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Destination:

Venice


Basics

topWhen to Go

Spring (late March-May) is the best time to visit. Climate is mild and it is less crowded. Fall (September-October) is the next best time in terms of weather and crowds. Summer can be hot and crowded, particularly in August. Winters are often very wet and cold. In November and December, high water, called acqua alta can flood many of the streets and squares, usually for just a few hours at a time. But in February, despite the cold, revelers flock to Venice for Carnevale.

topWeather & Temperature

Venice is nearly always humid. The water that makes the city so unique also keeps the humidity level at about 80%. Keep this in mind, as the temperatures will feel more extreme.

Venice, Italy
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temperature °F 43 47 54 61 70 76 81 81 74 64 52 45
°C 6 8 12 16 21 24 27 27 23 17 11 7
Average Low Temperature °F 31 33 40 46 55 61 65 64 59 50 39 33
°C 2 3 4 7 12 16 18 17 15 10 3 1
Average Precipitation in 2.2 2.1 2.4 2.9 2.7 3.1 2.7 3.1 2.6 3 3.5 2.4
cm 5 5 6 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 8 6

topTime Difference

Set your watches for Central European Time Zone, six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+6EST) and one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1GMT). Set clocks ahead one hour in March and back in October for Daylight Savings Time.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A passport valid for 6 months is required for all visitors to enter Italy except EU nationals with a valid identity card. EU Nationals and US citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

Italy's currency is the Euro (€). Notes come in €5, €10,€20, €50, €100, €200, €500 denominations. Coins come in €1, €2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1 cent pieces.

Exchange Rates

Banks usually have best exchange rates, but short hours: generally 8:30am to 1:30pm Monday - Friday. ATM machines are the most practical way to get Euros. Bureaux de change are open every day, all day, and often in the evenings as well.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

Most establishments accept major credit cards. Travelers' checks are the safest way to carry large sums of money. Check the exchange rate before you go to see whether to get them in dollars, pounds or euros. Some stores do not take travelers checks, so be sure to check with the merchant before you purchase.

Tipping

Restaurants – 10% is considered a good tip. Check to see that a service charge has not been added.
Taxis Drivers – Round up to nearest 2 euros
Hotel Porters – A few euros if extremely helpful

topPhone

Dialing Codes

Country code for Italy is 39
City code for Venice is 041. You must dial the city code and 7 digit local number even for calls in Venice.

US Embassy

06 46741

Information & Emergency Numbers

Emergency Numbers
113 Police
112 Police (European Mobile Phone Users)
115 Fire
116 Car breakdown Service
118 Ambulance
Tourist Information  (041) 5226356 or (041) 5298730

Mobile Phones

Italy's mobile phones use a 900 or 1800 GXM system. Check with your service provider before leaving home to see if yours will work in Italy. If it doesn't, you might want to buy or rent a temporary mobile phone for your trip.

topElectrical

220 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs have either two-pin or three-pin round-pronged plugs.You will need an adapter for US devices.