Planning your first Dolomites adventure and wondering when to go? Before you pack your bags and throw on your cutest hiking fit, let’s talk timing — because your trip can be utterly magical or completely miserable depending on when you go. This month-by-month guide has your back.
The Dolomites aren’t like other mountain ranges. They’re not even like other parts of Italy. One week it’s wildflowers and Aperol on a sunny terrace; the next, you’re snowed in, eating lukewarm strudel next to a closed cable car station, wondering where it all went wrong.
Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, chasing larch season, hunting down that iconic Tre Cime sunrise, or just here for wine and whimsy, timing is everything. And spoiler: summer doesn’t mean summer, shoulder season is a glorious trap, and winter? It’s got more edge than you think.
This post will walk you through:
➔ The best time to visit the Dolomites (for hiking, photography, food, or simply avoiding other people)
➔ What each month is really like — including what’s open, what’s closed, and when the crowds descend
➔ When to avoid if you hate overpriced hotels, grumpy weather, or being trapped on the wrong side of a closed road
➔ What to expect from the Dolomites in every season — from spring snow to autumn gold
Along the way, I’ll point you to the best hikes, places to stay, and gear you actually need — so you’re not just prepared, you’re pinch-me-this-is-real ready.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DOLOMITES
OVERALL | September or early July
HIKING | Late June to September
AUTUMN GOLD | October
PHOTOGRAPHY | September mornings
DODGE CROWDS | June or October
SNOW FUN | December to March
AVOID | November, April, May
- Dolomites Weather by Month (and What Each Season Really Feels Like)
- Best Time to Hike in the Dolomites
- Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Autumn Colours
- Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Photography
- When to Avoid the Dolomites (And Why)
- FAQ: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- Final Thoughts: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.
Dolomites Weather by Month (and What Each Season Really Feels Like)
There is such a thing as “bad weather” in the Dolomites — along with bad planning and inappropriate footwear. Here’s what each month actually looks like, with some Cat-approved translation of local forecasts into “what you’ll be wearing or cursing”, so you don’t get caught out.
January – March
The snow-globe months.
This is the Dolomites in full alpine fairytale mode. Think powder-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and ski lifts in overdrive. Great for snow-lovers, but useless for hikers — trails are buried, and many smaller towns are in winter hibernation unless they cater to the ski crowd.
➔ Best for: Skiing, snowshoeing, hot tubs with wine, those Christmas markets Europe does so well
➔ Worst for: Hiking, road tripping, photography without frostbite
➔ Worth it? Yes — if you’re here for winter sports, not trails
April – May
The soggy shoulder.
This is what locals call mezza stagione — and it’s honestly a hot mess. Snow is melting, mud is rising, and almost everything is shut. The lifts are stopped, rifugi are closed, and you’ll struggle to find an open café outside the bigger towns. Oh, and that perfect photo spot? Probably under a metre of slush.
➔ Best for: People who love peace and aren’t fussed about hiking
➔ Worst for: Pretty much everyone else
➔ Worth it? Skip it. This is the season the Dolomites don’t want you to see
June
The great awakening.
Early June still feels like spring: snow lingers at higher elevations, wildflowers start to bloom, and the trails slowly open up. By late June, it’s game on — lifts reopen, rifugi fire up their stoves, and the hiking season begins.
➔ Best for: Quieter trails, early risers, those not bothered by the odd snow patch
➔ Watch for: Snow still blocking high passes, limited bus services in the first half
➔ Worth it? Absolutely — especially if you want the views without the July crowds
Need help to plan your hiking trip in the Dolomites?
⤷ Check out my Top Day Hikes in the Dolomites
⤷ Get gear ready using my What to Wear Hiking in the Dolomites guide
July
The beauty + the chaos begins.
Early July is a sweet spot — warm days, snow-free trails, and everything open. By mid-to-late July, things get busier. Italian summer holidays kick in, and popular spots (Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Seceda) are crawling with humans and their selfie sticks.
➔ Best for: Hiking, photography, summer vibes
➔ Worst for: Avoiding queues or getting a photo without 27 people in the frame
➔ Worth it? Yes — just get out early and know your hotspots
August
The madness.
This is high summer — and high drama. The Dolomites are flooded with visitors from Europe (this is school holiday season) and beyond. Hotels are full, parking lots overflow, and even remote rifugi feel like they’re running a fire sale. However, it’s also when the best weather usually turns up. What a conundrum.
