Things to Do in Venice in November

November Weather in Venice

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crowds drop by 60% after Halloween - you'll have San Marco Square virtually to yourself at sunrise, and museum queues disappear completely
Hotel rates fall 40-50% from October peaks, with luxury canal-view rooms available for €150-250/night instead of €400+ in summer
Acqua alta (high water) season begins, creating dramatic photo opportunities and the authentic Venetian experience of navigating raised walkways
Restaurant terraces use outdoor heaters and serve seasonal specialties like sarde in saor and warming cicchetti, creating cozy winter atmosphere

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to just 9 hours (sunrise 7am, sunset 4:30pm), severely limiting sightseeing time especially for outdoor photography
Acqua alta flooding occurs 3-5 times monthly, potentially closing St. Mark's Square and ground floor attractions for 2-4 hours
Many outdoor restaurant terraces close permanently for winter, reducing dining options by about 30% citywide

Best Activities in November

Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tours

November's cooler weather makes indoor palace exploration perfect, while short queues mean you can book same-day entry tickets. The reduced daylight actually enhances the golden mosaics inside St. Mark's Basilica. Cool temperatures make the climb up the Campanile comfortable with crystal-clear lagoon views on dry days.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for morning slots (9-11am) to maximize limited daylight. Combined tickets typically cost €25-35. Look for skip-the-line options through licensed operators. See current tour options in booking section below.

Murano and Burano Island Hopping

November's crisp air creates perfect conditions for boat trips across the lagoon. Fewer tourists mean glassblowing demonstrations in Murano workshops are more intimate, and Burano's colorful houses photograph beautifully against grey autumn skies. Indoor glass furnaces provide welcome warmth.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost €45-65 and depart less frequently in November (2-3 times daily vs hourly in summer). Book morning departures to avoid afternoon rain. Licensed water taxi operators offer heated cabin boats.

Venetian Cicchetti and Wine Bar Crawls

November marks the arrival of new Veneto wines and seasonal cicchetti like baccalà mantecato. Cooler weather makes bar-hopping comfortable, and locals return from summer holidays, creating authentic atmosphere in Castello and Cannaregio neighborhoods. Indoor venues stay cozy and warm.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours typically cost €65-85 and run 3-3.5 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes stay small (8-12 people). Look for tours that include 4-5 bacari (wine bars) with heating.

Rialto Market and Cooking Classes

November brings peak season for Adriatic seafood like branzino and seasonal vegetables. The famous fish market (Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-12pm) is less crowded, allowing better interaction with vendors. Cooking classes focus on warming winter dishes perfect for the season.

Booking Tip: Morning market tours plus cooking classes cost €85-120 and last 4-5 hours. Book 1 week ahead as class sizes are limited to 6-8 participants. Look for classes in heated kitchens with canal views.

Gondola Rides with Covered Felze

November gondoliers bring out traditional felze (cabin covers) creating an authentic historical experience impossible in summer. The romantic atmosphere intensifies in cooler weather, and you'll avoid the summer crowds and heat. Rides last longer as gondoliers aren't rushing for the next customer.

Booking Tip: Covered gondola rides cost €100-120 for 40 minutes (vs 30 minutes in summer). Book afternoon slots (2-4pm) to avoid morning fog and evening dampness. Licensed gondoliers provide blankets and weather protection.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Art Museums

November's limited daylight makes museum days ideal, and reduced crowds mean you can spend quality time with Picasso and Pollock collections. The palazzo's heated rooms provide perfect respite from cool, damp weather. Special winter exhibitions often launch in November.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost €25-30 and include multiple venues. Book online 2-3 days ahead for timed entry slots. Morning visits (10am-12pm) offer best lighting in gallery spaces before afternoon rain typically starts.

November Events & Festivals

Early November (first Sunday)

Regata delle Befane

Annual rowing regatta along the Grand Canal featuring costumed participants. Local rowing clubs compete in traditional boats while spectators line canal bridges. Free viewing from any Grand Canal bridge.

Late October/Early November (varies yearly)

Venice Marathon

International marathon starting in Stra and finishing in Venice, crossing the iconic Ponte della Libertà. The route showcases autumn colors along the Brenta Riviera. Streets close 6am-2pm on race day.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof ankle boots with good grip - essential for navigating wet marble streets and potential acqua alta flooding up to 15cm (6 inches)

Layered waterproof jacket with hood - November rain comes in short bursts but streets stay wet for hours due to poor drainage

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden downpours happen with 10-15 minutes notice, especially after 2pm

Warm base layers (merino wool or thermal) - indoor heating is minimal in many historic buildings and churches

Waterproof day bag - protects camera/phone during boat transfers and unexpected rain showers

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - marble streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily

Scarf and light gloves - morning temperatures around 6°C (42°F) with wind off the lagoon feel much colder

Quick-dry pants or jeans - if caught in acqua alta, regular cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30% faster, and you'll rely on GPS navigation

Small flashlight or phone light - early sunsets at 4:30pm mean navigating narrow alleys in near-darkness

Insider Knowledge

Download the Venice Official app for real-time acqua alta alerts - you'll get 3-4 hours notice before flooding, allowing you to plan alternate routes or indoor activities

Locals eat lunch between 12:30-2pm in November when restaurants offer fixed-price menus (€15-25) that disappear during tourist season - this is when you'll find authentic neighborhood trattorias

Vaporetto Line 1 runs heated boats in November while Line 2 often doesn't - choose Line 1 for comfort even if it takes 10 minutes longer

Book dinner reservations for 7:30-8pm instead of the typical tourist 6pm slot - restaurants save their best tables and ingredients for local dinner service timing