What to know about Venice's 2023 drought: Water levels in Venice's famous canals are at their lowest in 15 years, per CNN, thanks to a combination of factors ? which mostly relate to climate change. The Alps have received little snow this winter, while lower elevations have received almost no rain.

As of February 2026, Venice is experiencing a significant recovery from the historic droughts of 2023, though the city remains vulnerable to seasonal "low tides" (bassa marea). While 2023 saw canals run so dry that gondolas and water ambulances were stranded in the mud, the 2025/2026 winter season has seen more normalized snowfall in the Italian Alps, which is the primary source of spring meltwater for the Po and Piave rivers. However, the city's unique geography means it still faces occasional "dry spells" triggered by high-pressure systems and lunar cycles. For 2026 travelers, it is a "pro-tip" to note that "low water" is now managed with as much precision as "high water" (acqua alta). While you may still see some of the shallower inner canals looking very low during a full moon in February, the massive industrial dredging and water management projects have ensured that the primary navigation routes remain operational for tourists.