Packing list for Venice

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Summer in Venice means warm temperatures, long days, low chance of rain and lots and lots of walking to make the most of the hours of sunshine.

Venice is filled with canals, more than 400 bridges and cobblestone streets, so having the right footwear is essential, as is wearing the right comfy clothes.

On our trip to Venice, we will spend time walking around the narrow lanes, on boats and gondolas and exploring the vineyards and small villages nearby.

So when thinking about what to pack for Venice, you should bear in mind that high heels and cosmopolitan urban outfits are more suitable for Milan, rather than Venice which has a more “old world glam” affair, especially on our trip. 

See our Amazon Venice summer packing list with all the product recommendations mentioned here.

What to expect in the summer months in Venice

To get right to our packing list and tips, click here, otherwise keep reading for everything you’ll need to know about the weather in Venice during the summer.

Summers in Venice are warm and the sun stays up until late. At night, temperatures drop quite a bit but usually the coldest hours are the ones where any regular visitor would be sleeping. Mornings can be a bit chilly if you are an early riser, which helps cool everything down.

June sees long days where the sun is up until past 9pm and summer solstice celebrations abound. It is a wonderful month with warm temperatures, beautiful evenings, extra long days and plenty of celebrations. It is a month we love because it is the beginning of summer and spirits are high with anticipation. 

July and August are hot and sticky and temperatures can make sightseeing unpleasant in the heat of the day. To add to that, August is the month when Italians take holidays so the throngs of tourists are only made worse by the many locals who like to spend their summers here.

September is the similar to June in temperatures and the days are still long, though shorter than in June, rains are low and it is the wine harvest season, which affects Venice less than other parts of Italy but is more notable in the Veneto region and when we will visit the winery.

Weather in Venice in the summer

Summertime in Venice runs from June to September, officially, from the 23rd of June until the 23rd of September but each month is slightly different.

The weather in July and August is hot, with temperatures nearing 30 C (80 F).

Although both June and September share a similar weather outlook, there are also some differences; one is at the beginning of the summer while the other is the end of it, so the atmosphere varies and the climate is slightly different.

The weather in June in Venice

June is a beautiful month to visit Venice, perhaps our favorite. Summer solstice festivals abound, and everyone is happy to head back to the beach.

Temperatures in June are mild and range from 15 to 25 C (60 to 75 F). Rainfall is low in June and it rains an average of 9 days but when it does, showers are short, and the sun is up an average of 13h a day making it a great sightseeing month.

Evenings get shilly so a light jacket is welcome, especially if you plan to eat at the many terraces or enjoy a stroll back to your accommodation.

The weather in September in Venice

In September, locals are more laid back and relaxed after the summer holidays and they anticipate fall with a clearer mind and a rested body.

Days continue to be long, though sunshine drops from 13 to 9 hours since the days are shorter than in June (though still very long) but the temperatures are more or less the same between 15 to 24 C (60 to 73 F) for the month. Rainfall continues to be low with an average of 11 days with sort showers.

Tips when packing for Venice in summer

With the above weather conditions in mind, it is important to pack accordingly for a trip to Venice in the summer, not so much for cultural reasons but to make sure you are comfortable. 

Footwear for cobblestone streets

Venice is a very ancient city that was built 400 years ago and has remained almost untouched since. There is no public transportation within the islands, so this means your only way to get around is on foot, on the many bridges, paths and canals that have been polished through the years.

High-heels or very flat shoes without grip or support will make your feet tired and walking the wonderful villages more challenging. 

A pair of cute sneakers like the ever present Italian brand Superga or any other sturdy pair of shoes that provides support (aka holds your foot in place) and cushion (for the long days of walking) are a great idea. These Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are our choice for class, versatility and comfort.

Cuter sandals and platform shoes will take you from canal-side terrace to ciccheti and make you look glam and fabulous.

Italians are not big fans of AC

While the weather will be hot outside, many restaurants and bars are open air and rely on the breeze.

Public indoor spaces such as hotel receptions, restaurants and museums, will have AC, though it is not something readily available and when it is, it will not be as strong as in the US or parts of Asia.

Because Venice is a concrete jungle and there are virtually no trees or parks around, the only cooling comes from the breeze, the canals and the sea. This means that the temperature may seem mild but the feeling of heat will be higher than the thermometer marks. Add the minimal use of AC and you are in for a hot day of sightseeing, especially in July and August.

On our other women-only tours in hot destinations like Barcelona, the Amalfi Coast and Tanzania, guests have raved about this portable air conditioner you wear around your neck, which can help if you are someone who overheats easily.

