The best time to visit Venice is from September to November when tourists desert the city. Although the temperatures – which range from the upper 30s to mid-70s – necessitate some layers, the lowered hotel rates and the barren canals make it worth it.

In 2026, there is no time when you are "forbidden" from entering Venice, but there are specific days when you cannot enter for free as a day-tripper. The city has expanded its Access Fee (Contributo di Accesso) system to manage over-tourism. For 2026, day-trippers must pay an entry fee (typically €5 to €10) on peak dates, primarily spanning weekends and public holidays from April through July. If you arrive without a pre-booked QR code on these dates between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, you may be denied entry at the main checkpoints or face significant fines. Additionally, you might want to avoid Venice during the Acqua Alta (High Water) season, usually between October and January, when parts of the city (like St. Mark's Square) can become submerged. While the MOSE barrier system now protects the city from major floods, localized "wet feet" are still common, making it a difficult time for those with mobility issues or a dislike for wearing rubber boots all day.