What time of year do you think offers the best likelihood of cool (or cold) temperatures without a huge chance of rain or excessive flooding? I'm thinking November/December, but am I right?

I was there in November a couple of years ago, never, never again in that month!! I stayed in Mestre (a mistake) and took a boat to Venice one morning, but we had to turn back because the boat couldn't dock due to high waters. Later that day we were able to get into the city but we had to walk on elevated platforms because most of the ground was still underwater, at least a foot or 2. I'm not saying it's like that all the time, some days were fine, but if you don't have to go in November, then don't.

Here is information on monthly weather in Venice from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...ml?tt=TT003950

Wow, Eloise, that chart confirms P_M's experience! So maybe January? Has anyone ever been there around that time?

Why not in February and enjoy the Carnival?
As to the weather, it is always a matter of luck (good or bad). Last year it rained non-stop and we even had snow! The year before was beautiful.

I was in Venice for a few days before Carnival, I think the end of January-beginning of February. No tourists! No one there except locals. Shops very, very busy getting ready for Carnival. It was rainy off and on, no flooding, but very cold!

Just go prepared and you will see much more than in an October visit, which I have also done. Couldn't more around in October for all the tourists, and it flooded then, too!

Unfortunately it looks like my next visit to Venice will also be in October, next year.

Please go in January rather than during Carnival, unless you want to experience massive crowds and pay higher prices...

It has always been one of my personal dreams to see Venice in the snow, but I haven't managed it yet, although I have been there at least 10 times. I did encounter acqua alta, once, in October.

Would it be better to visit Venice from Dec. 28 - Jan. 1 or from Jan. 5 - Jan. 9?

I was there in January and saw no rain - but that could have been luck. it was a great time to be there though! very quiet. the fog made it magical.

I cannot absolutely swear to this, but I think January 5 to 9 would be better. On many hotel Web sites (not necessarily those of hotels in Venice), I have seen that the rates for the Christmas through New Year period are higher than those in January itself (which is low season, as far as I know, everywhere in Italy.)You might want to check it out for yourself at the Web sites of the hotels that you are thinking about in Venice.

I was there from Dec 27- Jan 1 of '02. I can confirm that hotel prices go up for the New Year period. We paid top dollar. The weather was not bad. It only poured rain one day (New Year's eve day!) Waters started rising on Jan 1 as we left and by Jan 2 there was aqua alta which created a problem for our friends who were leaving. I'd go Jan 4-9 WillTravel but be warned some places may be closed. It seems a lot of places close for vacation between New Years and Carnival.

I agree with Mclaurie that places such as restaurants, shops and perhaps some hotels may close between New Year's and Carnival, but I would be very, very surprised if any of the museums, churches or other attractions would close. I've certainly never seen any indication of such closings on Web sites about the major points of interest in Venice.

Well, since there's plenty of blustering gibberish on this thread...

Weather is always unpredictable during Venice's Winter but, generally speaking, you can expect the coldest months to be January and February. However, during Carnivale 2001, the temperature hit a sunny 58 degrees for three days and there were plenty of people sitting on the Zattere taking in the sun.

By March, the really bitter cold has subsided and many days are actually quite nice, especially if it isn't raining. There are no tourists until Easter.

The serious hotel bargains typically begin after January 6, which is one of Italy's most important holidays, the Epiphany, the official end to Christmas. The bargains last until Carnivale begins and resume after Carnivale ends and last until Easter. There are some exceptions, especially up until Christmas. I'm sure there are some but I don't know one hotel that closes because it's Winter.

Except on actual holidays, most major tourist sites are open, although the hours are on "Winter schedule" just like the vaporetti. I don't know of any retailers who specifically close up shop for the Winter. All my favorite places are open.

Many famous restaurants do close during the Winter or take breaks during Christmas, New Year's, and Carnivale. One needs to do some research to get specific information, especially if you're looking to eat well. Dinner on New Year's Eve is particularly difficult and requires planning and deposits.

I spend every Christmas in Rome and every New Year in Venice and have done so for the last 7 years. I can't think of a better time to get away for a lengthy period or a better way to celebrate these major holidays. I often fly members of my family over to spend some of that time with me. Happy planning!