➔ Best for: Family trips, longer hut-to-huts (if booked early)
➔ Worst for: Introverts, spontaneity, or literally any sunrise spot
➔ Worth it? Meh. Unless you’ve prepped like a pro, it’s a logistical pain in hiking boots
September
The gold standard.
Warm days, cool mornings, thinned-out trails, and that low-slanting light that makes your photos look like a Patagonia ad. All the infrastructure is still open, the locals are slightly less frazzled, and the larches haven’t yet turned — but the air feels like magic.
➔ Best for: Hiking, road trips, photography, luxury escapes
➔ Worst for: Nothing. This is the Dolomites at their best.
➔ Worth it? Fuck yes.
Sound like a bit of you?
⤷ Book your stay now using my Where to Stay in the Dolomites guide
⤷ Don’t forget your camera! Here’s what’s in my photography bag
October
Larch porn and big coat energy.
Fuck, I love autumn in the Dolomites — it’s glorious. Fiery larch trees turn the valleys to gold, mornings are crisp as hell, and the light feels like it’s been custom-designed for dramatic mountain shots. But… the season shuts down quickly. Most rifugi and lifts close by mid-October.
➔ Best for: Fall colours, moody mist, quiet hikes
➔ Watch for: Early snow, limited services, short days
➔ Worth it? Hell yes, but come early and plan carefully
November
Nope.
Everything is shut. Trails are muddy, snowy, or iced over. Restaurants close. Towns sleep. Even the mountains seem to be resting.
➔ Best for: Reflecting on your poor planning
➔ Worst for: Literally everything else
➔ Worth it? No. Just no.
December
The fairy lights comeback.
The Christmas markets wake things up again — especially in Bolzano, Ortisei, and Bressanone. Ski resorts start spinning their lifts. It’s magical, if you’re not trying to hike. Just be prepared for high prices and short daylight hours.
➔ Best for: Snowy city breaks, festive feels, snowshoeing
➔ Worst for: Proper hikes or wild adventures
➔ Worth it? Yes — for snow bunnies and Glühwein enthusiasts
Best Time to Hike in the Dolomites
If you’re coming for the trails — not just the views from a cable car or the wine list at the rifugio — timing matters. Like, really matters. Pick the wrong week, and you’ll either be thigh-deep in snow, soaked to your base layers, or staring at a trailhead sign that says “CLOSED for the season.”
So, when is the best time to hike in the Dolomites?
➤ Late June to early October
This is the sweet spot for day hikes, ridgeline walks, and sunrise summits. Trails are (mostly) clear, cable cars are running, and the rifugi are open and slinging strudel like their lives depend on it.
That said, each month has its own flavour:
➤ September is the GOAT
Golden light. Fewer crowds. Open rifugi. Misty mornings and stable weather. This is the month that shows off, and honestly? It earns the right to.
If you’ve got flexibility, aim for the first three weeks of September. It’s the sweet spot where high-altitude trails are still clear, summer chaos has died down, and every sunrise feels like a personal love letter from the mountains.
Want to catch Seceda, Tre Cime, and Lago di Sorapis at their absolute best?
⤷ Plan your hikes with this guide
Late June – July
Your second-best bet. Most trails are open, wildflowers are going full feral, and you’ll have more peace and quiet than peak summer allows. Just know: higher routes might still have snow patches, and cable cars may only just be getting started.
August
Hikeable? Yes. Pleasant? Depends on your crowd tolerance. August in the Dolomites math goes like this: Italian school holidays + global summer travellers = chaos on the trails. If it’s your only window, go — but plan early starts and offbeat hikes.
October
The unsung hero of shoulder season. Autumn colour begins, the light turns cinematic, and the mornings get deliciously crisp. But be warned — many rifugi and lifts close by mid-October.
Exception to the rule? Croda da Lago.
The Rifugio Palmieri stays open until the end of October, and the golden larch forest around Lago Federa is a literal dreamscape. If you’ve ever wanted to hike through a painting, this is the one.
Spring + Winter (November to May)
This isn’t hiking season — it’s snowshoe season. Most high-altitude trails are snow-covered or closed, cable cars don’t run, and avalanche risk is really real. Not ideal unless you’re geared up, guided, or genuinely into winter suffering.
TL;DR?
➔ September = iconic. Plan your whole trip around it if you can.
