What is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

There's no best time to visit the Dolomites; the region delights all year. While the rest of Italy sizzles Jul-Sep, temperatures here rarely top 25°C, with the odd thundery downpour – perfect for an active summer break. To avoid the crowds, visit in May, June or autumn, when it's cool and settled.



The best time to visit the Italian Dolomites in 2026 depends on your interests: June to September for hiking, and December to March for skiing. For hikers, the "sweet spot" is late June, when the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom and the mountain huts (Rifugios) have just opened for the season. September is also highly recommended for its stable, clear weather and vibrant autumn colors, which are a "gold mine" for photographers. For those looking to avoid crowds and high prices, the "shoulder seasons" of May and October offer a peaceful experience, though many cable cars and huts may be closed. It is a high-value peer tip to avoid the month of August, as this is when most of Italy is on holiday, leading to packed trails and "peak season" pricing. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, February offers the best snow conditions and a lively "Après-ski" culture. Regardless of the month, always check the local weather, as mountain conditions can change rapidly even in the middle of summer.

People Also Ask

If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. I recommend five days at a minimum. So far, we spent 12 very busy days in the Dolomites and still have more that we want to come back and do.

MORE DETAILS

Weather/Climate in the Dolomites All mountain regions get a fair amount of rain in summer and the Dolomites are no exception. June and September are the driest months.

MORE DETAILS

THE DOLOMITES ARE EXPENSIVE BUT ALSO AFFORDABLE WITH THESE TIPS. We're not going to lie, the Dolomites can be very expensive, and for many travellers, prohibitively so. Accommodation, especially in popular areas, can exceed €200 per night and will likely be your largest cost.

MORE DETAILS

The main international airports closer to the Dolomites are the one in Venice (160km) and the one in Munich (Germany). There also are smaller airports in the region, in Treviso, Verona and Innsbruk (Austria). We recommend flying to Venice (Marco Polo) as a first choice.

MORE DETAILS

The dolomites are a major tourist destination so, as with all tourist destinations in Italy in August, they get crowded and expensive. If you can't do July, try end of June or the beginning of September.

MORE DETAILS

The only real drawback to visiting the Dolomites in the summer is that it's peak season, which runs from June to late August. While you won't experience the same kinds of crowds as the Vatican City at Easter or Venice during Carnevale, many hiking trails can get busy, and prices will be higher.

MORE DETAILS

PRO TIP: Hiking is NOT all difficult in the Dolomites. There are plenty of trails that are rated easy and medium on the challenge scale, and everything is very well marked. In fact, some of the most iconic views from the Dolomites can be accessed by an easy hike!

MORE DETAILS

Seasonal Planning for Travel to the Dolomites If you're into skiing, winter is ideal. If it's hiking you're after, summer and early fall is your best bet. Temperatures and weather conditions vary depending on how high you go into the mountains. In all seasons it's important to be prepared with layers of clothing.

MORE DETAILS

Finding out where to stay in the Dolomites is the most important decision when planning a trip to this region of Northern Italy. The best places to stay in the Dolomites are Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Martino di Castrozza, Alta Pusteria, and Val di Funes.

MORE DETAILS

Can you get altitude sickness in the Dolomites? Yes, but it's not likely. Altitude sickness usually starts to kick in above 2,500 meters and can present itself (at these mild altitudes) with shortness of breath or an accelerated heartbeat.

MORE DETAILS

Bolzano (Bozen) is a beautiful city often referred to as the “Gateway to the Dolomites”, which is comprised of a lovely mixture of cultural displays, open air markets, restaurants and high end shops.

MORE DETAILS