Top Seasonal Activities

The Venice Biennale: A premier international art festival. In 2026, the Art Biennale runs from May to November, featuring pavilions from 99 countries across the Giardini and Arsenale. It is the best time to explore the city’s hidden gardens and historic naval depots.

Festa della Sensa (Marriage to the Sea): A traditional celebration of Venice’s maritime power. Witness a massive boat parade where the Mayor and Patriarch perform a symbolic ring-tossing ceremony into the lagoon, followed by a vibrant market at San Nicolò on the Lido.

Festa del Bocolo (The Rosebud Tradition): On May 1st, Venetian men honor an ancient legend by giving a single red rosebud (bocolo) to the women they love. The city is filled with flower vendors and a romantic, floral atmosphere unlike any other time of year.

Vogalonga: A massive, non-competitive rowing regatta. Watch hundreds of boats—from traditional gondolas to kayaks—traverse an 18.6-mile route through the lagoon and canals. The silence of the motor-free day is hauntingly beautiful.

Sant’Erasmo Castraure Festival: May is the month of the “Castraure”—the first, tender violet artichokes grown on the island of Sant’Erasmo. Visit the local sagra (festival) to taste them raw with oil and lemon or fried in light batter.

Island Hopping & Aperitivo: The mild evenings are perfect for visiting Burano’s colorful houses or enjoying the social scene in Campo Santa Margherita. Enjoy the ritual of aperitivo with a spritz and fresh cicchetti as the sun sets over the Dorsoduro district.

Weather & Atmosphere

Conditions: Generally sunny with long daylight hours. Temperatures average around 70°F (21°C) during the day and 52°F (11°C) at night. It is arguably the most comfortable month for walking the 400 bridges of the city.

Preparation: While it is one of the sunniest months, there are roughly 8 days of rain on average. We recommend packing light layers and a compact umbrella to stay prepared for spring showers.

Crowds: Visitor numbers begin to rise toward the end of the month, but it remains a more relaxed time to visit major landmarks like Doge’s Palace or the St. Mark’s Basilica compared to the peak heat of mid-summer.

Gondola Rides in May

The mild weather and “golden hour” light at sunrise or sunset provide optimal conditions for exploring the Grand Canal and smaller waterways by boat. In May, the canal banks are often draped in blooming wisteria and jasmine, adding a fragrant layer to the classic Venetian experience.