What's the Weather Like in Venice in April
Temperatures in April are much more pleasant than previous months without being too warm. This is a great time of year to visit if you don't like crowds as Venice is still fairly quiet, and the festivities of Carnevale are over.
In April the average temperature now reaches up to 16°C (that's about 61°F), and falls to around 8°C (about 46°F) in the evenings. Though light clothing would be appropriate for day time wear, as the weather is quite changeable you should also bring a light jacket and an umbrella. Make sure you check the local weather report before you travel.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is only 13°C (about 55°F) so it is not recommended that you attempt to go swimming.
Sunshine
There are about 13:35 hours of average daily sunshine. Over the course of the month, the day length increases by about 2.9 daily. The shortest day of the month is April 1 with 12:49 hours of sunlight, and the longest day is April 30 with 14:16 hours of daylight. April 1 enjoys the latest sunrise at 6:51 and the earliest sunset at 19:40. April 30 enjoys the earliest sunrise at 6:00 and the latest sunset at 20:17.
Rain
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 12 days in this month. The average monthly rain is around 64mm. Each day there is about 39-44% chance of precipitation, more likely later in the month. This usually occurs as moderate rain, and occasionally as thunderstorms or light rain.
Humidity
The April skies above Venice are partly cloudy most of the time, with 49% cloud cover. On any given day, the sky is clear 38% of the time and mostly cloudy 25% of the time. Humidity ranges from mildly humid (55%) to very humid (93%). The air is most humid at the beginning of the month, reaching humidity beyond 91%, and is driest around mid-month, when the humidity drops below 65%.
Wind
Daily wind speed averages very from no wind to 12 mph (calm to moderate breeze), or about 9 knots, rarely exceeding 22 mph. Winds typically blow in from the northeast, though occasionally from the north.
Temperature
The beginning of April enjoys more than 12:45 hours of sunlight. Daily average temperatures are around 11°C (52°F), with highs in 15°C (59°F) and lows in 7°C (45°F). By the middle of the months, the weather begins to warm, with 13:35 hours of sunlight and daily averages of 12°C (55°F), highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (47°F). The end of April warms to 14:16 hours of sunlight, and averages of 14°C (58°F), with highs of 18°C (66°F) and lows of 10°C (51°F).
Hotels for Venice in April
Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace (Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467) is a five-star Venice hotel offering Grand Canal views, sumptuously refurbished interiors and sublime dining. Gritti Palace was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of Doge of Venice, but now it houses 90 rooms and nine remarkable suites. An iconic hotel in Venice, it makes for a perfect base from which to explore this jewel of a city. Its on-site Club del Doge restaurant and Bar Longhi has a tradition of attracting the international and local elite.
Hotel San Samuele
San Samuele has prime real estate right in the heart of the art gallery district. It's a very minimalist hotel, with ten simple yet elegant rooms overlooking a central courtyard.
Al Campaniel
Another wonderful budget option is Al Campaniel (San Polo 2889) is a bed and breakfast with just four cheerful rooms. Located just 10 minutes from the Rialto Bridge and railway station, this guesthouse offers singles, doubles and triples, as well as a two-room apartment for up to four guests.
Ca' Maria Adele
Ca' Maria Adele (Sestiere Dorsoduro 111) is a stylish Venice hotel offering delightful décor, cosy reception rooms and tasty breakfasts. The surrounding neighbourhood is known for its artistic inclinations, and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Francois Pinault Collection are both within walking distance.
La Calcina
La Calcina (Dorsoduro 780) is a budget hotel with charming, unpretentious grace that overlooks the Giudecca Canal. John Ruskin stayed here while writing The Stones of Venice, a fact that still books rooms up today. All rooms are equipped with A/C, LCD TV, and free wifi, and the La Piscina restaurant on property serves traditional and local specialties paired with Veneto wines.
Restaurants and Bars for Venice in April
It's no surprise that Venetian cuisine tends to be heavily focused on seafood. Walk into any trattoria or osteria and you'll likely be treated to squid ink linguine with a glass of white wine.
Antiche Carampane
One of the oldest trattorias is Antiche Carampane (Sestiere San Polo 1911), with its authentic menu of fresh wild fish, shellfish spaghetti, and biscuits.
Antico Martini
Antico Martini (Calle del Teatro) offers exceptional Venetian fare such as scallops with wild fennel, Sauris raw ham, king prawns and pate de foie gras.
I Figli delle Stelle
I Figli delle Stelle (Zitelle 70) is one of the more romantic restaurants in Venice, with a succulent array of pastas, seafood, scampi and polenta.
Mirai
For something unique, head to Mirai (Cannaregio 146), a local Japanese favourite with delicacies by top sushi chef Norio Nishibori.
Dal Moro's
Dal Moro's (Calle De La Casseleria 5324) is the Venetian answer to fast food. They handcraft textured fresh pasta at reasonable prices.
