September is the perfect month to hike in the Dolomites. The weather is generally stable, skies are clear, temperatures are mild, rifugios are open, hotels aren’t full, and cableways (chairlifts, gondolas) operate all month.

Though certainly not as crowded as July and August, September is still bustling with hikers.

In this guide, we’re going to outline everything you need to know about hiking in the Dolomites in September.

Hiking in the Dolomites in September

Visiting the Dolomites in September

Quick Summary

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• The weather is generally stable throughout the month of September.
• The average daytime temperature hovers around 20°C /  68°F
• Rifugios (mountain huts) are generally open until late September. Some huts are open until the third week of September, while others are open until the very last day of September. 
• Cableways (gondolas, chairlifts, etc…) operate all month. 
• Buses (in South Tyrol) operate the whole month of September, though there is a schedule change starting in mid-September, with reduced bus frequency. 
• Between July 10th and September 10th, driving access to Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee is restricted during peak hours (9:30 am – 4 pm).
• The Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road is open all month. In the unlikely event of a snow storm, the road will be closed.
• The Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking season ends around the third week of September.

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Weather in the Dolomites in September

September has a reputation for being stable. And for the most part, it is. But, freak storms can certainly happen. 

We’ve visited the Dolomites in September twice. 

During our first visit to the Dolomites in September, we only experienced 4.5 days of rain out of 21 days. On the days that it rained, it poured all day. 

On one such rainy day (while hiking the Alta Via 1), the rain turned into sleet, which then turned into snow. And before we even realized it, we were in the middle of a snow blizzard trying to find Rifugio Lagazuoi (September 8th). For a semi-dramatic retelling of getting through this storm, check out this Instagram post.

Note to everyone: if it starts to snow and you still have a lot of elevation to gain, turn back around. Footprints and waymarks get covered up and you’ll have an impossible time trying to find your way when the snow is blinding you and you’re freezing cold.

The weather gods must have felt sorry for us. Because for the next 17 days we had brilliant weather with clear skies and burning red sunsets. 

The point is that September is generally a great month to hike in the Dolomites, but like anywhere, the weather can be unpredictable. 

During our second visit to the Dolomites in September (specifically to San Martino di Castrozza), the weather was brilliant again. It only rained once during our seven-day trip. 

Average Temperature in the Dolomites in September

The average daytime temperature is 20°C /  68°F

The average nighttime temperature is 9°C / 48.2

Dolomites Rifugios Opening Times in September

One of the most memorable experiences you can have in the Dolomites is visiting a rifugio. On a day hike, you can visit a mountain hut for lunch, or simply a refreshing beverage. On a hut to hut hike, you’ll overnight in rifugi at the end of each stage of your trek.

Mountain huts in the Dolomites are generally open from late June until late September. Some huts close down for the season on the last Sunday of September, while others close down on the last day of September.

If you’re planning a hut to hut trek in the Dolomites in September, it’s important to research the opening times of each mountain hut.

Depending on the weather conditions, some rifugi will stay open until mid-October. You can read about which mountain huts stay open in October in our guide to hiking in the Dolomites in October.

Gondolas, Chairlifts, and Cable Cars Operating Times in September

Hiking in the Dolomites is extremely accessible due to a system of gondolas, chairlifts, and cable cars across the region. Many hikes begin with cableways, thus cutting out long tedious ascents. 

Most cableways in the Dolomites operate the whole month of September. Very popular cableways will open up as early as mid-May and stay open until mid-October. 

We’ve listed which cableways you should take advantage of in September in the next section.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites in September

How to use this map | Click on each accommodation to display further information. Each color signifies a different Dolomites destination:

• Val Gardena: coral red
• Alta Badia: orange
• Alta Pusteria: blue
• Val di Funes and Bressanone: maroon
• Alpe di Siusi and Castelrotto: black
• San Martino di Castrozza: purple
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: green
• Val d’Ega: yellow
• Val di Fassa: wine red

San Martino di Castrozza

San Martino di Castrozza is an alpine resort town in Primiero Valley in the Italian Province of Trentino. This alpine town lies between the impressive Pale di San Martino Group (Pala Group) and the Lagorai mountain range. 

The Pala Group is the largest massif in the Dolomites. Its vast central plateau is easily accessible from the center of town via the Colverde Gondola and Rosetta Cableway. 

The Pale di San Martino Dolomites are breathtaking and often overlooked. Start your September trip here and you won’t regret it.

When to Visit: We recommend visiting San Martino di Castrozza in early-mid September. The summer season shuts down by mid-September. Start your Dolomites

Learn More: Top Things to Do in San Martino di Castrozza 

San Martino di Castrozza Summer Cableways

Colverde Gondola and Rosetta Cableway 

The Colverde and Rosetta cableways connect the town center of San Martino di Castrozza in Primiero Valley to Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino, a vast stone plateau reaching an elevation of 2700 meters.

