Are you thinking about visiting Venice in September?
During this month there are lots of events in store for you, you can even take the time to head over to one of the beaches near Venice to relax or go on a day trip.
For many returning travelers, September in Venice is a great month to make the most of the city that gradually starts getting rid of the August crowds.
Venice’s charm deserves to be discovered little by little, take your time to enjoy a walk through the calle or admire the gondolas on the canals from the bridges.
To champion all this, September’s temperatures are pleasant and mostly mild, so it literally is the perfect time to wander around the city and visit its main attractions.
Venice in September
In this post, I will suggest a list of things to do in Venice in September and I’ll also tell you exactly why it is worth visiting the city during this transitional period.
Why Venice is worth visiting in September?
In September starts what I like to call the ‘shoulder season’. The list of things to do is extensive and there are many events, if you like the idea. Still not convinced?
As I mentioned above, even some of the beaches near Venice are pleasant places to be during this time of year (less crowds), but let’s not lose focus on the city itself.
Let’s look at why September is the perfect month to visit Venice:
- September is the best month to enjoy lovely walks in the open air as you explore one by one the Venetian neighbourhoods. Exploring the city on foot is the best way to get to know the best bits, uncover hidden gems and admire unrevealed landscapes that it holds for it’s visitors.
- Compared to July and August, temperatures are milder, and we can say bye to the humid summer heat. The days get a little cooler and are the backdrop to a quieter city. From the second half of the month expect to find one or two rainy days. So what can you do? Firstly I suggest you carry an umbrella. But to find shelter, just head over to museums, get lost around Venetian palaces open to the public, and visit temporary exhibitions.
- Take part in the city’s celebrations to dig deeper into the Venetian culture, to savour its flavoursome cuisine and learn about its history. The most important cultural events during this time of the year are the Mostra del Cinema (Venice Film Festival) which attracts visitors from all over and the Regata Storica with its stunning costume parade.
As you can see, visiting Venice in September is ideal to enjoy milder but pleasant temperatures, take part in exciting city events and explore the quieter streets and attractions of the city at your own pace. What more could we ask for? The sun?
Venice in September weather
When it comes to climate September is one of the best months to visit Venice, as temperatures are much more enjoyable than in July or August .
You can expect them to be between 19 and 25 °C, with a few rainy days and plenty of sunny days to enjoy outdoors.
My advice is to dress in layers and to carry with you a rain jacket or small portable umbrella to protect you from the rain.
You will still need to apply good sunscreen cream as you get ready to go out, and some sunglasses to protect yourself as you walk around Venice or visit the islands.
Finally, always wear comfortable shoes or sandals as you’ll do a lot of walking while spending a day in Venice. I suggest you carry some blister plasters that you can quickly put on your heel for immediate relief from any pain you may encounter.
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Things to do in Venice in September
Now you know why Venice is a great city to find yourself in during this month, keep reading below to learn some unique things to do in Venice in September.
Spot celebrities at the Venice Cinema Film Festival
The Venice International Film Festival is one of the most famous in the world and the most important cultural event of September.
It usually starts at the end of August and finishes in the first half of September. This is the first film festival in the world, born on the 6th of August 1932 and still held at Venice Lido every year.
The Festival aims to promote the knowledge and dissemination of international cinema in all its forms. Stay alert as you walk around Venice’s streets, because there’s a high chance of spotting your favourite actor or film director in September!
Since the event takes place on the Lido, you can get there by vaporetto from:
- Venice Santa Lucia train station
- Piazzale Roma
- St. Mark’s Square
- Rialto and Punta Sabbioni
While you’re in Lido, why not spend some time at the beach and explore the island by bike or by bus? (Yes, Venice Lido is not car free like Venice!) You won’t regret it!
Watch the Regata Storica along the Grand Canal
The famous Regata Storica takes place on the first Sunday of September in Venice and is the main Venetian maritime event. This Venetian regatta is a rowing race between boats, not only from the local area but from other parts of Italy too.
Before the race there is a historical reenactment parade that winds along the Grand Canal accompanied by music. Everyone that finds themselves in Venice on this day takes part in the city’s celebrations, in particular the first part of them.
The rowers in the boats are dressed in costumes of the Serenissima days. After the parade, you can assist in different races, from the schie regatta of children aged less than 10 to the women’s regatta on the mascarete.
The historical regatta is a great time to take a closer look at the traditional lagoon rowing boats (for once the Venetian gondola is not the main character of the scene!) and admire them meandering down the canals.
