The most recent visible pairing happened Oct. 5, 2017. The two planets were just 21' apart and were 23° west of the Sun in the morning sky.
The next Venus-Mars conjunction will occur Feb. 22, 2024. On that date, 38' will separate the pair, which will lie in Capricornus in the morning sky, 26° west of the Sun. In order to see a pairing between Venus and Mars as close as the one this month, you’ll have to wait until May 11, 2034.
An easy catch
Close pairings of naked-eye planets aren’t rare, but occurrences this easy to see don’t happen all that often. And while the event on July 13 won’t feature the closest such pairing of objects, it will be easy for anyone with a clear sky to spot, mainly because Venus is involved. Even better, it takes place in the evening. Take this opportunity to be an ambassador for easy observing as you point out the two worlds to your family and friends.