Beware of pickpockets

Europe is generally a very safe continent for solo female travelers but popular tourist destinations such as London, Paris, Milan or Florence are magnets for pickpockets who, believe me, are absolute pros. 

A cross-body bag that is always zipped and in front will help but the best safeguard is a slash-proof, anti-theft bag, designed for extra safety.

There are a few anti-theft bag models that I specifically recommend because Meg and I, our team or many of our guests have used on our European tours:

  • For a half day excursion, a simpler water bottle with a compartment for some essentials is usually enough. Meg likes to use this one, to the amusement of her nephews who think she is “not cool enough”.There are so many easy targets available in crowded places that, as soon as you make yourself a more difficult one, you raise the barrier for the average thief. 
  • Many of our guests have this one from Travelon that comes with a compartment for the water bottle. This has to be the most commonly used by our guests.
  • A waist bag option from Travelon that you can wear on your waist or across your chest like I always use mine. This makes it much more convenient to reach out for things and much closer to your body, so harder to steal from.

Everything goes, but locals like it stylish

The sheer amount of visitors compared to the very few Venetians means that you can dress however you like and you’ll most likely still blend in.

From a cultural stand point, there are no restrictions on what clothes you should or should not wear. Modesty is only required in religious buildings where you should cover knees and shoulders and a shawl is usually enough. 

High-end fine dining restaurants are classic and will follow a more traditional dress code of long trousers, closed toe shoes and a jacket for men, but women have more freedom within set parameters. 

However, if you want to blend in and dress like the locals, old-world elegant but classic glamour is the way to go in Venice, think what Amal and George Clooney would wear and you can’t go wrong.

What to pack for summer in Venice

Now that you understand the weather and the fashion sense of Venice, it’s time to have a look at what to wear in the summer.

Dresses

The best thing to wear during an Italian summer is a light, comfortable, flowy dress.

It can be long or short, mini or maxi, in a solid color or patterned, but generally, it is loose rather than tight, like this V-neck one, this statement tunic dress or this great summery option.

Think wrap-around dresses, spaghetti strap dresses, florals, etc. If you plan to visit churches or religious sites, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees.

For the night, if you are looking to dress up a bit more, a cute short dress paired with a nice clutch or a long dress with a pair of statement earrings will help you blend in.

You should carry a cardigan in the evenings, even in the summer months, in case it gets chilly.

Skirts

Skirts, of all lengths are the perfect, versatile option to bring for your trip to Tuscany. Here are a few options:

Skirts are a girl’s best friend through Italy, and all these skirts from ChicWish are the PERFECT chic style. I have and wear three of them in all our summer European trips to Croatia & Montenegro, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, and our Greece sailing tour.

Shorts

I like to wear lightweight linen shorts in the summertime. They are comfortable, easy to pair with a t-shirt or top and will keep you fresh when the sun is shining. 

To add a touch of class, wear a cut pair of chinos or cotton shorts.

Cropped pants, jumpsuits and rompers

I am a big fan of cropped pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette. 

A pair of light crop denims like these ones or linen pants will come in handy.

You could also opt for floral jumpsuits, comfy and loose wide-legged jumpsuits or ruffle rompers. Many of our guests wear all these kinds of outfits for the comfort, look and easiness of only having to pack one item to make a full outfit.

Linen shirts and slacks

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of long trousers. 

The main issue with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll the clothes. Or bring a portable travel steamer.

Cute t-shirts and tops

Italian women like to wear comfy but cute tshirts, sleeveless, strapless or tank tops and blouses that may be floral, with a design or have details that make them a bit more than just a white t-shirt.

Materials such as cotton and silk can dress you up and are light and fresh, linen works great in the summer.

Pretty and comfortable shoes

As we said, the shoes will be your most important item in your packing list. During the day, when wandering the colorful canals, a cute pair of casual sneakers such as the omnipresent and Italian-made Superga, are a good idea.

I also love to wear ballet flats which are comfortable and stylish. These ballet ones are made for walking and for travel and these golden ones are sleek and pair with everything.

You can also wear espadrilles, like these flat ones, these flowery summery ones or these ankle wrap strap ones that can go from day to night.

Flip flops or other open sandals that do not keep your foot in place will not protect your feet from twisting your ankle and are a bad idea.

In the evening, a pair of pretty wedge espadrilles like these pretty ankle strap ones or these ivory flatter ones will take you to the beach.

If you don’t have to walk a lot up, you can glam it up with a pair of flat embellished sandals or block heel sandals, or platform sandals, ideally with a rubber sole that offers grip.

