Best Time to Visit the Dolomites (+ Months to Avoid)

The best time of year to visit the Dolomites depends on what you want to do.

For day hiking, we recommend mid-late June, July, September and October. For photography and fall colors, we recommend visiting in October. For via ferrata climbing and hut-to-hut hiking, schedule your trek in July, August, or early September.

For skiing and winter adventuring, December (before the holidays), January (after the holidays) and March are the best months.

We’ve personally visited the Dolomites every month of the year.

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Quick Summary

When to Ski | The ski season runs from early December until end of March, or early April. As the months progress and the days grow longer, there is more light, which means less shade on the slopes. The ski slopes are the least crowded in early-mid December and March. Room rates skyrocket around the Christmas holidays and in February.

When to Hike | The hiking season runs roughly from mid June until late September, when mountain huts are open and high-altitude trails are mostly clear of snow. With the absence of heavy snow, the hiking season can easily continue until late October. 

Months to Avoid | Like neighboring alpine regions, the Italian Dolomites have two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Contrary to what’s often stated online, the Dolomites are not a year-round destination. There’s a summer holiday season from June – September (October) and a winter holiday season from December to end of March.

Most hotels and restaurants shut down in between seasons (e.g. Late October, November, April, and May). For that reason, we usually do not recommend visiting the Dolomites in late autumn (November) and early spring (April – May), especially if you want to experience mountainside dining and embark on high-alpine hikes.

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January

After Heilige Drei Könige aka Epiphany (January 6th), ski resorts are less busy, though by no means empty. In my experience, January tends to be busier than early December and March, though it is generally less busy than February.

Also, room rates are more favorable now that the Christmas holidays are over.

If you’re planning a ski trip to the Dolomites, check out my guide to Skiing in the Dolomites, where I break down the region’s ski resorts, including:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort
• Val Gardena Ski Resort
• Seiser Alm Ski Area
• Alta Badia Ski Resort
• Kronplatz Ski Resort
• 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort
• Carezza Ski Resort
• Latemar Dolomites Ski Resort
• Arabba Marmolada Ski Resort
• Val di Fassa Ski Resort
• San Pellegrino Ski Resort

Non-skiers can also enjoy a wonderful winter getaway in the Dolomites, utilizing the ski infrastructure to access gourmet mountain restaurants, maintained winter hiking trails, toboggan runs, and more.

For winter hiking and snowshoeing, I recommend staying in Sexten in Alta Pusteria, a perfect destination for hiking on prepared paths and snowshoeing. Read my Sexten winter hiking guide for a sample itinerary.

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February

Of all the winter months, February is the busiest in the Dolomites. Personally, I would avoid visiting in February. Come in March instead.

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March

March is heavenly. By then, the crowds have largely dispersed, leaving locals and savvy travelers to enjoy the very best of the Dolomites.

With longer days and more sunshine, the slopes are generally less icy than earlier in the season. On warm afternoons, the snow can become soft and slushy.

Having skied throughout the entire season, I found March to be the most enjoyable time to hit the slopes, particularly at Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort and Carezza Ski Resort.

March is also the best month to ski the famous Sella Ronda Ski Circuit around the Sella Massif. I didn’t experience any wait times at the lifts.

I also recommend skiing the Hidden Valley Run from Lagazuoi to Armentarola, which can be too busy during other months.

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April

Across the Dolomites, most ski resorts close in early April. Even before the official closing date, many mountain huts, hotels, and restaurants begin to shut down for the season.

While morning snow conditions can still be good and the slopes are pleasantly uncrowded, I didn’t particularly enjoy the atmosphere of April skiing. By then, the season is winding down, and many people working in hospitality are understandably ready for a well-earned break. As a visitor, it can feel like you’ve missed the party.

Unless you’re visiting for the final days of the ski season, April is generally not a great time to travel to the Dolomites.

One thing that did surprise me, however, was how stable the weather was. April brought plenty of clear, sunny days. But, when the resorts close and locals vacate the valleys, there’s nothing to do.

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May

Across the European Alps, May is an awkward month between the winter and summer seasons. There’s not enough snow for skiing and there’s usally too much snow for hiking.

Scenically, early May can still be wintery. Snow melt leaves brown tones in its wake. There are no vibrant springtime colors or blooming flowers. That comes later (mid-June). 

If you visit the Dolomites in May, your hiking will be limited to plateaus, valley trails and low-elevation trails (below 1500 meters). 