➔ Late June / early July = peaceful start to the season
➔ October = moody magic (especially Croda da Lago)
➔ Avoid November–May unless you’re here for snow, not strudel
Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Autumn Colours
Forget New England. Autumn in the Dolomites is straight-up sublime — golden larches, ruby alpine shrubs, and mountain peaks glowing like someone turned the saturation up to 100. If you’re chasing colour, this is your season.
➤ Peak autumn? Mid-October.
This is when the larch trees (which are green in summer) begin to shift into shades of amber and gold. You’ll catch the most vivid colour between October 5th–20th, give or take a week depending on the year’s weather.
The best part? The air is crisp, the light is low and moody, and sunrise feels like something sacred.
Where to see the best autumn foliage
➔ Val di Funes: Possibly the most photographed valley in the Dolomites — and for good reason. Autumn paints the slopes like a fairytale.
➔ Alpe di Siusi: Morning fog + glowing meadows = cinematic masterpiece energy.
➔ Croda da Lago: Yes, again. Late October here is when the larches go absolutely feral. The trail to Lago Federa is a golden corridor.
➔ Passo Gardena + Passo Falzarego: Mountain passes = sweeping views of whole golden valleys.
Tips for autumn chasers
➔ Go early in the day – the light is at its warmest and most flattering in the morning
➔ Check rifugio closing dates – many close by mid-October
➔ Layers are everything – it might be frosty at dawn and sun-drenched by lunch
➔ Watch for snow on higher trails – especially late October into November
Cat’s Top Picks for Autumn Basecamps
Want golden larches right outside your window? Here’s where to stay if you’re chasing peak autumn magic:
➤ Val di Funes | Hotel Tyrol
Traditional alpine luxury with valley views and a dreamy spa. Step outside and you’re basically in a postcard.
➤ Alpe di Siusi | Hotel Steger-Dellai
Wood-panelled charm and meadows ablaze with morning light. This one screams ‘slow mornings and sunrise hikes.’
➤ Croda da Lago | Hotel Tofana
Modern alpine design meets golden hour views — perfect for late October when Lago Federa goes full glow-up.
These places book fast in fall — don’t wait until the larches drop.
⤷ For more options here’s Where to Stay in the Dolomites
Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Photography
The Dolomites are what happens when Mother Nature gets dramatic: jagged peaks, moody skies, golden valleys, and that ethereal mountain light that makes you want to cry into your coffee. But while beauty is year-round, magic has a schedule.
Here’s when to plan your trip if photography is a priority — whether you’re shooting mirrorless or just want your iPhone to slay.
Golden Light and Moody Mornings
When: September + early October
Cooler mornings mean mist in the valleys, dramatic cloud inversions, and softer sunrises. You’ll get rich colours, fewer crowds, and that gentle light that flatters everything — from pine forests to your slightly puffy jetlag face.
Autumn Larch Season
When: Mid to late October
You haven’t known true visual ecstasy until you’ve stood on the shores of Lago Federa, surrounded by golden larches lit by the last rays of October sun.
Snowy Drama
When: Late December to March
If you’re after snow-draped peaks, quiet forests, and crisp blue skies — winter delivers. Just know: accessibility is limited, and some roads or viewpoints may be closed without snowshoes or skis.
→ Tip: Go for a snowshoe tour with a local guide if you want to shoot the high passes safely.
Wildflowers and Green Valleys
When: Late June to mid-July
The meadows pop off like a Renaissance painting — all green pastures, wildflowers, and sheep that look suspiciously photogenic. You’ll need to start early for best light, but the payoff is postcard-worthy.
When to Avoid the Dolomites (And Why)
Every season in the Dolomites has its moment — but some moments are better spent somewhere else entirely. Here’s when you might want to hold off hitting book now.
November: The Dolomites Are on Snooze Mode
➔ Rifugi? Closed.
➔ Cable cars? Shut.
➔ Trails? Snowy and slippery.
➔ Weather? Grey, unpredictable, and deeply uninspiring.
November is the Dolomites’ in-between season — the awkward liminal space where hiking is risky, skiing hasn’t started, and half the towns are taking a well-earned nap before winter. You won’t get the golden larch magic (that’s October), and you definitely won’t get snow you can ski on. It’s the ghost town month — quiet, yes, but mostly because there’s not much open.
Cat’s verdict: Leave it. Go drink wine in Tuscany instead. I did.
