The Dolomites are spectacular in every season, but the experience changes completely through the year. The right time to visit depends on whether you dream of alpine meadows and mountain huts, snowy slopes or quiet valleys. Here is our season-by-season guide.
Summer (mid-June to mid-September): hiking season
Summer is the classic season for hiking. From mid-June, cable cars and chairlifts reopen and the mountain huts, known as rifugi, welcome walkers with hearty lunches and breathtaking views. Late June and early July bring wildflowers to the meadows of the Alpe di Siusi.
July and August are the busiest months, especially during the Italian holidays in mid-August. Popular places like Lago di Braies, Seceda and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo can be busy, so we plan early starts, private guides and lesser-known trails to make the most of each day.
September: our favourite month
September is often the best time to hike in the Dolomites. The weather tends to be stable, the light is golden and the trails are quieter after the summer holidays. Most lifts and huts stay open until mid or late September, and the first autumn colours appear in the larches.
October and November: the quiet months
From October, most lifts and many mountain huts close, and many hotels take a break before winter. The valleys are peaceful and beautiful, with golden larch forests, but options are limited. These months suit travellers who enjoy quiet walks, spa hotels and local food rather than high-altitude hiking.
Winter (December to early April): ski season
The ski season usually runs from early December to early April. The Dolomiti Superski area is one of the largest ski networks in the world, including the famous Sella Ronda circuit around the Sella massif. Snow-covered villages, cosy mountain huts and excellent spa hotels make winter magical even for non-skiers.
December also brings the Christmas markets of Bolzano and Bressanone, among the most charming in Italy.
May: between seasons
In May, the ski season is over but the hiking season has not yet begun. Snow often remains at higher altitudes, and many lifts and huts are closed. Lower valleys can be lovely for walking and cycling, but we generally recommend waiting until mid-June for a hiking holiday.
Our recommendations
- For hiking: late June to mid-September, ideally September.
- For wildflowers: late June and early July.
- For skiing: mid-December to March.
- For quiet and autumn colours: late September and early October.
Discover more on our Dolomites page, or see our nine-day Dolomites journey in our sample journeys.
Planning a trip to the Dolomites? Tell us about your journey for a free, tailor-made proposal, or book a free 30-minute call with our team.