From the Rosetta mountain station, hikers have access to many popular day hikes and via ferrata climbing routes. We highly recommend the Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali Circuit (aka Pala di San Martino Circuit).

Expert hikers may want to summit the highest peak in the range: Cima della Vezzana Summit.

Pale di San Martino September Hikes

• Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini Day Hike
• Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz

Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza

Budget | Residence Taufer is an affordable apartment-style accommodation, located 1 km from the center of San Martino di Castrozza. Apartments are clean and fully equipped, with all necessary appliances to make your stay here comfortable. The check-in/check-out is easy and uncomplicated. There’s a welcoming bar downstairs, where you can order espresso, drinks, and snacks throughout the day. And, the views of the Pala Group are sublime!

Midrange | Hotel Vienna is a welcoming family-run hotel, set in the heart of San Martino di Castrozza. This 3-star hotel delivers gorgeous mountain views, cozy and spacious rooms, and a great breakfast. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Luxury | Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel is a top-rated luxury hotel in San Martino di Castrozza. Stay here for the spacious, alpine-modern rooms, the rich and varied breakfast buffet, and the 1000 m2 spa and wellness area. The hotel is a 5-minute walk to the center of town. The hotel’s on-site restaurant is open daily for dinner.

Look for accommodation in San Martino di Castrozza.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a resort town and municipality in Ampezzo Valley in the Italian province of Belluno in the region Veneto. The town is encircled by the Tofane, Sorapiss, Cristallo and Croda da Lago mountains. 

When to Visit: Most mountain huts around Cortina d’Ampezzo close late September. A few huts stay open until October, including: Rifugio Croda da Lago, situated along the shores of Lago Federa, and Rifugio Lagazuoi. 

Also, most cableways around Cortina stop operating in mid-late September. The good news is that there are many amazing trails around Cortina that don’t require a cableway ascent/descent (listed below).

For a more lively atmosphere, we recommend visiting Cortina early-mid September. If you’re more interested in quiet trails, visit later in the month.

Learn More: Cortina d’Ampezzo Travel Guide

Cortina d’Ampezzo September Hikes

• Lago di Sorapis 
• Croda da Lago Circuit
• Tofana di Roses Circuit
• Passo Giau to Mondeval
• Lago delle Baste
• Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop Trail
• Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
• Sentiero Bonacossa North Trail

Learn More: Best Hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo

Where to Stay in Cortina

Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the unbeatable price, location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking. 

Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.

Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking. 

Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel offers 12 alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review. 

Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.

Luxury | Dolomiti Lodge Alverà is a splurge-worthy hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, featuring an on-site spa and pool, on-site restaurant, and plush suites. Guests rave about the hotel’s mountain views, breakfast, wellness facilities, and design. 

Luxury | Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a top-rated, 5-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although housed in a historic building, the entire interior has been renovated. Rooms are delightfully modern. Stay here for the superb on-site restaurant, impeccable staff and concierge, top-notch facilities (spa, indoor pool,  bar, and lobby area). 

Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is a valley in South Tyrol, stretching from Passo Gardena/Grödnerjoch and Passo Sella to Valle Isarco/Eisacktal.

The valley is surrounded by the Puez-Odle Group, Sella Group, Resciesa Plateau, Alpe di Siusi Plateau, and the Sassolungo Group. 

There are three notable villages in Val Gardena: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena. 

When to Visit: Val Gardena has a very long summer season, beginning in early June and ending in mid/late October. Cableways, huts, hotels and restaurants stay open all month. So, you can visit Val Gardena anytime in September. It’ll be more peaceful later in the month. 

Val Gardena Summer Cableways

Most summer lifts in Val Gardena are open from mid-May until late October. If you visit in September, you can take advantage of all of the following cableways.

Resciesa Funicular

The Resciesa funicular connects Ortisei village with the Resciesa plateau. There are a lot of hikes you can do starting on this plateau, including the Resciesca to Malga Brogles to Seceda hike.

The Ortisei – Furnes – Seceda Cableways

The Seceda cableways connect Ortisei village with Seceda mountain in the Odle Group, one of the most iconic places to visit in the Dolomites. The summit and ridge of Seceda affords unforgettable views of the jagged Odle Peaks. We recommend completing this very pleasant Seceda to Regensburger Hütte circuit hike, starting at the Seceda mountain station.

Ortisei Alpe di Siusi Ropeway

The Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Ropeway connects Ortisei with the Alpe di Siusi plateau. There are no shortage of hiking options. We hiked from the Ortisei-Alpe di Siuis gondola mountain station to Saltria and onwards to Monte Pana. For more hiking ideas, read our Alpe di Siusi guide.

