Fresh from a November 2025 conference event in Venice, we are sure that autumn delivers the magic that can be compromised in peak summer. Autumn in Venice means blue skies, sunset water taxis and stunning evening venues – all without the herding through the peak-season crowds.
Autumn is off-season, but not really
Perceptions persist, and it’s bewildering why so many visitors flock to Venice in the peak summer months. It feels aquatic and coastal, but essentially, it is a city event destination with trophy water views. Swimming beaches exist at Lido, and there are properties with swimming pools, but Venice is a city destination for all intents and purposes. In summer, Venice is very crowded and super hot – it isn’t always a fun experience. Autumn is different – very different. Crowds are sparse, searing temperatures long gone, and the beach at Lido is still suitable for bathers, albeit hardy ones.
Actually, autumn really isn’t off-season
While the sun is lower in the sky, strolling the streets of Venice in October and November is often delightful. The 2nd week of November 2025 saw blue skies with brilliant sunsets – days were mild and dry, and evening events moved indoors. The shorter days offered remarkable contrasts with Venetian facades illuminated with colourful evening projections. The venues feel natural, reflecting Venice's reputation as a city of all seasons. The palaces and historic venues are less patronised in the summer months, but in autumn, they come into their own, and the grandeur is utterly captivating. Grab a mask and enjoy a glass of Prosecco as Venetian theatre plays for the delegates.
Season-indifferent venues
Key Venetian landmarks can be impossibly busy in the peak months. Venice is a treasure trove of world-famous sites, and skipping them due to overcapacity does a disservice to this extraordinary destination. Autumn is the best time to stroll through St Mark’s or browse the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The International Architecture Exhibition runs from May until late November, and hotel and dining options are far more plentiful outside of the peak summer months.
Venice in Autumn sees optimal visitor volumes, with busy streets and lively venues. It feels like Venice, with centuries-old bridges designed for those visitor numbers. And as summer temperatures drift ever higher, the thought of delegates being ushered through packed, oppressive streets isn’t a good one. Venice comes into its own in autumn.
