What's the Weather Like in Venice in February
February is slightly warmer than January in Venice, but it can still be bitterly cold. On the plus side, cruise ships have long left for the season and you don't have to fight crowds to see the sights.
Temperature
The average temperature only reaches a high of 8°C (that's about 46°F) and can fall to as low as 1°C (about 34°F). Warm clothing is a necessity, such as overcoats, hats, gloves and scarves, while visiting Venice during this time.
The beginning of February enjoys around 9:45 hours of sunlight. Daily average temperature is around 4°C (39°F), with highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 0.5°C (33°F). As the days go by, sunlight are around 10:15 hours, and temperature averages increase only slightly to 4°C (40°F), with highs of 8°C (47°F) and lows of 0.5°C (33°F). By the end of the month the sunlight increases beyond 11 hours, with averages of 6°C (44°F), highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F).
Sunshine
There are only about 10 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of day increases slightly over the month by about 2.9 minutes a day from the beginning to the end of the month. The longest day is February 1, with 9:44 hours of sunlight; the shortest is February 28/29, with 11:06 hours of sunlight.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is only 10°C (about 50°F) so swimming is not recommended. You can expect to experience rain on an average of 9 days in this month.
Rain
The average monthly rain is around 54mm. Each day there is about 32% chance of precipitation, occurring as moderate or light rain.
Humidity
The skies above Venice in February are partly cloudy, with the sky clearing up slightly (8%) by the end of the month. Humidity ranges from mildly humid (57%) to very humid (93%). Interestingly, the air is most humid around February 24, above 91%, dropping dramatically for the driest day, February 28/29, below 69%.
Wind
Daily wind speed averages vary from no wind to 9 mph (calm to gentle breeze), or about 8 knots. Winds typically blow in from the northeast, followed by the north. The lowest average wind speed of about 4 mph occurs around February 1, and it picks up slightly to 5 mph around February 26, rarely exceeding 9 mph.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Venice, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Venice in February
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
A top-notch option is Belmond Hotel Cipriani (Giudecca 10), with elegant rooms offering large bathrooms and private balconies, some of which overlook the lagoon or St. Mark's Square. Spacious junior suites and suites are also available, tailored for families or couples who need extra space. Its onsite Oro Restaurant is a perfect base for a romantic atmosphere.
Palazzo Abadessa
Palazzo Abadessa (Calle Priuli, 4011) is a unique hotel with interior private garden. Each room is furnished with original furniture from the 1700s and Murano glass lamps and damasked silk wallpaper. This is just a short walk from Campo Santa Sofia, where you can take the gondola across to the Rialto market.
Hotel Ca' Vendramin
Hotel Ca' Vendramin (Cannaregio 2400) was once the residence of Venetian noble Gabriele Vendramin, and the elegant history is reflected in the antique furnishings of the rooms and lobby. Vendramin was a major patron of the arts during the 16th century, and collected various paintings and sculptures that are now housed in the Accademia and the British Museum.
Hotel Alla Salute
For those looking for a budget option, try the 2-star Hotel Alla Salute (Salute 222), also known as Da Cici. This 16th century palazzo is very close to San Marco Square, and its main claim to fame is that it was former residence of poet Ezra Pound and Peggy Guggenheim used to visit the garden.
Oltre II Giardino
Oltre Il Giardino is a small villa with comfortable, down-to-earth rooms and intimate lounge areas. Its red brick walls and private walled garden lends to the illusion of a secret country retreat in the middle of Venice. Three floors host six bedrooms and suites, stocked with LCD TVs, safe box, A/C, central heating, phone, TV, minibar, and hairdryer.
Residence Ca Malipiero
Another modest property is Residence Ca Malipiero (Castello 4852), a 16th century building with elegant rooms that can host up to four people. Each room offers A/C, TV, minibar, and private bathroom with shower or bath.
Best Western Hotel Olimpia
The Best Western Hotel Olimpia (395 Fondamenta delle Burchielle) is a good choice for cruise ship guests, as its position on the canal making it easy to access via cruise ship. This 16th-century building overlooks the Rio delle Burchielle and the Piazzale Roma. Rooms are available in various double categories, plus a quadruple and a spacious junior suite.
Charming Hotel I Qs
If you prefer modern, sleek design to more typical Venetian antiquity, book a room at the Charming Hotel I Qs (Castello 4425). Enjoy views of the Gothic courtyard and the Palazzo Querini Stampalia from your contemporary room. There are only four suites, each dressed up in earthy and bold tones, and as they rest on the canal they are easily accessible by gondola. A unique feature of this hotel is that breakfast is brought directly to your room.
Restaurants and Bars for Venice in February
As is expected, Venice has always enjoyed a fine culinary tradition of seafood. From market stalls to local kitchens, you can try everything from sea snails and spider crabs and the stunningly beautiful mantis shrimp. Don't miss a chance to try the trademark dish cuttlefish and its ink. The ink is frequently served as a sauce and in polenta, risotto and pasta.
Fiaschetteria Toscana
The Venetian elite have been known to favour Restaurant Fiaschetteria Toscana (Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo), a popular Venetian staple for the last 40 years. Once a wine-and-oil storehouse, the extensive cellar now holds an impressive wine list of more than 600 Italian wines. The décor is traditional and cozy, with a fireplace for winter and small terrace for summer.
Osteria di Santa Marina
A great trattoria with a low-key vibe is (Campo Santa Marina 5911). Its menu serves typical Venetian fare with an innovative twist. Try the salt-cod flan with leek puree, handmade pasta or boiled raw fish.
