Yes, with caveats
Venice in December 2026: Weather, Holidays and Gondola Rides
Updated October 27, 2026
Quick answer
Venice in December is cold with the shortest days of the year: the average high is 8.1°C, the low 3.3°C, and the sun sets around 16:27. A gondola ride costs the €90 day fare until 19:00, so the two and a half hours after sunset are a night ride at the day price. December is second only to November for acqua alta, and rain totals about 78 mm over 7 days. The holidays on 8, 25 and 26 December do not change the fare, which the city sets per boat all year.
December at a glance
Crowds: medium- High
- 8.1°C
- Low
- 3.3°C
- Rain
- 78 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
Sunrise 07:43, sunset 16:27 on 15 December (8.7 hours of daylight, the shortest of the year). About 2.5 hours of darkness still fall inside the €90 day fare (to 19:00).
Climate data: Open-Meteo climate normals 1991-2020 (MRI_AGCM3_2_S) for the Grand Canal, via src/data/entity-context.json; daylight computed for 15 December
What is the weather like in Venice in December?
December is early winter. The climate normals give an average high of 8.1°C and an average low of 3.3°C. Rain eases after November, to about 78 mm over roughly 7 wet days. Wikipedia describes Venice's winters as cool and damp, with average humidity around 81% in December, and notes that snow is not uncommon between late November and early March. On the water the damp cold is the main thing to dress for.
Gondola rides in December: the longest dark at the day fare
On 15 December the sun rises at 07:43 and sets at 16:27, giving about 8.7 hours of daylight, the least of the year. The day fare of €90 for 30 minutes runs from 09:00 to 19:00, so you can ride for about two and a half hours after dark at the day price. From 19:00 the evening fare is €110 for 35 minutes. For daylight photos, start by about 15:45; for lamplit canals, ride between 17:00 and 19:00. The gondola hours page explains the fare split; the gondola ride price explains the per-boat fare.
Is there acqua alta in Venice in December?
Yes, December is high-water season. The city's tide centre records the most tides of +110 cm or more in November, then December, then October, together about 70% of events. A tide above +80 cm counts as acqua alta and first floods Piazza San Marco. High tides come mostly in the morning and none has been recorded in the early afternoon, so an afternoon ride is the safest slot on a high-water day. Sirens give one long tone for a forecast of +110 cm and up to four rising tones for +140 cm or more.
Christmas and holidays in Venice in December
December has three national public holidays: the Immaculate Conception on 8 December, Christmas Day on 25 December and St Stephen's Day on 26 December. The gondola fare does not change on holidays. Looking ahead, the official Carnival website lists the 2027 Carnival from 23 January to 9 February 2027; see Venice in January and the Venice Carnival guide.
Is a gondola ride worth it in Venice in December?
Yes, with cold and high water as the caveats. Short days are an advantage here: more of the €90 day fare falls after dark than in any other month. Book with free cancellation, which all the rides on this site offer up to 24 hours ahead. A shared gondola ride sells single seats; a private gondola keeps the boat for your group.
What to bring in December
- ✓ A warm coat, hat and gloves for 30 minutes sitting still
- ✓ Waterproof boots for wet pavements and morning high water
- ✓ A phone signed up to the city tide centre's free alerts
- ✓ A scarf or blanket for an after-dark ride
Daylight and public holidays, month by month
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight | Public holidays 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 07:46 | 16:52 | 9.1 h | New Year's Day (1), Epiphany (6) |
| February | 07:13 | 17:36 | 10.4 h | — |
| March | 06:24 | 18:15 | 11.9 h | — |
| April | 06:25 | 19:55 | 13.5 h | Easter Sunday (5), Easter Monday (6), Liberation Day (25) |
| May | 05:40 | 20:33 | 14.9 h | International Workers Day (1) |
| June | 05:21 | 21:00 | 15.7 h | Republic Day (2) |
| July | 05:36 | 20:56 | 15.3 h | — |
| August | 06:11 | 20:19 | 14.1 h | Assumption Day (15) |
| September | 06:48 | 19:23 | 12.6 h | — |
| October | 07:26 | 18:26 | 11 h | St. Francis of Assisi's Day (4) |
| November | 07:09 | 16:41 | 9.5 h | All Saints Day (1) |
| December | 07:43 | 16:27 | 8.7 h | Immaculate Conception (8), Christmas Day (25), St. Stephen's Day (26) |
Sunrise and sunset on the 15th of each month at 45.442, 12.326 (Europe/Rome), sea-level horizon. Computed, not observed; within a few minutes. Holidays: national public holidays (IT) from Nager.Date; banks and some attractions may close or run holiday hours.
Venice Gondola in December
Crowds: medium- High
- 8.1°C
- Low
- 3.3°C
- Rain
- 78 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
Moderate: most slots are easy to get.
Climate: Open-Meteo climate normals 1991–2020 (MRI_AGCM3_2_S)
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Venice?
For an after-dark gondola ride, yes: the sun sets around 16:27 and the €90 day fare runs until 19:00. Expect cold (8.1°C average high) and the chance of morning high water.
Is there acqua alta in Venice in December?
Yes. December is second only to November for high tides of +110 cm or more, according to the city's tide centre. They come mostly in the morning.
Do gondolas run on Christmas Day?
The city's fare does not change on holidays, but whether a station has gondoliers working on 25 December is not published. Check availability for the date when you book online.
What time is sunset in Venice in December?
Around 16:27 in mid-December, the earliest of the year, with sunrise at about 07:43.
How cold is Venice in December?
The average high is 8.1°C and the average low 3.3°C.
Sources