Col Raiser Cable Car

The Cola Raiser gondola connects Selva di Val Gardena with Puez-Odle Nature Park. From the mountain station, you can hike to Seceda, Rifugio Firenze, and the Stevia Alp. You can also tackle these demanding summit hikes: Col dala Pieres and Piz Duleda.

Val Gardena September Hikes – no cableway needed

• Vallunga Valley and Val de Chedul
• Sassolungo Circuit hike
• Monte Pic
• Gran Cir
• Sass da Ciampac
• Cima Pisciadù 

Learn More: Best Hikes in Val Gardena

Where to Stay in Val Gardena

Read our Val Gardena hotel guide to learn about the best accommodations in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva.

Budget | Garni Le Chalet is a traditional guesthouse in Santa Cristina. Stay here for the cozy atmosphere and affordable room rate. Breakfast is included.

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast in Selva with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking. 

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. Highlights of staying here include the modern minimal interiors, comfortable bedrooms, warm hospitality, and delicious and plentiful breakfast. At Casa al Sole, Alexandra and Manuel host with great care and enthusiasm, and are always available to offer advice and help make dinner reservations.

Adults-Only Luxury | Perched high above Ortisei, the young, fun, and newly-renovated La Cort My Dollhouse – Adults Only hotel offers 26 stylish rooms, a rooftop spa and pool, and fabulous views. La Cort is a great choice for travelers who want more flexibility during their visit (no rigid eating times, etc..). Breakfast (7:30 am – 11 am) and Linnerl (4 pm – 7 pm) – are included in the rate.

Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina and one of the best hotels in the Dolomites. With inspiring mountain views, gorgeous alpine-style rooms, hiking trails right on the doorstep, and a chef that puts ingenious and creative riffs on regional cuisine, this darling hotel is quite the Dolomites dream. Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are included in the rate. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge. 

5-star Luxury | Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is an ode to alpine elegance. This 5-star luxury hotel pampers guests with its lavish rooms, extensive spa area (7 saunas, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness room, spa), and decadent tasting menus. Book half board.

Val di Funes

Val Di Funes/Vilnösstal is located in South Tyrol in Northern Italy. The 24-km-long valley runs from Valle Isarco/Eisacktal Valley, just north of Chiusa/Klausen and south of Bressanone/Brixen, to the Odle/Geisler mountain range.

Val di Funes encompasses the villages of Tiso/Teis, S. Pietro/St. Peter and S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena.

When to Visit: You can visit Val di Funes all month. The alpine pasture huts stay open until mid-October, but the grazing animals descend to their winter pastures usually in mid-September. 

Learn More: Val di Funes Travel Guide

Val di Funes September Hikes

• Adolf Munkel Day Hike
• Rifugio Genova Circuit Hike 
• Tullen Peak Hike
• Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail
• Drive to Passo delle Erbe and hike the Sass de Putia Circuit

Where to Stay in Val di Funes

Budget | Fallerhof is an active farm and a great-value apartment-style accommodation with stunning views of the Geisler Group. It’s a short walk to the Santa Maddalena Church (5 minutes) and the famous Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui (15 minutes). Breakfast is available upon request.

Midrange | Hotel Fines is a welcoming, 3-star hotel in Santa Maddalena, owned by a young and enthusiastic team. Guests love the rich breakfast buffet, central location, and hotel restaurant. Definitely book half board (breakfast and dinner) here. The DolomitiMobil Card is free for all guests.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol Dolomites Slow Living is a 4-star hotel in Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes. Directly facing the Odle/Geisler Group, guests can enjoy the mountains from the hotel pool, garden lounge area, and bedroom balconies. If you stay here, make sure to book a room with a Dolomites view (“Geisler Blick”). We loved the hotel’s location, local cuisine, and attentive dining staff.

Look for accommodation in Val di Funes.

Alta Badia 

Alta Badia is a mountain region nestled between the Fanes Group, the Sella Group, and the Puez Group in South Tyrol. Val Badia is connected to Val Gardena via Passo Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo via Passo Falzarego. 

Alta Badia encompasses the villages of Colfosco, Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, and La Val.

Alta Badia is a particularly polished region, famous for its Ladin culture, wellness hotels and exquisite cuisine. 

When to Visit: Anytime in September. Summer cableways and mountain huts typically stay open all month.  

Learn More: Alta Badia Summer Guide

Alta Badia Summer Cableways

In Alta Badia, summer lifts are generally open from mid-June until late-September/early October. See all Alta Badia cableways here.

