In this article, I explain what you need to know about Venice in January climate, activities and atmosphere!
Here you'll find
- What you need to know about the atmosphere in Venice in January
- The weather in Venice in January
- Activities you can take part in
- Good reasons to visit Venice in January
- Tips and tricks to make the most of it
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on visiting Venice in January, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Venice in January: article summary
Venice in January: what to expect?
Many visitors wonder whether visiting Venice in winter is a good idea. If you're not too worried cold and rainwhich is abundant at this time of year, so the month of january can be a very good choice for a stay in the Serenissima.
From numerous events are organized in January, and you'll enjoy a number of advantages at this time of year: lower prices, fewer crowds, less waiting time for visits, and a special atmosphere due to the mist that envelops Venice at the beginning of the year.
Let me break it down for you!
What's the weather like in Venice in January?
The biggest concern for travelers planning to visit Venice in January is the weather. And indeed, it's the coldest month of the year !
Temperatures can fall to 0 and average, the temperature is 6°.. In the best-case scenario, the thermometer will read 10°, so be sure to bring warm clothes!
It's also a period when rain is more frequent than usual, with regular showers. In addition, a thick fog envelops the city morning and evening, giving it a rather mysterious atmosphere that I find fascinating.
Take my word for it, wander through the narrow streets and see Venice Campanile or the splendid Doge's Palace is an unforgettable experience !
If you're not afraid of the cold and damp, then spend a few days in Venice in January is not a bad idea!
What's the mood in town at this time of year?
In January, Venice is much calmer only during peak tourist periods (April to August). Visit Christmas parties and New Year's Day are over, and the town is back to its peaceful self.
This has several consequences: retailers are plus endorsements and therefore more open to discussion, the locals less stressed and, overall, the people you'll come across are getting on with their daily lives as they await the resumption of tourism in a few months' time.
For those who would like to immerse yourself in real Venetian lifeThis is certainly one of the best times to do so. Venice, when it's not too crowded, has a charm all its own, and you'll get the full measure of it as you stroll through the city. its 6 districts and visit its most beautiful monuments.
What to do in Venice in January?
Venice in January isn't all peace and quiet, as various events punctuate the daily lives of the locals at this time. Visit several activities that you can take part in during your stay!
Swimming in the lido!
Swimming in winter? Yes, but not just any swim! The 1er Januarythe Venetians meet at the Venice Lidoto celebrate the New Year by taking a dip in the icy water!
A unusual activityeasily accessible by taking a vaporetto which will take you to the pretty coastal beaches in 15 minutes.
You don't have to swim if you don't like cold water. But it's always fun to discover local traditions!
Celebrating the Feast of the Befana
You may be aware that in Italy, Santa Claus is less important than la Befana. This witch, who rewards good children with sweets and punishes the others by bringing them coal, is celebrated every January 6 in the boot.
To mark the occasion, the Venetians organized a race in boats on the Grand Canala race in which rowers dressed as witches compete on the water. If you've never seen witches on the water gondolasyou can make up for this shortcoming in the regata delle Befane (also known as the Epiphany regatta in French).
Take advantage of the sales!
In January, all over Italy, there are sales. Lovers of shopping will be able to make the most of their stay in Venice to do some shopping. Visit Piazza San Marco and the Rialto BridgeYou'll find plenty of small boutiques, but don't expect to come across any huge shopping malls: there's no room for that in Venice.
However, if you opt for a hotel on the Mestreon dry land, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Pizza party
On January 17, we celebrate Pizza in Italy with World Pizza Day decided by Unesco. I would remind you that the skills of the Neapolitan pizza maker are part of Unesco's Intangible Heritage and that the dish remains the very symbol of the country.
If you're in Venice that day, don't hesitate to take advantage of special offers from certain pizzerias! Enjoy a good Margherita or a pizza based on popular local produce, such as fish, artichokes or asparagus!
Numerous indoor tours
In January, you can visit the wonders of Venice without having to wait for hours in interminable queues.
So you'll have more time to discover museums of the Serenissima: the Museo Correr, dedicated to the history of the city, the superb Peggy Guggenheim collection or the masterly Galleria dell'Accademia.
In addition to the city's superb palaces, such as the Doge's Palace, I strongly recommend that you visit La Fenice Theatreawe-inspiring!
The Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shvat
Venice has a Jewish quarterwhich gave its ghetto name to all similar neighborhoods in Europe. Every year, at the end of January/beginning of February, you can attend the festival of the Tu B'Shvat.
This festival - the New Year of the Trees - celebrates the return of greenery as the first shoots appear in Israel. It's the perfect time to taste delicious culinary specialties and discover a culture apart in Venice.
In 2023, the event will take place on February 6!
The feast of Saint Anthony Abbot
All January 17Italy celebrates St. Anthony the Abbot, the saint of basket and brush makers, by lighting bonfires in front of certain religious buildings. The celebration also includes parades through the city, with most locals crowding around the gates to watch.
When the bonfires rise up in front the most Venice's beautiful churches, the is impressive!
Warm up in an iconic café
If the cold or rain becomes too persistent, treat yourself to a good espresso or hot chocolate in one of Europe's oldest cafés: the Café Florianon St. Mark's Square. If the prices are too high, don't worry, there's no shortage of bars and cafés in Venice!
Why visit Venice in January?
As you've seen, there's plenty to do in Venice in January. But here are a few 3 other good reasons to visit the city during the first month of the year!
For peace and quiet
Visit early JanuaryThe city seems fairly empty, which means you can explore it in complete peace of mind. The time you save by not having to wait to enter a monument is considerable. In fact, you'll be able to allocate it to other activities!
Late JanuaryVenice is a little more crowded, in anticipation of the ultra-popular Carnival that brings the city to life in February!
To benefit from lower rates
This is perhaps the most important reason to come to Venice in January: the prices. Whether you're looking for accommodation, a rental car or plane tickets, you'll be able to make the most of your stay in Venice. big savings by traveling at this time of year!
For ambience
Beautiful as it is, Venice is a city particularly affected by mass tourism.
In high season, it's sometimes difficult to enjoy it as much as you'd like, when you get stuck in a group of American or Chinese tourists, or are jostled when trying to photograph the Bridge of Sighs.
In January, it's much more relaxed and the city seems calmer. A stress-free way to discover all its facets. And if you're lucky enough to get some snow, the scenery will be breathtaking.
Venice in January: advice and tips
To visit Venice in January, there's just one rule to follow: bring the right clothes!
I invite you to cover up well, to face the rain and the wind. And even to wear rain boots. In fact, you could be confronted with the Aqua Alta phenomenon, in which the water from the Venice lagoon overflow into the city. It's beautiful, but it's a pain!
To complete your stay, don't hesitate to purchase Venice Passand think about choosing a home/apartment.a hotel sufficiently heated so as not to suffer from humidity during the night!
All that's left to do is enjoy the wonders of the Serenissima!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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