6 Surprisingly Awesome Things to Do in Venice in November 2024
If you’re thinking about visiting Venice in November and you don’t have a solid plan, you might end up feeling pretty disappointed and like you’ve wasted some hard-earned euros.
Just picture it: You’ve splurged on flights and a hotel with a view of the canals, only to find yourself stuck indoors as cold and heavy rains hit the city.
No worries! We’re here to guide you on how to make the most of your trip to Venice in November, highlighting some great activities and tips for dealing with bad weather if it comes your way.
Plus, we will cover the delicious local foods you must try, easy ways to get around, great places to stay, and what to wear to stay comfy.
Weather in Venice Italy in November
The weather in Venice during November is actually pretty mild, hitting an average of 9°C (48°F).
But know that it can feel chilly because of the humidity and occasional winds, so toss in some warm clothes when you pack.
November is also known for its rainy days; it is actually the rainiest among the winter months.
So, keep that umbrella handy when you’re out and about exploring!
But don’t stress too much – there are fewer tourists around this time, giving you a chance to explore Venice’s culture and architecture without rush.
Who knows, you might even get to re-enact your favorite scenes from Italian cinema on an empty palazzo staircase.
How Long Does the Sun Rise in Venice in November?
In early November, you can catch the sun rising around 6:50 am and setting at about 4:55 pm.
By the end of the month, sunrise shifts to roughly 7:30 am, with sunset around 4:30 pm.
So, at the beginning, you’ve got a solid 10 hours of daylight, but that drops to about 9 hours as the days go by.
Does It Rain in Venice in November?
Absolutely! You’re looking at around 71.1mm (2.8in) of rain over 7 to 8 days. Plus, watch out for “acqua alta” or high water, especially at St. Mark’s Square.
We were lucky enough not to experience that ourselves, but we’ve seen photos of it completely flooded – you’ll definitely want to avoid that!
Just don’t let the rain ruin your trip. The secret is to pack your waterproof gear, and you’re good to go.
Does It Snow in Venice in November?
Snow isn’t really a big thing at this time.
But you might catch a few light flurries towards the end of the month. They usually don’t stick around for long, though.
Winter Temperature in Venice in November
During the day, the temperature is usually around 12.2°C (54°F) – nice and comfy for wandering around.
At night, it dips to as low as 1.1°C (34°F), so bring along a jacket. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella too, as there’s lots of rain throughout the month.
Just a heads-up, though – the humidity can make things feel a tad damp, so toss in some waterproof gear in your bag.
Average Low Temperature: 5.6°C (42°F)
Average High Temperature: 11.7°C (53°F)
Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Precipitation: 71.1mm (2.8in)
Things to Do in Venice in November
Venice in November is not too crowded, so you can wander around and enjoy the beauty of the city without the rush.
The weather is just perfect, too – cool but comfortable for strolling around and taking in the sights.
While you’re here, we’d highly recommend checking out some of these special activities:
Experience the Feast-Day of the Madonna Della Salute
Festa della Madonna della Salute is one of the famous holiday celebrations in Venice.
It happens every year on November 21st, so you’d better not miss this one.
Just a little info: This festival started in 1630 to remember the survival of Venice from the plague.
So, during the celebration, you can join the people walking from San Marco to the Church of Santa Maria della Salute along the Grand Canal.
What’s amazing is that they even built a temporary bridge over the Grand Canal to make it easier to get there.
So once you’re at the church, you can totally get in on the tradition of lighting candles and attending mass.
We have to admit, there’s something powerful about being in that centuries-old church, surrounded by candlelight and the sounds of prayer.
But it’s not just about religious ceremonies; there’s also a bunch of fun activities going on, too.
Outside the church, you’ll find food stalls set up. Make sure to try some of the local delicacies!
Our personal favorite is the fresh seafood, but the sweets are hard to pass up, too.
Just a heads up: expect a huge crowd on this day, so getting around Venice might be a bit tricky.
Visit the Christmas Markets
You can actually start checking out the Christmas Markets in November.
