Are Floods Still Affecting Venice Family Trips This Year?

Are Floods Still Affecting Venice Family Trips This Year?

Alongside its beauty, Venice has faced a long-standing challenge that often worries travellers - the seasonal flooding, also locally known as acqua alta. While you might be excited to plan your trip to this beautiful city, it is normal to think about whether the floods will ruin your experience. Will the high waters disrupt sightseeing or make it difficult to explore with children?

Image: A photo of a Venice canal, showing the colourful old buildings reflecting on the rippled water, and people riding on small boats, while others are docked along the sides.

Acqua Alta in Venice

Venice’s flooding is not new. The city has dealt with it for years, caused by tides, wind, and its unique position on a lagoon. Traditionally, acqua alta occurs in autumn and winter, particularly between October and January. During these periods, water levels rise above normal, often flooding popular areas like St. Mark’s Square.

For visitors and tourists, especially those travelling with children, this is a real concern. Streets may be harder to navigate, boardwalks are set up as temporary walkways, and some attractions might close for safety reasons.

Should You Cancel Your Trip?

The simple answer is no. You don’t need to cancel your trip because of flooding. Venice has put various measures into place to ensure safety, so the risk of your holiday being completely ruined by high water is very low.

At worst, you may experience a short delay in sightseeing certain areas or find wooden walkways set up in parts of the city. But these are usually temporary and taken care of quickly.

Instead of cancelling, it is better to travel with realistic expectations and a flexible mindset. Here are some things you can do to prepare:

• Check forecasts - Venice has reliable tide forecasts, which are usually available online and updated daily. A quick check before heading out can help you plan your sightseeing route.
• Pack smart - Bring waterproof shoes or boots, raincoats, and extra clothes, especially for kids, just in case. Even if you don’t need them, it is better to keep them handy.
• Stay flexible - If flooding does occur, you might need to adjust your plans. Many museums, indoor attractions, and cafés remain open and can easily fill your day until the waters recede.

Venice is still one of the safest, most beautiful, and most family-friendly cities to visit in Europe. Skipping it out of fear of floods would mean missing out on one of the best travel experiences and a chance to make great memories.

Best Time to Visit Venice with Family

Venice is beautiful no matter when you go, but some times of the year may be easier for families. The best months are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).

During these months, the weather is mild, not too hot or too cold, so exploring with kids feels much more comfortable. Crowds are also smaller compared to the busy summer, which means shorter lines at attractions and more space to explore at your own pace.

Summer (July and August) is the busiest time in Venice. The city can get very hot, streets are always crowded, and prices for hotels and food are often higher. Families travelling with children may find this season a little overwhelming.

Ultimately, it really comes down to you. Consider what you want, why you are visiting, whether there are special places you want to see, your family's needs, and how you can manage.

Conclusion

Floods are really not affecting family trips in Venice, at least not nearly as much as in the past. Thanks to new flood protection measures, the city is far more pleasant even during these times, making it easier for families to enjoy their holidays without major disruptions.

Still, it is better to stay prepared. Check forecasts, pack smart, and be flexible. This way, the chances of your trip being spoiled by water are lower.