Best time to visit the Dolomites – Seasonal guide & ideal months

Find the best time to visit the Dolomites with a clear overview of seasons, weather conditions, lift openings and ideal months for hiking, skiing and scenic mountain experiences. Whether you seek snow-covered slopes, flower-filled meadows, or tranquil trails, every season in the Dolomites offers its own beauty and experiences. Here is how to find the perfect moment for your mountain escape and the ideal place to stay.

When to visit the Dolomites?

The right time to visit the Dolomites depends on what you want to experience. The region offers two main seasons: a summer period from June to September, ideal for hiking and panoramic viewpoints, and a winter season from December to March, dedicated to skiing in top ski areas and snow-based activities. Shoulder months such as May, October and November deliver beautiful scenery but have limited lift operations and some accommodation closures, which is important to consider at the planning stage.

Visiting the Dolomites in Summer (June-September)

Summer is considered the prime season for travellers who want accessible trails, stable weather and long daylight hours. Most lifts open from mid-June to late September, allowing quick access to panoramic routes. July and August offer warm temperatures and the busiest atmosphere, while September is often favoured for clearer skies, fewer crowds and excellent hiking conditions like at Cinque Torri, Tre Cime di Lavaredo or on Alpe di Siusi.

Visiting the Dolomites in Autumn (October-November)

October delivers some of the most striking colours of the year, especially in larch forests. It’s a quieter month with crisp air and peaceful valleys. However, lift schedules reduce significantly, and higher-altitude paths may see early snowfall.

Visiting the Dolomites in Winter (December-March)

For skiing and snowboarding, winter with Christmas-time and the Carnival period is the key season. Resorts of the Dolomiti Superski area such as Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cortina and Kronplatz offer reliable snowfall thanks to extensive snowmaking and well-managed slopes. December and January bring the coldest temperatures, while February and early March offer longer days and excellent ski conditions.

Visiting the Dolomites in Spring (April-May)

Spring is a transitional period with melting snow and quiet resorts. Many hotels, mountain huts and lifts remain closed until early summer. Although scenic, it’s not the most practical period for activities unless you prefer off-season tranquillity.

Special events & festivals

Experience local culture by attending festivals and events throughout the year.

  • Winter: Krampus parades, Christmas markets and New Year celebrations
  • Spring: Flower festivals and Easter events
  • Summer: Music festivals and outdoor concerts
  • Autumn: Sagra harvest festivals and traditional fairs

For culture lovers: Visiting small towns

Explore small towns like Castelrotto, Dobbiaco, Auronzo and Canazei, which offer a mix of cultural and natural attractions. As they are located in different Italian Dolomites regions – South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno – they offer linguistic, popular and scenic variety.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit the Dolomites for hiking?

June to September offers the most stable weather and open lifts. September is especially popular thanks to clear skies and quieter trails.

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites for skiing?

December to March is ideal, with excellent conditions across major ski areas such as Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Is October a good month to visit the Dolomites?

October offers beautiful autumn colours and calmer valleys, but many lifts close and higher trails can be affected by early snowfall.

When are the Dolomites least crowded?

Late September, early October, April and May are the quietest periods. However, spring and late autumn have limited lift operations and hotel availability.