Things to Do in Venice in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Venice
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season - fewer crowds at major attractions like St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, with 40-50% fewer tourists than summer peak
- Optimal weather for extensive walking - comfortable 21°C (71°F) highs ideal for exploring the 400+ bridges without overheating
- Spring acqua alta season ends - flooding risk drops to under 5% by May, making ground-floor dining and shopping accessible
- Venetian rowing season begins - witness authentic voga alla veneta training sessions in Rio di San Trovaso between 7-9am
Considerations
- Unpredictable spring weather - pack layers as temperatures swing 8°C (15°F) daily and rain showers hit without warning
- Limited daylight for photography - sunrise at 5:45am, sunset at 8:00pm means golden hour crowds at popular viewpoints
- Hotel prices increase 25-30% from April as summer season approaches, though still 40% below July-August rates
Best Activities in May
Venetian Lagoon Island Hopping
May's mild weather and calm waters make it ideal for exploring Murano, Burano, and Torcello before summer crowds arrive. Morning departures at 9:30am hit these islands when local artisans are most active, and you'll catch the famous Burano houses in perfect spring light. Water temperature reaches 18°C (64°F) making vaporetto rides comfortable.
St. Mark's Square and Basilica Tours
May's moderate temperatures make the 1.5km (0.9 mile) walking circuit around St. Mark's comfortable before summer heat arrives. Early morning tours at 8:30am avoid the midday crowds that build after 11am. The basilica's mosaics catch spectacular light through the western windows between 9-10am in May.
Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries
May's comfortable indoor temperatures make the 75-minute Hidden Treasures tour through the palace's secret passages ideal. You'll explore the prison cells and interrogation rooms without the stuffiness of summer heat. Limited to 25 people per tour, these sell out fastest in May as weather improves.
Gondola Rides Through Hidden Canals
May's calm waters and 70% humidity create perfect conditions for the traditional 30-minute gondola experience. Afternoon rides between 3-5pm offer the best light for photos, while evening rides after 6pm provide romantic ambiance as the city quiets down. Water levels are most stable in May after spring flooding season ends.
Venetian Bacari Food Walking Tours
May marks peak season for spring vegetables like Sant'Erasmo artichokes and Treviso radicchio in traditional bacari. The comfortable 21°C (71°F) weather makes the typical 2.5km (1.6 mile) walking food tour through Cannaregio and Castello districts enjoyable. Local cicchetti are freshest between 6-8pm when Venetians aperitivo.
Venetian Glass Blowing Workshops
May's moderate humidity levels create optimal conditions for glass working in Murano's furnaces. The 1,000°C (1,832°F) furnace heat is more tolerable when outdoor temperatures stay below 22°C (72°F). Spring brings new glass collections as artisans prepare for summer tourist season, so you'll see the latest techniques and designs.
May Events & Festivals
Festa del Bocolo
Venice's romantic tradition on April 25th extends through early May as couples continue exchanging red rosebuds (bocoli) throughout the city. You'll see rose vendors in St. Mark's Square and romantic gondola decorations lasting into the first week of May.
Regata Storica Training Season
Historic regatta teams begin intensive training in May, with practice sessions visible along the Grand Canal between 7-9am. Watch authentic 16th-century rowing techniques from Rialto Bridge or Academia Bridge as teams prepare for September's main event.
Biennale Arte Preview Period
In odd-numbered years (2025 included), May features exclusive preview weeks before the Venice Art Biennale's official opening. Industry professionals and press attend, creating a sophisticated cultural atmosphere throughout Castello and Arsenale districts.