What's the Weather Like in Venice in October
October is cooler than the summer months (June - August) in Venice and it is less busy as the tourist season comes to an end.
Temperature
In October the average temperature still reaches highs of around 18°C (that's about 64°F), and in the evenings can dip to a fairly cool low of 9°C (about 48°F). Temperatures drop rapidly about 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the month.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is still 20°C (about 68°F) so you can still take a dip in the sea or head up to Lake Garda to go swimming or try watersports such as scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing and waterskiing.
Sunshine
There are almost 11 hours of average daily sunshine, decreasing day to day by about 2.9 minutes. The longest day is October 1 with 11:42 hours of sunlight; the shortest day is October 31 with 10:10 hours of sunlight.
Rain
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 10 days in this month. The average monthly rain is around 69mm, with a consistent 36% chance of precipitation. This mostly manifests as moderate rain, with periodical light rain or thunderstorms.
Humidity
The skies above Venice in October are usually partly cloudy, with the trend becoming cloudier as the month progresses. Humidity ranges from mildly humid (60%) to very humid (93%). The air is most humid around October 1, rising above 90%, and driest just a few days later around October 6, at which time is drops below 70% humidity.
Wind
Wind speed averages range from no wind to 9 mph (gentle breeze), rarely exceeding 19 mph. The wind typically blows from the north or northeast.
High/Low Temperature
October is characterised by a dramatic drop in temperature from the beginning to the end of the month. Around October, average temperature is about 17°C (63°F), with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 13°C (56°F). By mid-October, averages are around 13°C (56°F), with highs of 17°C (64°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). By the end of the month, averages are 11°C (52°F), with highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (46°F).
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Venice, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Venice in October
Westin Europa & Regina
Westin Europa & Regina (San Marco 2159) links five buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The pet-friendly hotel offers 185 guestrooms dressed in Venetian décor with modern amenities such as minibars, safes, TVs and marble bathrooms. The hotel has two terraces, one for the restaurant and one for the bar, with panoramic views of the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Basin.
Hotel Dona Palace
Hotel Dona Palace (San Marco 391) is an elegant 14th century palazzo boutique that faces the Palazzo Ducale canal. Guests can enjoy the on-site HK Wine Bar & Restaurant, or nibble on pastries during tea time. Shuttle service to the airport is available, advance notice required. Double rooms offer canal views and suites are equipped with whirlpool tub and marble bathroom; wheelchair-friendly accommodation is available. The Exclusive Executive Suite is served by a private lift, and includes a living room, jacuzzi and roof terrace, where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with an impressive view on San Marco and the clock tower.
Hotel Anastasia
Hotel Anastasia (San Marco 2141) offers rooms of various sizes but good value for its proximity to San Marco Square. This is a charming three star with basic amenities and cozy comforts. Each of the 17 rooms are equipped with shower, internet, wifi, satellite TV, minibar, A/C, and safe, and 6 of the rooms have bathtub.
Corto Grimani
If you're staying five days or longer, why not rent an apartment? Several palazzos offer flats for longer stays, and some even come with kitchenettes. In San Marco the Corte Grimani (San Marco 4402) offers spacious one- and two-bedroom suites with comfortable beds--great for travelling families.
Palazzo Odoni
The Palazzo Odoni (Fondamenta Minotto 151) in Santa Croce also offers boutique apartments 15 minutes' walk from San Marco, with large rooms at a reasonable price. Just note that apartment buildings do not commonly have lifts.
Hotel Domus Cavanis
An option for budget minded people is Hotel Domus Cavanis (Dorsoduro 896). The Piazza San Marco is just one vaporetto stop away. Rooms come in a variety of sizes: singles, doubles, twins, triples and spacious family rooms. Each room is equipped with A/C and heating, en suite bathrooms with shower, direct phone line and TV.
Locanda Sant'Anna
Locanda Sant'Anna (Castello 269) is a charming one-star in a quiet location. The hotel has a secure courtyard and a common balcony that overlooks the canal. Some rooms include a view of Isola di San Pierto. This budget hotel offers bright rooms for couples and for children, each equipped with phone, safe, A/C, hairdryer, soundproof windows, and satellite TV upon request.
Hotel al Sole
The Hotel al Sole (Santa Croce 134/136) is a decent three-star option set in a 15th century palace. It is located within a short distance from Piazzale Roma, the University, Chiesa dei Frari church and the Gallerie dell'Accademia. Classic, superior and junior suite rooms available. On-site facilities include an indoor garden and bar; other services include free excursions to Murano Island, and a transfer to/from the airport and train station for a fee.
Restaurants and Bars for Venice in October
Osteria Nono Risorto
Osteria Nono Risorto (Santa Croce 2338) is a trattoria-pizzera with relaxed atmosphere. The food is steady pasta, seafood and meat dishes with little flare and more heartiness.
Birraria La Corte
Visitors with families should stop by Birraria La Corte (Campo San Polo 2168), with its excellent pizzas in San Polo, and smaller dishes like salads and pasta. Each of its pizzas are named after Venetian bridges.
Pane Vino e San Daniele
Pane Vino e San Daniele (Dorsoduro 1722) has locations near the Rialto and in Dorsoduro. This is a more upscale restaurant with cosy interior that serves a variety of Puglian, Sardinian and Venetian specialties. Their favourite dish is ham from San Daniele in the Friuli region. A three-course meal with wine and coffee will set you back about 50 euros. They also have gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic options available on request.
