Honestly, Venice in January is a vibe. Most people think of it as this sun-drenched, postcard-perfect summer destination where you're sipping Aperol Spritz on a bright terrace. But right now? It's a completely different animal.
If you're looking at the current temperature in Venice Italy, it’s sitting at a crisp 44°F as of this morning, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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It feels a bit more biting than that, though. With the humidity hanging heavy at 74% and a 10 mph breeze coming in from the northeast, the "feels like" factor is actually closer to 39°F. It’s the kind of cold that doesn't just sit on your skin; it sort of seeps into your bones if you aren't moving.
The Reality of January in the Lagoon
Don’t expect a tan. Today is mostly cloudy, and while we’ve had some morning light, the forecast is leaning into a "cloudy" afternoon with a high of 47°F.
People always ask me if it's too cold to visit during the winter. Short answer: No. Long answer: It depends on how much you hate the wind.
Venice in the winter is famously misty. The locals call it nebbia. It’s this thick, cinematic fog that rolls off the Adriatic and swallows the Grand Canal. It makes the city look like a set from a gothic mystery movie.
The wind is the real kicker today. That northeast wind at 10 mph is enough to make a gondola ride feel like an arctic expedition if you don’t have a heavy wool coat.
What the Numbers Actually Mean for You Today
Basically, the day is split into two halves.
Right now, we are in the "mostly cloudy" phase. There’s a slim 10% chance of precipitation right this second, but that’s going to climb as the day progresses. If you’re planning on being out by the Rialto or near St. Mark’s Square this afternoon, keep in mind the rain chance bumps up to 25%.
It’s not a downpour. It’s more like a persistent, damp drizzle.
Then things get interesting tonight. The temperature is expected to drop to a low of 39°F. While the sky remains mostly cloudy, there is a 10% chance of snow overnight. Snow in Venice is rare, but when it happens, the city goes silent. There are no cars, remember? Just the sound of slush hitting the water.
The High Water Factor (Acqua Alta)
You can't talk about Venice weather without talking about the tides.
For today, January 18, we saw a high tide reach about 2.95 feet (0.9 meters) at 10:05 AM. That’s enough to get some puddles in the lowest parts of St. Mark's Square, but nothing that’s going to require those bright yellow plastic boots they sell to tourists.
The low tide is hitting at 5:01 PM.
If you're walking around then, the canals might look a little shallow, but the walking paths will be bone dry. Venice is a city built on a swamp, so the relationship between the current temperature in Venice Italy and the water level is everything.
Why the cold is actually a secret weapon
Most tourists are gone.
The cruise ships aren't dumping thousands of people into the narrow calli. You can actually walk across the Accademia Bridge without getting hit by a selfie stick.
The historical average for Venice in January is usually a high of 46°F and a low of 37°F. So, today's high of 47°F and current 44°F is pretty much exactly on par with what the city has seen for the last thirty years.
How to Handle This Weather Like a Local
If you’re physically in the city right now or arriving this evening, stop worrying about the thermometer.
The humidity is the variable that ruins people. It makes 44°F feel like 30°F.
You’ve got to dress in layers. A thermal base layer is basically mandatory if you’re planning on doing a walking tour or standing in line for the Basilica. And for the love of everything, wear waterproof shoes. Even if it doesn't rain, the humidity makes the Istrian stone steps slippery and damp.
Your Actionable Survival Plan
- Morning (Now): Grab a coffee and stay inside. The humidity is at its peak.
- Afternoon: The "high" of 47°F hits around 2:00 PM. This is your window for the best light, even if it's cloudy.
- Evening: The wind might pick up to 12 mph. Stick to the narrow backstreets (the calli) where the buildings block the wind.
- Packing Tip: If you're coming tomorrow, bring a scarf. The wind off the water is no joke.
The current temperature in Venice Italy might look underwhelming on a weather app, but the atmosphere it creates is incredible. Just be ready for the dampness. It’s a wet cold, not a dry cold.
Check the tide charts if you're staying near the water, but for today, the MOSE barriers likely won't even need to be raised. Enjoy the quiet. Venice is at its most honest when it's shivering.