The best period for hiking in the Dolomites is from July through the middle of September, but some hut-to-hut itineraries are accessible from the second week of June through mid-October.
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Weather/Climate in the DolomitesAll mountain regions get a fair amount of rain in summer and the Dolomites are no exception. June and September are the driest months.
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.
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.
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.
The little villages in the bernese oberland valley are charming and certainly worth experiencing. We found the Dolomites to be less touristy as compared to BO/swiss alps. You will find tons of tourists in July Switzerland. And the Dolomites will be cheaper as compared to BO.
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.
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.
The cool mountain air, blue-bird skies, solitude, and a wide array of autumn colours. They say perfection doesn't exist but when it comes down to hiking in the Dolomites, there is no better time for it than October.
If you're wondering how to get to the Dolomites then you first need to understand that the area is best explored by car. It can be reached by car from Venice in 2 hours, and from Milan in 4 hours. I recommend renting a car and planning a road trip through the Dolomites for the best experience.
Seasonal Planning for Travel to the DolomitesIf 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.
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.
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!