The best time to visit The Dolomites
Cable cars, roads and car parks run in a summer window, so the month decides what you reach.
- Season
- Jun–Sep for hiking
- Tre Cime
- winter
- Seceda
- none in season (22 May–2 Nov 2026)
The season is Jun–Sep for hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing. In summer the cable cars, the road to the Tre Cime and the passes run; in winter the region turns to skiing, and the roads close.
Month by month
If you only pick one month — September. Temperature is the mean over the whole day (not the daily high), and a rainy day has at least 1 mm of rain; averages for 2021–2024.
The table above is the climate by month; this is what it changes in the plan. The Seceda, the Alpe di Siusi, the Tre Cime and the Marmolada run in a summer window, and each has its own dates, which shift every year.
The full plan
Everything in the plan is open: the road to the Tre Cime, the Giau Pass, Lake Braies and the cable cars. At Braies in high season only one ticket applies: combined ticket of €44 (includes a €22 food voucher), 1 July to 15 September, 9:00–16:00. For the Marmolada, booking is recommended (busy in summer).
Skiing instead of trails
The winter season is for skiing in Cortina and Val Gardena. The roads to the Tre Cime and the Giau Pass close for snow: Tre Cime: winter, road closed for snow (usually Nov–May). Giau Pass: winter, road closed for snow/avalanches (part of the year). Seceda: none in season (22 May–2 Nov 2026); closed to walk-up access in winter.
If you pick one month
The second half of September is the pick for anyone who wants everything in the plan without the crowds: the Braies peak has passed, and the cable cars are still open. The Marmolada is on a deadline here: seasonal (summer runs to 27 Sep 2026, then winter break). So it goes first, and the Seceda, which runs longer, can wait.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
When is the best time to go?
Jun–Sep for hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
When is the road to the Tre Cime closed?
winter, road closed for snow (usually Nov–May).
When does the Seceda cable car run?
none in season (22 May–2 Nov 2026); closed to walk-up access in winter.
Ready for The Dolomites?
Where to next
Getting around The Dolomites
→Venice opens the east, Bolzano the west, and inside you move by car, cable car and seasonal roads.
Venice · 123 km
→A city without a single car, built on 118 islets
How well does The Dolomites suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
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