A proper pair of sneakers are a must if you plan to go hiking. You do not need to bring hiking shoes but a good pair of sports / tennis shoes that have grip and are comfortable are strongly recommended.

A cute evening outfit

Italians like to dress up, we’ve mentioned that, and for dinner, they dress up extra nicely with pretty accessories, nice flowy dresses and perfect hair and makeup. Amalfi certainly dresses up at night!

You don’t have to follow local attire but if you like to, this is when you should bring out your most elegant and fashionable outfits.

This two piece ensemble would be perfect. Any of the dresses and skirts from Chicwish will add a touch of elegance and class.

Statement accessories

Italians like to dress up relatively neutral outfits with statement accessories for maximum impact. Pack a couple of pieces of jewellery, a cute clutch, a pair of earrings, a scarf, or even just an oversized pair of sunglasses or hat to show off your style.

Other things to pack for Venice

Besides clothing, there are a few other things worth packing for your trip to Venice in the summer.

A sun hat: As mentioned, the sun will be shining all day long so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. Locals like straw hats. Check out this wide brim one.
A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect, or these best selling nipple covers if you don’t need the support. Find a comfy wire free strapless bra here.
European / universal plug adaptor: Italy uses standard two round prong European plugs. We like the ones which come with USB ports so that we can charge phones, cameras and everything else with just one adaptor. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics i carry.
Power bank: This Anker Portable Charger has a 20000mAh capacity, and fast-charging USB-C ports, you can power up your devices in a flash, while the LED display keeps you in the know about your battery level. It’s the perfect companion for road trips, travel adventures, or just surviving a long day out and about.
Sunglasses: I expect sunshine, so a pair of sunglasses is an essential travel item. I like Oakley sunglasses as they are polarized and protect your eyes from any damaging sun rays. I alway wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. Lately, they have been launching more modern and stylish models. Check out their store on Amazon.
Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so we recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. Tap water in Italy is safe to drink and you don’t need to bring a water filter, just your regular bottle will do. Replenish it in your room or at breakfast, or use any of the public fountains.
Sunscreen: Perhaps the most important item in this packing list for Croatia is sunscreen. The sun is very strong in the summer and you will be under its powerful rays for many hours, protecting your skin is key. We like using Japanese Biore SPF 50++++ because you can wear it under makeup and it is non-sticky and silky smooth. Living in the tropics, this is an everyday item for me I never leave the house without.
Mosquito repellent: Yes, mosquitoes are brutal in the summer, especially in the evening, so bring repellent and dose yourself at night. I have been using the Repel brand for decades.
A travel umbrella: We discussed the weather in the summer months earlier and you know that there is alow chance of showers at this time of year. We will be spending a lot of time outdoors and if showers appear, a travel umbrella will come in handy. This one weighs less than 500 gr. And is wind-resistant. Ponchos scream tourist and are not very stylish, if practical.
Lip balm: The sun makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. I find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. This best selling Neutrogena has SPF 15, so your lips will never be dry again!
Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light. Or upgrade to Manta Sleep, I have been using the sound mask for months now and it is INCREDIBLE both for the flight as well as to sleep at night and get over the jetlag. It is magic when paired with my Calm app.
Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Here’s a comfy choice from Amazon.
Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Check out these from Amazon.
First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Italy may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. We also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here. Make sure that you read the tips for traveling with medication to Italy in our travel tips to Venice.
A shawl: Some religious buildings such as churches will require that you cover your shoulders and knees so a shawl or sarong comes in pretty handy in those situations. This beautiful one is very similar to the “manton de Manila” shawls worn by flamenco dancers.

What not to pack for summer in Venice

There are also a few things we do not recommend you bring to Venice if you are coming in the summer, mainly, because you won’t need them.

  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have them and if yours is old, you’ll also need to carry a converter or make sure it works with double voltage so that it does not get fried by the Italian 220V.
  • Hand bags that don’t close: You know the ones, the basket-style ones that don’t have a zipper to close them are a big no-no in Italy’s most popular tourist sights, unless you want to make pickpockets happy.
  • Dress like you are going on safari: I find it hilarious when I see tourists dressed like they are in the Serengeti, with khaki clothes, trousers that unzip to shorts and trekking boots, everyone will know you are a tourist and didn’t get the memo on dressing up.
  • A big suitcase and lot of luggage: There are no taxis in Venice and you’ll have to drag your suitcase from the nearest vapporetto stop to your hotel, this could mean up to 20min walk dragging your suitcase up and down stairs, bridges and cobblestoned streets. You really want to pack light and bring a suitcase you can easily carry yourself.
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