To get an idea of what the current conditions are in the Dolomites, check out a few of these webcams:

• Val Gardena Webcams / Seceda Webcam
• Alpe di Siusi Webcams
• Alta Badia Webcams
• Cortina d’Ampezzo Webcams
• San Martino di Castrozza Webcams
• Sesto/Sexten Webcams

For the record, we discourage May travel to the Dolomites, but if you’re determined to visit, aim for the very end of the month. And do visit with a car. Use the Discovercars.com car rental platform to search for and book car rentals in Italy.

Shortly before you arrive, reach out to the local tourist offices for trail conditions and suggestions. If you contact the tourist offices too far in advance, they won’t be able to help you, because conditions change. 

Open Mountain Huts | With very few exceptions, mountain huts and alpine pasture huts are closed. Some huts around Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and Prato Piazza open up in mid/late May including Alpe di Tires/Tierser Alpl in Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park, Geisler Alm along the Adolf Munkel Trail, Rifugio Vallandro/Dürrensteinhütte on Prato Piazza Plateau and Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte in Val Fiscalina.

Where to Go in May | I recommend staying in Ortisei in Val Gardena, Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes, and San Candido in Alta Pusteria.

Learn More: Dolomites in May

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June

June marks the beginning of the summer season. It’s a great time to visit the Dolomites for casual day hiking, cycling, and road tripping. June is outside of the main tourist season, so it feels more relaxed and less congested, though of course not empty. 

It’s a great time of year to visit popular destinations, which are far too crowded in July and August, like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Braies, Val di Funes, Prato Piazza.

Mid-June is the start of the Dolomites hiking season. Hiking trail accessibility depends on the length of the winter and the elevation of the trail.

If it was a relatively short winter, then hiking trails are open and in good condition early in the month. If it was a long winter, then some high-elevation trails and passes are inaccessible due to the amount of snow. Additionally, some trails may be closed due to fallen trees. We visited the Dolomites after a very long winter. We had to ditch a lot of our original plans, because of the snow. But, we were able to pivot quite easily and hike in other places.

In the beginning of June, there will likely be snow on north-facing slopes, above 1800 meters. Microspikes like CAMP USA Inc Chainsen Pro and hiking poles like Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles are essential for navigating snow fields in the mountains. 

Wildflowers | Starting in mid-June, wildflowers carpet the forest floors, meadows, and alpine pastures. High plateaus like Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm and Prato Piazza are especially colorful. 

Cableways | Cableways (gondolas, funiculars, chairlifts, aerial cable cars) start operating in June as well. The cableways around Val Gardena usually start operating at the end of May, or early June. The gondolas and cable cars around Alta Badia start operating mid-June. And, the cableways around San Martino di Castrozza and Cortina d’Ampezzo typically start operating at the end of June.

Thunderstorms | Thunderstorms are quite common throughout the month. They usually develop in the mid-late afternoon. It’s best to start hikes as early as possible to avoid them altogether. 

Mountain Huts | Mountain huts (Rifugio, Hütte) and alpine pasture huts (Alm, Baita, Malga), situated at lower elevations, start opening up in early June. Here are a few huts to check out in early June: Rifugio Firenze along this Seceda Circuit Trail and Rifugio Bolzano along Alpe di Siusi to Rifugio Bolzano. At the end of the month, check out Rifugio Locatelli along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail.

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July

July is high-season in the Dolomites. Everything is open and operating: huts, cableways, hotels, restaurants, seasonal buses, etc.. 

There is a noticeable uptick in visitors. The roads are congested with car, cycling, and motorbike traffic. The Maratona dles Dolomites, an annual single-day road bicycle race, takes place in early July.

All mountain huts are open in July. This is a fantastic month for hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites. 

Hiking trail conditions are excellent. There still may be some lingering snow on north-facing slopes, cirques, and passes that don’t get a lot of light during the day. 

Like June, afternoon thunderstorms are still common throughout the month.

Between July 1st and September 15th, driving access to Lago di Braies is restricted during peak hours. Visit early, or pre-book parking/transit. Up-to-date info is posted on prags.bz.

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August

August, the month of Ferragosto, when Italians traditionally take their summer holidays, is the busiest time to visit the Dolomites. It’s also the absolute worst time to visit the hotspots most affected by overtourism.

That being said, August is the best month for via ferrata climbing and high-alpine hiking, because trails are snow-free and the weather is generally very stable. Thunderstorms are common, though they usually occur in the very late afternoons and evenings.