Load up on art at the Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale, also called the International Art Exhibition, is an important event in Venice that attracts art lovers. It takes place between April to November.
During the Biennale, artists from all over the world participate in this event and compete for an award in disciplines of: art, architecture, dance, music and theatre.
It’s worth knowing that the Venice Film Festival is organised by the Biennale. Places to visit during the Biennale are the Arsenale and Biennale Gardens for the discipline of art and architecture, whereas for the music and theatre exhibitions Cà Giustinian and again the Arsenale of Venice, in the Castello neighbourhood.
If you visit Venice in September and you’re around St. Mark’s Square, walk along Riva degli Schiavoni until you get to the Arsenale or to the Biennale Gardens where you can visit some pavilions. Go to the Biennale official website to get your ticket.
Visit Burano during the local Regata Storica
The Burano Regata Storica takes place in the island of Burano, usually the 3rd Sunday of the month. It’s much less frequented than the Venice Regata Storica, but perfect if you’re on the look out for smaller size festival vibes.
You can assist at lagoon rowing boat races of men aboard gondolas with 2 oars and women on pupparini with 2 oars. On this day the island is surrounded by a festive atmosphere, as it gets ready to welcome both tourists and residents alike.
There are various events organised by the Burano associations, music and food stalls. This is the perfect time to try a fish-based meal at Burano’s finest restaurants or you can also taste excellent fried fish from the stands located in the Piazza.
Taste the best fish based dishes at the Sagra del Pesce
Along with the Burano Regatta, on the 3rd Sunday of September, the Sagra del Pesce (Burano Fish Festival) takes place.
This is a gastronomic event during which you can try different fish based dishes of the northern islands of the Venetian lagoon. One of the most popular dishes is fried fish that’s perfect paired with local white wines.
Don’t leave without tasting the ‘poenta e pesse’ dish (fish and polenta in Venetian dialect) that you can get from the numerous food stalls of the festival.
The ‘sagra’ is undoubtedly an unusual way yet the best to approach Venetian gastronomy and taste the best Venetian street food on offer. The festival counts on a great participation of locals that also means that food is great!
Take part at the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross
The Feast of the Triumph of the Cross takes place on the 14th of September. Every year during this religious procession, the members of the confraternity of the Scuola Grande Giovanni Evangelista carry the fragments of Jesus’ cross in procession from the Basilica dei Frari to the Scuola.
The story goes back to 1000 years ago when the Relic of the Cross of Jesus was stolen during the siege of Jerusalem in 1099. Almost 300 years later, Peter Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople, left his possessions to Philippe de Mézières, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Cyprus and Jerusalem.
In 1369 he gave the two cross fragments to the Great Guardian of the School. If you decide to attend the procession, take time to visit the Scuola Grande, which houses stunning artworks by the Venetian artists Gentile Bellini and Carpaccio.
Do some day trips from Venice
Since the weather in Venice in September is still enjoyable, why don’t you try going on a boat tour of the famous Murano, Burano and Torcello islands from Venice?
There are even lesser-known islands in the Venetian lagoon worth visiting, and the month of September is the ideal time to slowly explore them.
You can also visit San Giorgio Maggiore, the island that you can see from Riva degli Schiavoni, near St. Mark’s Square or the Giudecca, where you can book your stay or simply have aperitivo at Hilton Molino Stucky’s rooftop bar.
But even Venice Lido is perfect if you’re looking to spend a day at the beach and relax, Sant’Erasmo, also called ‘the garden island of Venice’ or Mazzorbo, a laid-back island where you’ll find the Venissa estate that grows an ancient native vine.
Don’t want to hop on a vaporetto or join a boat tour? No problem! There are many day trips by train from Venice you can plan too. Two popular cities in Veneto, that are less than 1 hour away from Venice are Padua and Treviso… check them out.
Venice in September
You should now have a good idea of what to expect by visiting Venice in September and I consider it as the ‘shoulder season’ as much as April and May.
If you visit the Lagoon city during this month, don’t be too worried about the weather as the temperature is still warm but milder than in the summer months.
In the first half of the month, the Venice Film Festival attracts many tourists and for this reason, accommodation prices are still high and availability is limited (especially the last weekend of the festival) so aim to book in advance.
From the second half though, you can see prices go down a bit. Apart from visiting the most popular tourist attractions, September is worth being around here to participate in the city events and immerse yourself in the local celebrations.
See my guide on the best time to visit Venice for more info on specific months.
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