Acqua alta tide decoder
Pick a month and forecast scenario. The tool returns the typical tide range, the threshold levels, which districts flood first, and the MOSE activation trigger.
What this solves
Acqua alta — high tide flooding — is part of Venetian life. The city has been doing this for 1,500 years, but tourists are often confused by the thresholds (marea sostenuta ≥80 cm, marea pericolosa ≥110 cm), the districts that flood first (San Marco, Burano ground floors), and the MOSE barrier that protects against the worst. This tool gives you the practical read.
How to read the result
"Typical tide range" is the normal variation in your month. "Threshold" identifies which flooding class you're in. "Districts affected" lists which neighborhoods will see water on the ground floor first. "MOSE" tells you whether the barrier has activated to block the worst.
Acqua alta is seasonal: highest November-February, lowest in summer. Bad tide weeks happen 4-6 times per year in the worst seasons.
Limitations
FAQ
Should I cancel a trip due to acqua alta?
No. Severe floods are 1-2 events per year and the city keeps running. Most trips see only moderate acqua alta, easily walked around with rubber boots.
Where can I see the forecast?
CPSM (Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree) publishes daily tide tables at cpsmvenezia.it. The Comune di Venezia SMS alert service is opt-in.
Where can I buy rubber boots?
Any hardware store near the train station (Bricoman). Most tourist hotels lend them at reception. Costs €10-€15.