If you’re visiting in August, I recommend starting your hikes as early as possible (sunrise to 8 am) and hiking lesser-known trails. If you do, you’ll find that August is no different than any other summer month, though perhaps hotter.

Hotel rates skyrocket in August across the Dolomites. Additionally, many hotels require a minimum stay of anywhere between 3 and 7 nights. To secure reasonably-priced accommodations, book as soon as possible.

Read visiting the Dolomites in August for tips on where to stay and where to hike during the busiest time of year.

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Where to Hike in August: Lesser Known Dolomites Hiking Trails 

Val di Funes | Tullen Summit and Rifugio Genova Circuit

Alta Pusteria | Lago di Braies to Hochalpenkopf Summit, the Gaisl High Trail, the Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Hike, and Vallon Popera basin hike

Val Gardena | Monte Pic, Col dala Pieres, Piz Duleda, Val de Chedul – Vallunga Hike and Steviola Plateau

Cortina d’Ampezzo | Tofana di Rozes Circuit and Setsas Circuit Trail

Alta Badia | Capanna Alpina – Fanes Alp and Gherdenacia Plateau to Rifugio Puez

San Martino di Castrozza | Rifugio Mulaz Circuit

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September

I always say that September is the best month to visit the Dolomites, because of stable weather conditions and fewer people.

However, in recent years, September feels like an extension of high season. Though not quite as packed as August, you can no longer expect a quiet month.

There are still benefits to visiting in September: no thunderstorms and clear skies.

If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites in September, please know that there’s usually a snowstorm at some point during the month. The snow typically melts quite fast (2-3 days). But, if it snows, it’s best to avoid all high-elevation trails. Kati and I learned this the hard way. 

Most mountain huts stay open until the third week of September. So, if you’re planning a hut-to-hut hike, aim for the first half of the month. 

Mid-September marks the end of the alpine pasture season. There are some cattle drives, Almabtriebe, that take place across the Dolomites. 

Tip | Visit San Martino di Castrozza and hike in the Pala Group from early-mid September.

Learn More: Dolomites in September

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October

Firmly off-season, October promises quiet trails and beautiful colors, but far less convenience. 

Most cableways are closed, with the exception of a few in Val Gardena and Alta Pusteria. Many hotels and restaurants are already closed for the season. You’ll see chiuso/chiusa (“closed”) signs absolutely everywhere. 

A handful of mountain huts stay open in October, weather permitting. Read our Dolomites in October guide to find out which ones.  

October is a risky month, because it’s impossible to predict the weather. It might be the most glorious Indian Summer, or an abrupt start to winter. We’ve experienced both. 

Fall colors peak from October 15th to 30th. If the weather is stable in late October, it will be the best trip of your life. 

Keep in mind, mountain lake water levels are very low in autumn. By the end of October, there might be no water in some small lakes and other high-elevation lakes might be frozen.

Outside of Val Gardena and Alta Pusteria, you need a rental car to get around. Use the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals.

Trails can be frosty/icy, especially in the morning. Exercise extra caution. Bring microspikes like these CAMP USA Inc Chainsen Pro.

Must-do hike in October: Croda da Lago Circuit near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Armentara Meadows in Alta Badia (read my Val Badia autumn travel guide for more insider tips).

Learn More: Hiking in the Dolomites in October

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November

Like May, November is an awkward month between the summer and winter seasons. Most restaurants, hotels, and huts are closed.

Avoid visiting the Dolomites in November, unless you can monitor the weather closely and plan a spontaneous trip.

Motivated by an optimistic weather forecast, Kati and I visited the Dolomites in early November 2024 and November 2025 and it was glorious. This is a good time to stay in a wellness hotel with half board, since it’ll be difficult to find open restaurants.

Learn More: Visiting the Dolomites in November

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December

December marks the beginning of the ski season in the Dolomites. If you prefer quieter slopes, early December is far less crowded than late December.

During our December trip, we skied the 44-km Sella Ronda ski circuit, visited several Christmas Markets, and watched the frightening Krampus Run in Toblach.

Read Next: December in the Dolomites

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Dolomites Travel Guides

Travel Guides:

• Things to Do in the Dolomites
• Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• How to Get to the Dolomites
• Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer

Hotels:

• Best Hotels in the Dolomites 
• Val Gardena Hotels
• Alta Badia Hotels

Car-Free Travel:

• How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car

Road Trip Itineraries:

• 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip
• 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip
• 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip

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