Bar dei Tedeschi
Don't miss the Bar dei Tedeschi on the island of Sant-Erasmo, a fishermen's/farmers' bar-trattoria half-hour boat ride from Venice. Service is informal, general bows of calamari, cheap house wine pasta and seafood dishes with tables outside under the trees that overlook the lagoon. To get there, catch ferry 13 from Fondamente Nove to Sant'Erasmo Capannone.
Pasticceria Tonolo
Visitors should not miss Venetian treats at any one of the delicious bakeries and patisseries. The 120-year-old Pasticceria Tonolo (Via XXII Marzo 2398) provides patrons with delicious pastries, marzipan cakes, and crystallized fruits.
Restaurant La Caravella
Restaurant La Caravella (Via XXII Marzo 2398) offers traditional Venetian fare in a leisurely yet classic atmosphere. Dishes include oven-roasted turbot with potatoes and olives, fish soup, spider crab with lemon sauce, homemade pasta with duck ragout, and "saor," or marinated sweet-and-sour sardines with onions, pine nuts and raisins.
Al Vecio Canton
Al Vecio Canton (Castello 4738) is famed for its tasty seafood pasta and pizza for less than 10 euros per plate. One of their more popular courses is the prime Irish T-bone steak, cooked at the table on a granite slab and garnished with truffle or red pepper sauce. During October and November they serve moeche, tiny, soft-shell crabs fried in batter. Moeche have been awarded with the DOP label (protected denomination of origin). At the end of your meal, enjoy a complimentary digestivo vodka and lemon served by the friendly staff.
Things to Do in Venice in October
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's most recognisable landmarks. It was completed in 1591. The development of the Rialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic, prompting a pontoon bridge then successive wooden bridges to connect the sides of the Grand Canal. In 1551, authorities took proposals from engineers such as Palladio, Vignola and even Michelangelo for a stone bridge, but all were deemed impractical until Antonio da Ponte.
The bridge was considered so audacious that it was predicted to fail. A popular proverb at the time of construction was "It'll be done when I have 3 legs" or "I'll set myself on fire if it's ever finished." These proverbs were carved into the arches of the bridge--a man with three legs and a burning womanhere you can still see them today.
Museo Storico Navale
If the rain draws you indoors, spend an afternoon hopping the museums. TheMuseo Storico Navale has an impressive overview of the maritime history of Venice. On display are ship models, weapons, photos, anchors and other artefacts over the whole of the museum's five stories. Since 1958, the collection has been housed in a historic 15th century granary.
There is a special WWII exhibit that features torpedoes and a fascinating room dedicated to the history of the gondola. One room holds a ceremonial barge used by the Doges of Venicehe Bucintoro. On Ascension Day, the Doge would throw a ring in the water from this barge to symbolise the unity between Venice and its sea.
Mocenigo Palace
For something a bit off the beaten track, head to the Mocenigo Palace (Santa Croce 1992). There you can view collections of clothes from the 17th and 18th centuries. On display are various mannequins clothed in valuable garments and accessories, embellished with fine embroidery and lace. Five rooms were recently dedicated to the Venetian tradition of perfume-making. You can discover the materials and processes used in making fine fragrances. There is also an assortment of perfume bottles dating from the Medieval Ages to the present day.
Punta della Dogana
Art lovers might also want to visit the new Punta della Dogana (Dorsoduro 2). The building was once the city's customs house but was recently transformed into a museum by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Here you'll find the pieces of the sizable art collection of Francois Pinault.
Intrepid Urban Adventures
Foodies will find it worthwhile to book a 3-hour food walking tour of Venice. With a local guide, discover the favourite bacari and wine bars of Venice. Sample local specialties such as marinated seafood with polenta and regional wine and Prosecco. Travel throughout the city on a traghetto, a passenger boat that glide along the canal among the gondolas. Intrepid Urban Adventures offers small group tours for up to 12 people maximum.
St. Mark's Basilica
Travellers to Venice should certainly not miss St. Mark's Basilica, the jewel of Venice. This church has been nicknamed the Chiesa d'Oro (church of gold), due to its gold ground mosaics and symbol of Venetian opulence. The first St. Mark's was established on the foundation in the 9th century, however, following it was burned in a rebellion in 976 and subsequently rebuilt in the century afterward.
For years it served as a chapel of the Doge, as it lies adjacent and connected to the Doge's Palace, and has only been the city's cathedral since 1807. Legend has it that the church keeps the remains of St. Mark that were originally stolen by two Venetian merchants from Alexandria. Note that entrance is free, but due to its popularity, be prepared to wait in long lines for up to five hours.
Walks of Italy
If you've come to see St. Mark's Basilica but dislike the tourist crowds, book a VIP after hours tour. Walks of Italy offer small tours for up to 12 guests for exclusive access to the church after closing time. Here you can view the crypt, the Pala d'Oro Byzantine altarpiece, and glimmering mosaics in tranquility.
Venice Marathon
Marathon enthusiasts will enjoy the Venice Marathon. Whether you participate in marathon running or just want to cheer on the participants, this 26 mile race around the landmarks of Venice is quite a sight!
Bardolino Grape Festival
The grape harvest takes place in the month of October. The Festa di Mosto on the first weekend of the month sees grapes still traditionally pressed by foot. And the Bardolino Grape Festival is also held to celebrate the grape harvest.