There are quite a few starting off towards the end of the month, like in Campo Santo Stefano, Via Palazzo, Piazza Ferreto, and Via Allegri.
At these Christmas Markets, you’ll see vibrant lights, festive decorations, and, of course, delicious food.
You’ll surely catch the scent of roasted chestnuts, panettone, cheese, and mulled wine wherever you go.
Plus, you’ll find cool handcrafted gifts, artsy glasswork, and Venetian masks, all while enjoying live music vibes (gift shopping with a side of entertainment—win-win!).
Partake in the Festa Di San Martino Celebration
You’ve gotta check out the Feast of San Martino on November 11. It’s an old tradition that goes way back.
It might not be as famous as some other events in Venice, but it’s special in its own way.
During this day, you can expect kids running around with pots and cowbells, asking for change and sweets from everyone they meet.
It’s like trick-or-treating but with a jingly twist.
Plus, the pastry shops go all out with desserts shaped like San Martino on horseback.
We actually sampled way too many of those pastries – they were irresistible.
Observe All Saints Day in This Historical City
November 1st is a Catholic celebration in Venice, where they honor all the saints and start a month of remembering the dead.
We’ve had the chance to experience this unique Venetian tradition, and it was really a moving and memorable time for us.
If you’re around, you can join special masses happening in different churches throughout Venice.
And don’t miss out on San Michele Island and its Monumental Cemetery to see some artistic heritage.
But it’s not just about the serious stuff—Venice also goes all out with food during this time.
You’ll get to taste some traditional treats like pumpkin risotto and roasted chestnuts.
Keep in mind, though, that November 1st is a public holiday, so a bunch of stores might be closed.
We made that mistake our first time – we wandered around looking for an open cafe for what felt like hours!
Go Ice Skating in Mestre
If you think ice skating is off-limits in November, think again! You’ve got to check out Piazza Ferretto in Mestre, Venice.
We were skeptical the first time we heard about an outdoor ice rink in Venice, but it’s actually really cool.
Plus, it’s super convenient to get there. Just hop on tram Line 1 from Venezia Corsia, and you’ll be in Mestre in less than 20 minutes.
The ice rink usually opens around the last week of November, giving you multiple skating sessions each day at different times.
Just head to the Venice Events main website for more details.
And if you don’t have skates, no worries! They are already included in the ticket price for adults at €9 and children up to 12 years at €7.
So, if you’re looking for a memorable time in November, whether you’re solo, with your partner, or with the whole fam, Mestre’s ice skating scene is where it’s at.
Wander Through Venice’s Foggy Streets in November
What’s great when November rolls around is that you get to witness Venice filled with fog.
The visibility may drop a bit, but the feeling is worth it.
Now, one thing you absolutely can’t miss is hopping on a gondola ride. Imagine gliding through these canals, everything around you in a haze.
What to Eat in Venice in November
In November, you can really taste the season’s flavors in Venice.
Besides the classic Venetian dishes, you gotta try the Christmas market treats and enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies this time of year.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss eating in Venice this November:
Christmas Market Foods
Frittelle
Frittelle are those yummy Venetian doughnuts that really have a tempting aroma.
They’re just simple dough with raisins, pine nuts, and sometimes a splash of grappa or rum.
You’ll spot them everywhere in the Christmas Markets and Rialto Market area, hot and fresh.
We won’t forget how we went straight to the vendors frying up these delicious treats the moment we arrived at the Christmas Markets.
Locals raved about Frittelles, so it was worth making a beeline for them as soon as we got there.
Panpepato
And then there’s Panpepato—a spiced bread that Venetians (even us) love during Christmas.
It’s a dense, fruity bread loaded with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a kick of black pepper. Plus, it has dried fruits like figs, raisins, and candied citrus peel.
It is best paired with a glass of sweet wine.
Castagne (Chestnuts)
You can’t go wrong with having chestnuts while browsing the Christmas market stalls.
These warm, nutty snacks are a real hit during the chilly months.
