Yes, with caveats
Venice in October 2027: Weather, Acqua Alta and Gondolas
Updated October 27, 2026
Quick answer
Venice in October is mild but wet: the average high is 17.9°C, the low 12.2°C, and it is the rainiest month of the year, with about 141 mm over 10 days. The sun sets around 18:26, so a sunset ride costs the €90 day fare, which runs until 19:00. October also opens the acqua alta season: the city's tide centre counts it third, after November and December, for high-water events. Rides still run, but keep a spare day and check the tide forecast.
October at a glance
Crowds: medium- High
- 17.9°C
- Low
- 12.2°C
- Rain
- 141 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
Sunrise 07:26, sunset 18:26 on 15 October (11 hours of daylight). The wettest month by total rainfall. Sunset falls inside the €90 day fare.
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 October
What is the weather like in Venice in October?
October is autumn's mild start. The climate normals give an average high of 17.9°C and an average low of 12.2°C, so a jacket is enough for most rides. It is the wettest month by total rain: about 141 mm over roughly 10 wet days. Several rides listed on this site say they may be changed or cancelled in bad weather, and all of them can be cancelled for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead.
Is there acqua alta in Venice in October?
Yes, October is part of the high-water season. The City of Venice's tide centre, the Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree, records the most events of +110 cm or more in November, then December, then October; those three months hold about 70% of them. A tide above +80 cm is called acqua alta and first floods Piazza San Marco; at +110 cm about 12% of the city is under water. Events come mostly in the morning, and none has been recorded in the early afternoon. Sirens warn of a forecast tide: one long tone for +110 cm, rising to four tones for +140 cm and above. Since 3 October 2020 the MOSE flood barriers can close the lagoon; as of 2023 they are raised for tides forecast above 130 cm.
Sunset gondola rides in October: at the day fare
On 15 October the sun rises at 07:26 and sets at 18:26, about 11 hours of daylight. The day fare of €90 for 30 minutes runs from 09:00 to 19:00, so the sunset now falls inside it, and the last half hour of the day fare is after dark. A ride starting around 17:55 gets sunset at €90; from 19:00 the evening fare is €110 for 35 minutes. On a high-water morning, an early-afternoon ride is the safest slot. See gondola hours and the gondola ride price.
Events in Venice in October
La Biennale di Venezia's art exhibition runs until 22 November 2026, and the 2027 Architecture Exhibition until 21 November 2027, at the Giardini and the Arsenale in Castello, closed on Mondays. 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, is a national public holiday in Italy. Holidays do not change the gondola fare, which the city sets per boat all year.
Is a gondola ride worth it in Venice in October?
Yes, with the weather as the caveat. Mild temperatures and a sunset inside the day fare make October good value, but the year's heaviest rain and the first high tides mean you should keep a day free. A shared gondola ride suits one or two people; a private gondola suits a group sharing the fare. Both can be cancelled free up to 24 hours ahead.
What to bring in October
- ✓ A waterproof jacket for the wettest month of the year
- ✓ Waterproof shoes or boots for rain and possible morning high water
- ✓ A warm layer for an after-sunset ride
- ✓ A phone signed up to the city tide centre's free alerts
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 October
Crowds: medium- High
- 17.9°C
- Low
- 12.2°C
- Rain
- 141 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
Moderate: most slots are easy to get.
Climate: Open-Meteo climate normals 1991–2020 (MRI_AGCM3_2_S)
Frequently asked questions
Is October the rainiest month in Venice?
Yes by total rainfall: about 141 mm over roughly 10 wet days in the 1991-2020 normals. June has more wet days (12) but less rain (106 mm).
Does acqua alta happen in October?
Yes. The city's tide centre ranks October third for high-water events, after November and December; together the three months hold about 70% of tides of +110 cm or more.
What time is sunset in Venice in October?
Around 18:26 in mid-October, with sunrise at about 07:26. Sunset falls inside the €90 day fare, which runs until 19:00.
Do gondolas run when there is acqua alta?
Several of the booked rides listed here say they may be changed or cancelled in bad weather, and all of them refund in full if you cancel 24 hours ahead. High tides come mostly in the morning, so an early-afternoon ride is the safest choice on a high-water day.
Is the Venice Biennale open in October?
Yes. The 2026 art exhibition runs until 22 November 2026 and the 2027 Architecture Exhibition until 21 November 2027, closed on Mondays.
Sources