Venice is disorienting in the best way. I first got lost in its maze-like streets at 21 during a whirlwind Euro trip, and returned years later with my best friend and perpetual travel buddy, Kelsey, after taking a ferry over from Croatia.
We spent our time doing exactly what you’re supposed to do. A gondola ride, aimless wandering, Bellinis in the afternoon. No itinerary, no rush.
Venice doesn’t require a lot of stuff, but what you pack matters. This Venice packing list for summer has everything you need for a carry-on-friendly visit.
Looking for a packing guide that covers all of Italy? Read my Italy packing list for summer guide.
Venice Summer Weather Overview
| Month | Low/High (°F) |
|---|---|
| June | 61°–79° |
| July | 66°–84° |
| August | 66°–84° |
Venice in summer is warm and humid. The canal setting means moisture hangs in the air, making temperatures in the low to mid-80s feel stickier than they would in other places.
The good news is that Venice isn’t as brutally hot as Rome or Sicily. You can comfortably wander the streets and bridges without melting, especially if you pace yourself and take breaks for spritzes in shaded piazzas.
Evenings are lovely, cooling off enough that sitting by the canals feels magical rather than muggy. If you’re visiting in August, expect peak crowds and higher prices, but also long evenings that are perfect for getting lost in the city.
Summer in Venice Packing Tips & What to wear
Enjoying a gondola ride with Kelsey (left) and drinking Aperol spritzes and Bellinis in the afternoon (right).
Venice is all walking, all the time. There are no cars, no bikes, no scooters. Just bridges, stairs, and narrow alleyways. You’ll cross dozens of bridges a day, each one a small climb up and down, so comfortable shoes aren’t optional.
Here are the most important practical things to know:
- Wear your most comfortable walking shoes. As I mentioned above, there’s no bailing out when your feet hurt. No taxis to hail, no bikes to rent, no scooters to grab. You walk or you take the vaporetto (water bus), and the vaporetto doesn’t go everywhere. Break in your shoes before you arrive.
- Dress for humidity. The lagoon setting makes Venice stickier than other Italian cities. Loose, breathable fabrics will keep you more comfortable than anything fitted.
- Bring a crossbody bag and keep it in front. Venice is crowded in summer, and the narrow streets create prime conditions for pickpockets, especially around St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. A bag you can zip and keep secure against your body is smart.
- Have a cover-up for churches. You’ll likely want to pop into St. Mark’s Basilica and maybe a few others. The same rules apply here as in Rome: shoulders and knees covered. A scarf you can throw on easily works perfectly.
- Keep evening wear casually elegant. Venice has a romantic dinner vibe, but it’s still a walkable city. A nice sundress or linen pants with a pretty top fits most restaurants. Pack one slightly dressier option if you’re planning a special dinner.
2-Day Summer Venice Packing List For Women
Tops & Layers
- Lightweight tops (2) – Breathable cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking blends. A mix of tanks, tees, and blouses that can go from daytime sightseeing to evening dinner. Light colors keep you cooler.
- One nicer top or blouse (1) – For dinners out. A silk cami, a nice linen blouse, or something with unique details that dresses up linen pants or a simple skirt.
- Light cardigan or cotton sweater (1) – For air-conditioned museums, cool churches, and restaurants. Also useful for covering shoulders when church dress codes require it.
Bottoms & Dresses
- Linen or flowy pants (1) – Comfortable for walking, appropriate for churches, and nice enough for the evening. Wide-leg or relaxed fits breathe better in the humidity.
- Shorts (1) – For casual exploring days. Keep them a reasonable length since you’ll be sitting on vaporettos and in restaurants.
- Casual dress (1) – The easiest option for Venice. One outfit, minimal decisions. Midi lengths work best for a classy vibe. Look for lightweight fabrics that don’t wrinkle.
