When Does Venice Flood?
- Darcy Melton
- Mar 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
When is high water season in Venice and when does the Acqua Alta happen?
Venice is most likely to flood during November and December. However, it is generally likely to flood anytime between October and March. Flooding can happen in the summer as well, but it's less likely. One of the benefits of visiting Venice in the high water season, particularly December and January, are smaller crowds. Another benefit is the guarantee of water-filled canals. During the driest summer months, some of the smaller canals in the city can become too dry for Gondolas to use. Visiting Venice during the wetter seasons guarantees higher water gondolas and traghetti. Plus, even during the Acqua Alta, much of the city is unaffected by flooding. In the parts of town with the most flooding raised walkways are put up for pedestrians to pass through the streets as normal.
Which parts of Venice flood?
The Piazza San Marco and the southern edge of the Dorsoduro neighborhood are the most likely to flood. The Piazza San Marco is the lowest point in the city.
About 50 times a year the Acqua Alta reaches 80cm (about 2.5 ft) at which point it can flood low-lying areas. These low lying public spaces make up about .1% of the city. Around 4 times a year the high tide reaches above 110cm (about 3.5 ft) flooding 14% of public areas.
Tips for visiting Venice in the high water season:
Bring a backpack instead of a roller bag:
If it's possible, don't bring a roller bag if you're planning to visit Venice during the Acqua Alta. If you cant carry your roller bag it may get wet and most rolling luggage is not waterproof, even the plastic kind isn't likely to have waterproof zippers.
This isn't 100% necessary, don't panic! It's possible to stick to less wet areas and stay in a part of town less likely to flood, but if you're someone who can travel with just a backpack, it's a good idea to do that on this trip.
My favorite backpack is the REI Co-op Ruckpack 30. Nathaniel has an older version, which I have all but stolen for myself. It has an inside pocket I use for my laptop, a side pocket for things I need to reach quickly, a rain cover, and can hold several items of clothing. I absolutely recommend it! There are also some great options from companies like Timbukt2 and Nomadic. If you're looking for something a bit more outdoorsy, check out Gregory, Patagonia, or Osprey.
Below you can find affiliate links for Timbuk2.com and Nomatic.com While we are not employed by them, if you book through them, we receive a small commission. These are our recommendations but we do not represent any of these companies or businesses.
Bring shoes that can get wet + an extra pair:
I know I've just told you to pack light by only bringing luggage you can carry, but it's a good idea to have two pairs of shoes. This is a good standard practice, but is especially important if your shoes are likely to get wet. One of the top rules for traveling is the same as for hiking, keep your feet dry. It keeps you healthy and happy!
Booking a hotel:
If you don't want to walk outside and immediately get your feet wet, stay in a higher part of town like Cannareggio, Santa Croce, San Polo, or Castello neighborhoods.
Below you can find affiliate links for Booking.com. While we are not employed by them, if you book through them, we receive a small commission. These are our recommendations but we do not represent Booking.com or any of these businesses.
If you're excited to stay in the flood prone part of town, try San Marco and the southern edge of Dorsoduro, where sidewalks are splashed with waves.
Below you can find affiliate links for Booking.com. While we are not employed by them, if you book through them, we receive a small commission. These are our recommendations but we do not represent Booking.com or any of these businesses.
Know where to wash and dry wet clothes. The last thing you want on a vacation is a bunch of wet clothes and nothing clean to wear. Some hotels offer a laundry service, but not all. The good news it that there are laundromats! A laundromat is called a lavandería in Italian. Here are some laundromats (lavanderíe) in Venice:
Lavanderia Self-Service in the Santa Croce
Cleanworld Lavanderia self service in the Castello
Effe Erre Laundry also in the Castello
Lavasecco Ai Carmini (dry-cleaning only) in the Dorsoduro
How to know if it's going to flood:
Check the Venice's official website for weather updates and tide calendar
Download the tide calendar here (this will take you to the official Venice website)
See tide reports on the telegram channel @centromareevenezia_bot
Tips to avoid flooding in Venice all together:
Book your trip for late spring or summer. Bear in mind that there may be more tourists at this time of year.
Book refundable a or changeable hotel. Consider this particularly during November and December when the Acqua Alta is most likely.
Book a hotel that isn't in a low-lying area. Instead of the San Marco area in the center of the city, which is also the lowest part of the city, try the Cannareggio, Castello, Santa Croce, or San Polo neighborhoods.
Check the weather regularly as your trip nears
Nathaniel and I have visited Venice in October and February and the tide was not high at either time. That isn't to say that's always the case, but you do not need to fear the Acqua Alta! Venice is beautiful in the winter and I highly recommend going when there are fewer tourists, in late fall, winter, and spring. To learn more about the Acqua Alta check out my article, Why Does Venice Flood?