La Crusc 1 (chairlift) and La Crusc 2 (gondola)

The La Crusc cableways connect the village of Badia in Val Badia with the Santa Croce Sanctuary. This is the start of the easy and romantic Armentara Meadows day hike.

Gardenaccia (chairlift)

The Gardenaccia chairlift connects the village of La Villa with the Gherdenacia plateau in the Puez Mountains. We used this chairlift to start the point-to-point Gherdenacia Plateau to Rifugio Puez hike.

Alta Badia September Hikes

• Sass da Ciampac 
• Lake Pisciadù Day Hike
• Rifugio Fanes Day Hike
• Sass de Putia Circuit Hike 
• Trail of the Larches 
• Gran Cir 

Where to Stay in Alta Badia

Midrange | Hotel Jägerhof is a fantastic alpine hotel and restaurant in Colfosco. With its attractive price point, modern alpine interiors with light wood furnishings, and high-quality cuisine, we recommend booking this gem as soon as possible. The hotel’s spa area comprises a Finnish sauna, steam bath, plunge pool, foot whirlpool, sensory shower, and relaxation room.

Midrange | Ciasa De Munt Lifestyle Living strikes just the right balance between urban and the outdoors, with its clean aesthetic, modern elegant lines and location in Corvara. Guests have access to top-notch wellness facilities, storage lockers, and a  washing machine. A fresh breakfast buffet featuring homemade cakes, cold cuts, and eggs is laid out each morning. Take advantage of the mountainside breakfast offering in their Piz Boé Alpine Lounge (2200 meters).

Luxury | Hotel Col Alto is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Corvara. We were impressed by the staff, the design, the extensive wellness facilities, deluxe bedding, and generous breakfast buffet.

Luxury | Hotel Ciasa Soleil is a boutique hotel in La Villa that wowed us with its excellent cuisine, relaxing indoor and outdoor wellness facilities, unbeatable sunset views, and striking design.

5-star Luxury | Hotel Fanes dazzles with its first-class spa facilities and skypool, phenomenal food, flawless staff, and magical setting. Breakfast, a Marende (afternoon snack buffet), and dinner are included in the rate.

Dolomites September Itineraries

7 Days in the Dolomites

• 2 Nights in San Martino di Castrozza
• 2 Nights in Val Gardena or Val di Funes
• 2 Nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo

7 Day Dolomites Itinerary with integrated 3-Day Hut-to-Hut

• 1 Night in Val di Funes
• 2 Nights in Val Gardena
• 1 Night in Alta Pusteria
• 2 Nights in Mountain Huts (3-Day Trekking Tre Cime di Lavaredo Route)

Learn More: 7 Day Dolomites Itinerary

10 Days in the Dolomites

• 2 Nights in San Martino di Castrozza
• 2 Nights in Val di Funes
• 2 Nights in Val Gardena
• 3 Nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo

2 Weeks in the Dolomites

• 3 Nights in San Martino di Castrozza
• 2 Nights in Val di Funes
• 3 Nights in Val Gardena
• 2 Nights in Alta Badia
• 3 Nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Transit in the Dolomites in September

The info below is based on our experience using buses in South Tyrol. Use the Südtirol Mobil site for bus timetables. 

Buses run throughout the whole month of September. However, starting in mid-September, the bus schedule changes. 

High season is roughly from late-June until mid-September.

Low Season is from late-May until late-June and from mid-September until mid-October.

The main difference between high season (early September) and low season (late September) is the frequency and last bus departure. For example, in late September, some buses will stop operating an hour earlier than in high season.

What to Wear in the Dolomites in September

On most days, we hiked in shorts and athletic t-shirts. When overnighting in the mountain huts in September, bring a down jacket and fleece-lined leggings.

Hiking Clothing

• Hiking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Base Layer: Quick-Dry, or Merino Hiking Shirts
• Mid Layer: Vest
• Mid Layer: Quick-Dry, or Merino Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie
• Outer Layer: Rain Jacket
• Outer Layer: Puffer
• Wool Hiking Socks
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Sun Hat

Hiking Gear

• Day Hiking Backpack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
• Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
• Polarized, CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses 
• Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
• Reusable Water Bottle: Ion Leakproof 32 oz Water Bottle

Hiking Accessories

• Climbing Gloves: Black Diamond Half Finger Gloves
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp
• Crampons: CAMP USA Inc Chainsen Pro

Special Equipment

If you plan on hiking the Sentiero Bonacossa Trail or Gran Cir, we recommend bringing a helmet and climbing gloves.

• Women’s Climbing Helmet: black diamond women’s climbing helmet
• Men’s Climbing Helmet: black diamond men’s climbing helmet
• Unisex Climbing Gloves: Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves

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