi

You shouldn’t miss Mammalucchi when you visit Venice in February. The locals there always suggested trying those fluffy dough balls.

You can either dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Seasonal Fruits

Clementines 

As citrus fruit lovers, we couldn’t resist trying clementines, knowing they were in season during February.

Clementines burst with a sweet and tangy flavor. You can either enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads and desserts.

Lemons

Lemons totally love the mild climate in Venice, especially around February. That’s the time when markets are full of these citrus fruits. 

If you’re curious about what you can do with lemons, you can actually squeeze them into your drinks, seafood recipes, risotto, and even desserts for that extra burst of flavor.

Pears

Pears are another highlight during Venice’s winter months. 

They’ve got all kinds of tasty varieties at the markets, like the crunchy Abate Fetel or the silky Decana del Comizio. 

You can snack on them, bake them into yummy treats, or even poach them in red wine for that classic Venetian vibe. 

Seasonal Vegetables

Artichokes 

You’ve gotta try artichokes in Venice, especially in February. They’re so tender and full of flavors, ideal for steaming or frying as an appetizer or side dish. 

You can score plenty of them at the Rialto Market, or you can even savor them at a classic Venetian bar.

Leeks

Leeks are the lowkey finds in Venice. They’re kind of like chill onions, bringing depth and a touch of sweetness to everything from soups to risottos. 

We were honestly surprised by how much we came to love leeks during our time in Venice.

Get your hands on some fresh ones at the market and make a classic dish like risi e bisi (rice and peas).

They’ll surely level up your meal without stealing the spotlight.

Beetroots

Another winter favorite in Venetian cuisine is beetroot. 

They’re earthy and packed with nutrients, bringing a pop of color to your meals. 

Roast them up with some local olive oil and a dash of sea salt for a delightful snack. You may even throw them into a hearty minestrone soup for extra richness.

Celery Root

Celery Root, also known as celeriac, is one of our favorites in Venetian cooking. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. 

You’ll find it hanging out with other winter veggies in stews, soups, and gratins. Look for the heavy ones at the market, and try them mashed or roasted.

Kale

Kale loves the cold, which is why it’s best to have it in the winter months.

Locals love to cook it up with garlic and olive oil or toss it into ribollita, that hearty Tuscan bread soup. 

It’s got a bit of a bite, but that’s what makes it stand out in those savory dishes.

What to Wear in Venice in February

Packing for Venice in February can be a bit tricky because the weather can swing from chilly to downright cold.

But if you want to be comfy and enjoy your trip, here’s what you should wear:

First off, layer up. Start with a long-sleeved shirt, then add a sweater or lightweight jacket. Top it all off with a coat or jacket that can handle rain and wind.

We learned this the hard way our first time there when we got caught in an unexpected rain shower without a proper jacket.

We don’t want you to make that mistake either.

For your feet, go for insulated boots with good traction. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so keep those feet warm and dry.

Since Venice can surprise you with rain, bring along a lightweight rain jacket or an umbrella. And if you have a backpack, a waterproof cover is a smart move.

It may seem like overkill, but we’ve seen too many soggy tourists shivering on the Vaporettorides.

Now, when you’re indoors, keep in mind that places like churches and museums can get pretty toasty. Wear layers that you can take off if you get too warm.

Getting Around Venice in February

Take a Vaporetto

These are like water buses that you can hop on and off. It’s a good option if you get tired of walking.

You might want to get a pass if you plan to use them a lot.

Ride a Gondola

Your trip to Venice in winter won’t be complete without taking a gondola ride.

Know that it’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it for the experience. You should book ahead, especially in February when it’s not as busy.

> Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Hop on Traghetti 

We tried riding on a traghetto, and we absolutely loved it!

These are like cheap gondolas that you can use to cross the Grand Canal. It’s just €2 per person.

Get on a Water Taxi

If you want something private, you can take a water taxi. They’re more expensive but convenient if you have specific places to go.

Typically, the starting price for short trips within the city center is around €100. But keep in mind that this rate can still vary based on how far you’re going.

> Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer

Helpful Tips for Visiting Venice in February

Bring Layers and Waterproof Stuff

Venice can get pretty chilly and wet in February. So, it is best to wear layers for comfort.

Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for those occasional showers.

Book Your Stay Early

Since the Carnival attracts loads of tourists, places to stay in Venice fill up fast during February.

Book your hotel or apartment well ahead of time to snag good deals and locations.

You won’t want to be stuck staying out in Mestre or somewhere inconvenient like that.

Keep Cash Handy

While most places in Venice take cards, smaller joints, especially during Carnival, might prefer cash.

Make sure you’ve got enough for food, souvenirs, and entry fees.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve tried to pay with a card at a little trattoria or mask shop during the festivities, only to be told: “solo contanti” (cash only).

Start Your Day Early

One of the best tips we can give you is to start your day early.

This way, you get to beat the crowds when checking out Venice’s hotspots like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. 

Not only will you dodge the midday chaos, but you’ll also get amazing photos without too many people in the background.