Caffe Florian
For a blast to the past, check out Caffe Florian (Castello 5453), founded in 1720. Its historic décor recalls a time when Venetian patriots would plot revolution. Just note that table service carries a six euro per person music surcharge when the palm court orchestra is playing.
Osteria La Zucca
Osteria La Zucca(Santa Croce 1762) offers tasty vegetarian food such as tagliatelle with artichokes and pumpkin soup at affordable prices. Like many restaurants on the island, it's closed for mid-afternoon and doesn't open until 19.
Alaska Gelateria
If it's not too chilly for an iced treat, stop by Alaska Gelateria (Calle Larga dei Bari 1159) for some sorbets.
Caffe Dodo and Al Timon
Because it's such an indelible part of the culture, drinking is incredibly affordable. Venetians often break their fast with ombra, a tiny glass of wine, or spritz, an aperitivo of white wine, campari and a shot of seltzer. The Veneto region is also famous for prosecco, a bubbly white drink similar to champagne. Go north to Cannaregio for the best mini bar crawl. Order some cicheti (appetisers) and watch the world go by in Caffe Dodo (Cannaregio 2845) or Al Timon (Sestiere Cannaregio 2754).
Things to Do in Venice in February
Visiting Venice in the winter has one clear advantageo crowds. You may even catch St Mark's Square when it's near empty. Early evening is best for photographs, when the light hasn't completely faded and the torches are just beginning to be lit.
Vaporetto
Fog is usually quite heavy on these streets, which can mean fun canal rides. Hop on a Vaporetto or water bus and ride down the Grand Canal for some beautiful views of watercraft and ghostly watersacpes and architecture. The three and half kilometre trip from the railway station to San Marco is a great introduction to the city. Every family of note kept a splendid palazzo here. Vaporetto tickets can be purchased at tabacchi or at Hellovenezia offices and are valid for single trips or 12 hours to 7 days.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Peek your head into the Peggy Guggenheim Museum (Palazzo Venier dei Leoni). This house has a personal collection of modern art collected by the wife of Max Ernst. Great works include Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Pollock, Dali and Mondrian, with a sculpture garden.
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum (Cannaregio 2902/b) is also an interesting stop, though note that it's closed on Saturdays. In the 16th century, the Jews were forced to move to a small northwestern section of the island. There are several synagogues and interesting shops in the area.
Atelier Pietro Longhi and Monica Daniele
Likely the most famous tradition in Venice is the Carnevale, the world's largest masked ball that dates back to the Middle Ages. Visitors flock to Piazza San Marco, where professionals in ornate costumes pose for amateur and professional photographersnd private parties and small squares are alive with costumed celebrations. Pick up your Carnevale costumes at workshops in the city, such as Atelier Pietro Longhi or Monica Daniele.
Carnivale di Venezia
The word " Carnevale" actually comes from the Latin for " farewell to meat", which might have been a good-bye celebration for steaks and stews by Catholics, who used to give up meat in a week of fasting before Easter as a tradition. The historic origin of the Masquerades, dates back to the romans who used masquerades to celebrate winter and fertility. The Carnivale di Venezia, in its full glory it would last from late December until Ash Wednesday, mask wearing, partying and gambling in excessive amounts was testament to the fall of the Venetian Republic, and therefore end of the Carnivale.
Bridge of Sighs
Venice has only recently started celebrating Valentine's Day (February 14) with hearts, love letters and candlelight dinners. Museums are known to offer two for one admissions on this day. Ride a gondola for that picturesque kiss under the Bridge of Sighs.
Venetia Studium
On the lookout for finer things? Check out Venetia Studium (San Marco 2425) for its fine velvets, silk scarves, delicate bags and high-end pillows. They also produce the world-famous Fortuny Lamps.
Lucio Orsoni's Colour Library
Another fantastic visit is Lucio Orsoni's Colour Library (Cannaregio 1045), a collection of thousands of pieces of glass in every shade and nuance imaginable.
Mercato del Rialto
You can't visit Venice and miss the Mercato del Rialto, the famous food market where locals and chefs collect their produce daily. Pick up chillies, prosciutto, bread, fruit, and local seafood like squid and swordfish. But be warnedon't touch anything! The custom is to point to what you want, and the vendor will prepare it for you.
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
If you have some extra time, charter a boat over to the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore. This island has a beautiful church that dates back to the 16th century, which still houses paintings by Carpaccio and Palma. You can take a lift to the top of the bell tower for breath-taking views of the Doges Palace and Grand Canal.
Casino Venier
Casino Venier (San Marco 4939) is a worthwhile stop into the hey-dey of Venetian gambling. In the 1750s there were over 100 casini all around the city, and Venier is still a marvel to see with its opulent décor, frescoes, Murano mirrors and marble floor. Today is hosts the Alliance Française and occasional art exhibitions.
Salute
If you love ecclesiastical architecture, check out Salute, a beautiful Baroque church built in 1681. It stands between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco. After the plague hit Venice in 1630, the state began construction of this church in gratitude for its survivors. Many of the objects and artwork within bear references to the Black Death.
San Michele Cemetery
The Venice winter fog could also set the mood for a visit to San Michele Cemetery. San Michele has been a grave island ever since 1807, when it was decreed that burial on the mainland or main islands was unsanitary. Those buried here range from lesser known gondoliers and Grand Tour travellers, to the greats like Ezra Pound, Igor Stravinsky and Diaghilev.