You can munch on them as a snack or include them in risottos, stuffings, and even desserts.
Vin Brulè (Mulled Wine)
And what better way to warm up at a Christmas market than with a cup of vin brulè? This is one of our favorite Venetian wintertime traditions.
This Italian twist on mulled wine is made by simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest.
It results in a deliciously fragrant and slightly sweet drink that you’ll surely love.
Torrone
Torrone, which is basically Italian nougat, is one of the things we look forward to the most.
It’s a mix of honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, giving you this chewy, nutty blast.
You’ll see it in all sorts of shapes and sizes, usually wrapped up in cute packaging.
It’s perfect for grabbing as a fun edible souvenir or gift for your loved ones.
Cartellate
Cartellates are these crispy ribbons that are a hit in Venice during Christmas.
They’re made from a simple dough that’s fried until it’s that perfect golden brown. Then, they either get a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
They’re light, delicate, and sweet enough to make you go back for seconds (or thirds) at those Christmas markets.
Seasonal Fruits
Persimmons
Persimmons are these bright orange fruits that show up even until November. You can actually use them for baking cakes or just have them as snacks.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy them is just sliced up with a little honey drizzled over the top – such a simple but delicious treat!
Pears
Pears are big in Venice during November. You’ve got the crispy green ones like Williams and the super sweet Comice pears that are full of flavor.
You’ll spot them at markets stacked up like fancy towers or used in delicious tarts and desserts around Venice.
Quince
Quince is all about that golden look and lovely smell. They’re too tart to eat raw but are amazing when cooked in wine or made into jams.
Actually, most of Venice’s seasonal treats often have that floral quince flavor.
Clementines
There’s nothing quite like biting into one of those juicy little clementines when the weather starts to turn cold.
They’re bursting with a sunny flavor and are a perfect pick-me-up snack. You may even toss them into veggie dishes for added flavor.
Seasonal Vegetables
Artichokes
In Venice in November, always keep an eye out for those veggie stands that have fresh green Venetian artichokes.
You can keep it simple by steaming or boiling them. We personally love enjoying them with a zesty lemon butter sauce.
And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, give them a try in a creamy artichoke risotto.
Beetroots
Beetroots are another one to look out for, especially in the cooler months when they’re at their sweetest.
They’re typically roasted with olive oil and rosemary, then mixed with crumbled ricotta or goat cheese for a delicious salad.
They also sneak their way into pasta dishes like tortellini, adding that vibrant color that really pops on the plate.
Brussels Sprouts
You gotta check out the Venice markets in November for fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk.
These little cabbage-like guys are versatile – roast them with garlic, throw them in pasta, or add them to salads.
One classic Venetian way to cook them up is to sauté them with pancetta or guanciale for that extra kick.
Pumpkins
When the weather starts cooling down, pumpkins steal the show.
Make sure to try creamy pumpkin-filled ravioli, pumpkin risotto, or pumpkin gnocchi – they’re all crowd-pleasers during this time.
And if you’re in the mood for something simpler, try roasted pumpkin slices with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on the side.
Fennel
Fennel is everywhere in markets with its green bulb and feathery fronds. You can eat both parts, and they have a fresh taste, like licorice.
You can even throw some shaved ones into salads for a nice crunch.
Our personal favorite is when fennel is slowly braised until it becomes meltingly tender – it makes a fantastic side dish or addition to hearty stews.
What to Wear in Venice in November
Top Clothing Tips
November in Venice can be a bit tricky weather-wise, so layering up is key for a comfy trip.
You can use a light long-sleeved top or a thin sweater as your base layer. These are really perfect for slipping under warmer outerwear.
And speaking of outerwear, pack a couple of wool sweaters or cardigans. Those wool sweaters were our best friends on the chillier evenings in Venice.
Oh, and the rain in Venice is no joke! We were so glad we had a waterproof jacket to keep us dry.
You can look for something lightweight but cozy, like a jacket made of Gore-Tex or a similar material.