Bar Rialto da Lollo
You can find an amazing range of sandwiches at the Bar Rialto da Lollo (Sestiere San Polo 57) tucked away deep in the Rialto Market.
Bistrot Riviera
Further off the beaten path is Bistrot Riviera, a romantic and intimate restaurant with world-class service. Their chefs will challenge your palate with their succulent and innovative dishes.
Osteria La Zucca
Osteria La Zucca (Santa Croce 1762) is another friendly, tranquil location. The interior is decorated in intimate wood and the view overlooks one of the smaller canals. The menu is varied, serving vegetarian specialties alongside traditional Venetian fare.
Osteria-Enoteca Ai Aristi
Osteria-Enoteca Ai Aristi (Fondamenta della Toletta Dorsoduro 1169/A) is a unique wine-bar with a short daily menu of cichetti (snacks) and glasses of Veneto wine. This is a great stop for a bite in between museums and art galleries in the district.
Caffe Chioggia
Retreat to Caffe Chioggia (8/12 San Marco) on Palazzo Ducale to sip a coffee during the wee hours. From your table you can watch the Clock Tower ring in the new day at midnight, and listen to the guest pianist while away the wee hours.
Margaret Duchamp
After dinner enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at any of Venice's fine and lavish bars. Margaret Duchamp (Campo Santa Margherita 3019) is a vivacious, friendly hangout for snacks and drinks.
Things to Do in Venice in April
April is the beginning of sunshine in Venice, and between the open-air cafes and the gardens in the lagoon there are plenty of places to soak up the cheerful atmosphere.
The Giusti Palace and Garden
The Giusti Palace and Garden is a garden with topiary and statues that dates from the Renaissance period. Located in the east of Verona, the gardens were planted in 1580, with terraces and hedge maze and views of the surrounding landscape.
Parco delle Rimembranze
Families may also enjoy the Parco delle Rimembranze on the island of Saint'Elena. This park was sculpted to commemorate fallen soldiers from WW2, and also offers children playgrounds and roller-skating rinks.
Giardinetti Reali
Other parks of note include the Giardinetti Realior Royal Gardens, a small one-acre park created by Napoleon; the Giardini Pubblici, a peaceful oasis that holds the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium; and the San Francesco della Vigna, the cloister garden of the church of St. Francis.
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Basilica is the shining jewel of Venice, and no traveller should leave without seeing it. The church is one of the best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture, with lavish design and gold mosaics, located adjacent to the Doge's Palace. It's said that the church holds the bodily remains of St. Mark, holy relics that were stolen by two Venetian merchants from Alexandria in the 9th century. The basilica is encrusted with trophies brought back from the Sack of Constantinople in 1204.
Entrance is free, but be prepared to wait in long lines of up to five hours. Dress appropriately, no short skirts or bare shoulders. While you're in the San Marco Square, be sure to visit the Torre dell'Orologio. The roof has wondrous views over the piazza and basilica.
Teatro La Fenice
Film buffs will recognise iconic Venice from their favourite movies: Casino Royale, From Russia with Love, Tomb Raider, two Othellos and at least four Merchant of Venice's were all filmed here. Theatre aficionados should stop by La Fenice (Campo San Fantin) Venice's historic opera house is a wonder of red velvet and ornate chandeliers.
Teatro Malibran
Book well ahead to attend an opera or one of the hall's world-renowned classical concerts or ballet performances. If you can't get a ticket, try the sister theatre Teatro Malibran (Cannaregio 5873).
Gondola
Feel free to hop on a gondola for that iconic ride through the canals. Just be prepared to pay exorbitant prices around 80 euros for a 40-minute ride. Or if you prefer something a bit more off-beat, take a traghetto. This is a short ride in the city to cross the Grand Canal if you're not near a bridge. It's only 50 cents per ride.
Rialto Market
Shoppers will find a home at the Rialto Market, the most famous food market in Venice. All the coals shop here, and there's everything from fish to veggies to fruit. Just remember to not handle the merchandise, decide what you want and the vendor will bag it for you.
Murano Island
If you visit one other island in the lagoon, head over to Murano Island for their famous glass-blowing demonstrations. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, catch a vaporetto instead of a tourist-crammed boat, and simply walk around the streets until you find an open studio.
Culture Week
The city celebrates Culture Week mid-April, when museums and monuments are open for free and sometimes for longer hours than typical. It's a great time to visit the Accademia, Ca d'Oro, and the Archaeological Museum.
Saint Mark's Square
The 25th of April is both Liberation Day and Saint Mark's death. On this day, St. Mark is honoured by a regatta, and festivities are held within Saint Mark's Square. Traditionally men give their partners a red rose on this day. This is also the date of the 1945 Liberation of Italy, and people honour soldiers who fell in the war.