April + May: Not Quite Spring
You might think you’re getting shoulder-season steals in spring — but what you’re actually getting is:
➔ Melting snow, muddy trails
➔ Random snowstorms mixed with pollen explosions
➔ Seasonal closures still in full effect
➔ “Is this hike open yet?” roulette
Spring looks hopeful in the valleys — green shoots, baby cows, birdsong. But up high? It’s slushy, muddy chaos. You can do some gentle valley strolls, but most proper hikes are still off the menu, and many towns are only partially open for business.
Pro tip: The shoulder season here doesn’t mean ‘quiet luxury.’ It means ‘you’ll need to call three places to find someone selling coffee.’
FAQ: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
What month is best to visit the Dolomites?
➔ September. Full stop. You get golden light, clear trails, fewer crowds, open rifugi, and the kind of views that make you rethink your life choices in a good way.
Early July is a solid runner-up if you want alpine wildflowers and everything open — just be prepared for more humans.
Can you hike the Dolomites in October?
Yes — especially early October, when the weather often holds and the larches start turning gold. If you’re late in the month, plan for shorter hikes (hello Croda da Lago!) and check rifugi/cable car opening dates — many close in mid-October.
What’s the weather like in summer?
Summer = beautiful chaos. Mornings are fresh, afternoons can be HOT, and storms roll in fast. Bring layers, sunscreen, and respect for the mountain forecast.
And no, it’s not “flip-flops and linen” summer — unless you like wet feet and regret.
Are the Dolomites crowded in August?
Yes. And not just a bit. It’s peak peak season — especially around Italian holidays. Expect queues for cable cars, booked-out rifugi, and a lot of “ciao bella” echoing through the valleys. If you go in August, book early and aim for less obvious trailheads.
Can I visit the Dolomites in winter if I don’t ski?
Absolutely. Many towns (like Ortisei, San Cassiano, and Cortina) still buzz in winter, with Christmas markets, snowshoe trails, sledding, spas, and scenic cable cars.
Just don’t expect to hike — that’s what après-ski wine is for.
Is November a good time to visit the Dolomites?
Honestly? No. The Dolomites hit snooze in November. Hiking is mostly done, skiing hasn’t started, and many hotels and rifugi close for the season. Go to Venice instead and have the canals to yourself.
Can you hike in the Dolomites in May?
Only in the lower valleys — most high-altitude trails are still snow-covered, rifugi are closed, and cable cars may not be running. It’s a shoulder-season wildcard, not true hiking season. Stick to easy walks, check local conditions, and lower your expectations (but maybe raise a glass of wine instead).
Final Thoughts: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
You don’t need perfect weather to fall in love with the Dolomites. But timing your trip right? That’s how you go from “nice mountains” to “holy shit I’m moving here.”
Whether you want autumn larch porn, wildflower meadows, long sunny hikes, or moody snow-globe vibes, the Dolomites deliver — as long as you know what to expect. Plan smart. Pack layers. Leave room for chaos. And pick the season that lights you up, not just the one Instagram keeps screaming about.
But choose autumn.
Cat x
Loved this guide?
➔ SAVE IT for later — your future self panic-Googling Dolomites weather in September will thank you.
➔ SHARE IT with your bestie who keeps saying “we should go somewhere incredible.”
➔ YELL ABOUT IT FROM A CABLE CAR — or at least whisper to the next solo hiker you meet on the trail.
➔ DROP A COMMENT OR DM ME ON THE GRAM if you’ve got questions, fierce opinions, or want help planning your dream trip.
Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations.
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s everything you need to make it perfect!
⤷ For first-timers, my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Dolomites
⤷ My Dolomites Itinerary guide, a week of feral mountain Dolomites energy, my (slightly more chill but not much) 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary and my long weekend 3-day options from Cortina or Ortisei
⤷ Perhaps you’re wondering how to actually get to the Dolomites or the best time to visit
⤷ If you just want some inspiration then build your own adventure with these single day road trips
⤷ Here are my favourite things to do in the Dolomites (there’s wine!)
⤷ And yes, you really do need to rent a car, and maybe read some Dolomites driving tips!
DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | Complete guides for my favourite day hikes in the Dolomites.
Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda (including hiking to Seceda when the cable cars stop), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and how to get there) and Cadini di Misurina.
Bonus: what to wear hiking in the Dolomites.
DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes and where to stay when you get there (I’ve even made you a map)
ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.
THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.
ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.
