Best time for St Mark's Square at a glance
There is no single best week. The long-term climate figures put April, May, September and October between the cooler winter months and the hot summer. Summer brings the highest temperatures, winter the lowest, and acqua alta is most often discussed in autumn and winter.
The time of day matters as much as the month. One travel guide recommends dawn or late evening for the square. No official hourly count of visitors exists, so treat that as advice, not a promise of an empty square. Whatever the season, the square itself has no ticket. Only the buildings around it charge entry.
Climate by month
Average daily highs and lows and total rainfall for Venice, from a long-term reference series for 1971–2000.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.6 | -0.1 | 47.0 |
| February | 8.6 | 0.8 | 48.3 |
| March | 12.5 | 4.1 | 48.8 |
| April | 16.1 | 7.8 | 70.0 |
| May | 21.5 | 12.7 | 66.0 |
| June | 24.9 | 16.1 | 78.0 |
| July | 27.7 | 18.3 | 63.9 |
| August | 27.5 | 17.7 | 64.8 |
| September | 23.5 | 14.3 | 72.0 |
| October | 18.0 | 9.6 | 73.5 |
| November | 11.6 | 4.0 | 65.5 |
| December | 7.4 | 0.6 | 50.6 |
The series is older than the current climate period, so it shows the pattern and is not a forecast. It also describes the city, not the micro-climate of the square. For weather and crowds across the whole city, see the best time to visit Venice.
Tours on St Mark's Square in every season
Guided walks, tower visits and combined tickets for the square, with live prices and availability. Check the date and what each offer includes before you book.
The seasons on the square
What each part of the year means in practice.
Spring: April and May
Highs of 16.1°C in April and 21.5°C in May suit a long walk on the square and a coffee outside. The same series shows 70.0 mm of rain in April and 66.0 mm in May, so bring a light waterproof layer. Spring is a milder choice than July and August. It does not guarantee fewer visitors.
Summer: June to August
July and August are the warmest months, with highs of 27.7°C and 27.5°C. The Campanile stays open late in summer, with closing at 21:15 on the service page, which makes an evening visit possible. Last entry times differ between the operator's pages, so check the schedule on the day.
Autumn: September and October
September is still warm at 23.5°C. October cools to 18.0°C and is the wettest month in the series at 73.5 mm. Acqua alta is a possibility from autumn, so read the page on acqua alta before you go.
Winter: December to March
Winter is cold, with January lows around freezing. Opening hours are shorter. The Museo Correr closes at 17:00 and the Campanile at 19:15 on the service page in the winter season. Winter also brings the Carnival period.
Time of day, hours and events
Small choices change what the square feels like.
Early morning and late evening
One travel guide recommends dawn or late evening. Cafés support the evening: the Gran Caffè Quadri is open from 09:30 to midnight and Caffè Florian from 09:00 to 23:00. Both are listed by their operators. See our guide to the historic cafés.
Museum and tower hours
The Museo Correr is open 10:00–18:00 from 1 April to 31 October, with last entry at 17:00. From 1 November to 31 March it is open 10:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:00. The Campanile opens at 09:30 in both seasons. More in the Museo Correr guide.
Carnival
The official Carnival period runs from 23 January to 9 February 2027. Street shows are announced for 23 and 24 January, 30 and 31 January, and 4 to 9 February in various squares and campi. That is not a full program for St Mark's Square. Check the official Carnival site for entry rules and event times before you go. See the Carnival page for more.
Acqua alta
Acqua alta is discussed most for autumn and winter, but official records also show activity in spring. In 2026 the lagoon authority confirmed 30 activations of the MOSE barriers between 28 January and 20 February. Nobody can promise a dry or a flooded square on a given day. Check the tide forecast before you go.
City access fee
The city's day-visitor fee ran on 60 selected days from 3 April to 26 July 2026, from 08:30 to 16:00, at €5 when paid early and €10 otherwise. It ended on 27 July 2026, and 2027 needs separate decisions. It is not an entry fee for buildings. Details are on the Venice access fee page.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pages that go with the season you choose.
Best time for St Mark's Square: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit St Mark's Square?
There is no single best month. April, May, September and October are milder than July and August in the long-term climate series. That is a weather comparison, not a ranking of the quietest weeks.
What is the best time of day?
One travel guide recommends dawn or late evening. There is no official hourly visitor count, so an empty square cannot be promised. Cafés stay open until 23:00 or midnight.
When is acqua alta most likely?
It is discussed most for autumn and winter, but official records also show spring activity. There is no fixed season and no fixed yearly number. Check the tide forecast on the day.
When is Venice Carnival in 2027?
The official period runs from 23 January to 9 February 2027. Check the official event site for day programs and entry rules.
Do I pay to enter the square?
No. The square is open to the public, and tickets apply to buildings such as the Campanile or the Museo Correr. The city's 2026 day-visitor fee ended on 27 July 2026.