Shoes (1-2)
- Supportive sandals (1) – For walking days. Something with cushioning, good straps, and actual support. Sport sandals or comfortable leather walking sandals works great.
- Dressy flat sandals (optional) (1) – For nice dinners, if you want something more polished than your daytime shoes. Emphasis on flat. Skip anything with a heel on these cobblestones and bridge steps.
Accessories & Other Must-Haves
- Sun hat – Packable and useful for long vaporetto rides and walking in midday sun.
- Sunglasses – For sunny days on the water and glare off the canals.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Easy to forget when you’re sightseeing in a city, but the sun reflects off the water.
- Crossbody bag – Essential for keeping your belongings secure in crowded areas. Something that zips or clasps closed.
- Small daypack – For carrying water, a guidebook, and layers. Something lightweight you can fold into your main luggage when not in use. Just don’t keep valuables in here due to pickpockets.
- Reusable water bottle – Venice has public drinking fountains throughout the city where you can refill.
- Anti-chafe solution – Humidity plus walking plus dresses equals potential for discomfort. Slip shorts or an anti-chafe stick are nice to have.
- Insect repellent – Venice’s lagoon is notorious for mosquitoes in summer, especially the aggressive Asian tiger mosquito. They’re worst in July and August, particularly near the canals in the evening. Pack a small spray or repellent wipes.
- Swimsuit (optional) – Venice isn’t a beach destination, but if you’re staying longer and want a break from sightseeing, the Lido Island has sandy beaches about 15 minutes away by vaporetto. Also useful if your hotel has a pool.
- Lightweight pajamas (1) – Breathable fabrics for warm, humid nights.
- Underwear (3) – Moisture-wicking helps with the humidity. Pack a few extra pairs for humid destinations since you may want to change more frequently.
- Bras (1) – A supportive everyday option and something lighter for under sundresses.
Additional Venice Summer Travel Essentials
I bring the same core items on every trip regardless of destination. For the full rundown on toiletries, electronics, and all the little extras, check out my complete travel essentials packing list.
What NOT to Pack For Venice in the Summer
Accidentally matching the gondolier in Venice with my striped shirt-ha! On my 2022 trip with Kelsey (left), and a photo from my first trip to Venice in 2011, wearing a short dress that I wouldn’t wear today when visiting the city (right).
- Heels of any kind – Cobblestones, bridge steps, and uneven surfaces everywhere. Even low heels are a bad idea.
- Heavy fabrics – The humidity makes anything heavy feel oppressive. Stick to lightweight and breathable.
- Wheeled luggage you can’t carry – You’ll encounter bridges with steps between your water taxi/vaporetto stop and your hotel. If you can’t lift it, you’ll struggle.
- Most hair tools that use heat– The humidity will win.
Heading to Venice For a different number of days? Here are my packing Adjustments
| Item | 1 Day | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tops | 1-2 | 3 | 4 | 4-5 |
| Bottoms | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2-3 |
| Layers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Dresses | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Shoes | 1 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Swimsuit | 0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Underwear | 1 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Bras | 1 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Pajamas | 0-1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
*Only pack a swimsuit if your hotel has a pool or you plan to do a day trip to Lido Island.
Looking for more Europe packing guides for summer? Read our related articles below!
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Sicily Packing List For Summer
Dolomites Packing List For Summer
Tuscany Packing List For Summer
Europe Summer Packing List For Women
Europe Summer Backpacking Packing List For Women
European Summer Cruise Packing List For Women
7 Best Travel Purses For Europe
Best Carry-On Luggage For Europe Travel
10 Best Women’s Walking Shoes For Europe
7 Best Women’s Walking Sandals For Europe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. After spending 15 years visiting 45+ countries, she realized she’d accidentally become a packing expert in the process. Now, The Atlas Heart is all about helping women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and what gear is actually worth it. When she’s not deep in a packing list or testing out new travel shoes, you can find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, winning 3-point contests against her husband, and playing board games with friends.
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