Bottoms Basics
Versatility is the name of the game for bottoms. Bring along a few pairs of comfy pants or leggings that you can mix and match with your sweaters and jackets.
Jeans or corduroys are great choices—they’ll keep you warm without weighing you down.
For those colder days, toss in some lined pants, like ones with fleece inside or water-resistant material outside.
These are perfect for outdoor adventures or long walks around the city.
Shoe Essentials
Venice’s streets and bridges can get slippery, so go for shoes with good traction.
Waterproof boots or non-slip-soled shoes (think rubber or similar grips) will keep you steady. And don’t forget to bring comfy sneakers.
Honestly, with all the ground we covered exploring Venice, our feet would’ve been in rough shape without our trusty, supportive sneakers.
Must-Have Accessories
Accessories-wise, a warm scarf or pashmina will keep you cozy and stylish. Gloves and a beanie are great for chilly days, too.
And don’t forget an umbrella or a packable rain jacket for those surprise showers.
Lastly, a small crossbody bag or backpack will keep your hands free for exploring.
It’s handy for carrying extra layers or snacks while you’re out and about.
Getting Around Venice in November
Hop on a Water Taxi
The water taxi is also known as “motoscafi” here in Venice.
They’re super handy for cruising through the city’s canals. You can easily grab one at special stops or through your hotel.
Prices depend on how far you’re going and how long it takes, usually starting at around €100 for quick rides in the city center.
The cool thing about using water taxis in November is that there are fewer people around, so you can chill and check out Venice’s awesome buildings and waterways without all the crowds.
> Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer
Ride a Vaporetto (Water Bus)
Vaporetti are best for getting around the city. Actually, they saved us from countless chilly, damp walks across the city.
The No. 1 route along the Grand Canal is perfect for tourists.
We gotta admit, taking that route while seeing the sights along the Grand Canal was one of the highlights of our trip.
There are other lines, too, like No. 2 and Alilaguna, that’ll take you to the outer islands and the airport.
Tickets for the Vaporetto range from €7.50 for one ride to €45 for 3 days. We went for the 3-day pass, and it was well worth the cost!
They run from early morning till midnight and give you a comfy and scenic ride through Venice’s canals. It’s a real taste of Venetian life.
Just watch out for the crowds and make sure to validate your ticket before you get on to avoid any fines.
Travel by Gondola
When you’re chilling in Venice this November, you gotta hop on a gondola ride—it’s a total must-do to experience the city’s vibe, especially cruising past spots like the Rialto Bridge.
Gondola rates start at roughly €120 for a 25-30 minute ride with up to 5 people.
Just a heads up, longer rides, busy times, and holidays can bump up the cost a bit.
> Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary
Helpful Tips for Visiting Venice in November
Traveling to Venice in November can be pretty awesome, but you’ve got to do some prep work to handle the cooler temps and shorter daylight hours.
Here are some tips to help you out:
Plan Your Days Smartly
Keep in mind that daylight doesn’t stick around long in November—sunset hits around 4:30 pm.
Plan your days smartly to fit in all the sights you want to see. Then maybe save your evenings for cool stuff like nightlife or shows.
Be Ready for the Weather
Packing is essential to beat the weather in Venice, so you should think of layers.
It can swing from cool to downright freezing, so pack warm sweaters, coats, scarves, and even waterproof shoes.
Toss in an umbrella or raincoat, too, since Venice can surprise you with showers.
Have Some Cash on Hand
Make sure you’ve got some cash handy.
Even though credit cards are widely accepted, having euros in your pocket is handy for smaller buys and market visits where cards might not cut it.
We remember stopping at a little market stall for some fresh fruit, only to realize they didn’t take cards – luckily, we had some cash on us!
Choose Proper Accommodation
November is one of the low seasons in Venice, so you can surely find some great deals on accommodations.
When picking where to stay, make sure it’s not just comfy but also easy to reach.
Venice is charming but can be a maze of narrow streets and bridges, so go for a place that’s easy to get in and out of.
