Summer in the Dolomites runs from late June to late September. The snow retreats from the high trails, the lifts start turning, and the mountain huts open their doors. It is the season for hiking under pale rock towers, sleeping in huts, and long lunches with a view. Here is what a Dolomites summer looks like, and where to start.

When the season starts

Most low and mid-altitude huts open around 20 June, and the rest follow as their paths clear of snow. July and early September are the most reliable months for high routes. August is the warmest and busiest, with the Italian Ferragosto holiday on 15 August at its peak. Our month-by-month guide, the best time to visit the Dolomites, has the details.

Aerial view of the Seceda ridge and its green slopes in summer
Seceda · Val GardenaSeceda above Val Gardena: a knife-edge ridge over green alpine meadows.

Classic summer hikes

  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo: the famous loop around the three towers, starting from Rifugio Auronzo at the end of the toll road.
  • Seceda: a cable car from Ortisei up to one of the most photographed ridges in the Alps.
  • Alpe di Siusi: easy walks across Europe's largest high alpine meadow, below the Sassolungo and the Sciliar.
  • Cadini di Misurina: a short, steep path to a viewpoint over a forest of jagged spires.
  • Lago di Braies: an emerald lake ringed by cliffs, and the start of the Alta Via 1.
The three rock towers of Tre Cime di Lavaredo under big clouds
Tre Cime di LavaredoThe three towers, the best-known shape in the Dolomites.

Hut to hut

The Dolomites have a dense network of mountain huts (rifugi), many reached only on foot. You can walk from hut to hut for days on the long-distance Alte Vie, such as the Alta Via 1 from Lago di Braies, sleeping in dormitories or small rooms and eating hearty mountain food. Start a multi-day route no earlier than the last week of June, and book huts well ahead: see what to book in advance.

A lone hiker on a winding path across a green slope below a cloud-covered Seceda ridge
Below SecedaMany trails start right from a lift station, so even short walks reach big scenery.

Via ferratas

Many Dolomites routes follow iron cables, ladders and rungs, some built along First World War front lines. They let walkers reach places otherwise reserved for climbers. You need a helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard, a head for heights and settled weather. If you are new to them, go with a mountain guide.

Weather and safety

Summer storms can build within minutes. Start early, aim to be off exposed ridges and via ferratas by early afternoon, carry a warm layer and rain jacket even on hot days, and check the forecast every morning. In an emergency, call 112.

Jagged rock spires of the Cadini di Misurina rising through mist
Cadini di MisurinaWhen cloud rolls in, the spires of the Cadini appear and vanish within minutes.

Where to stay in summer

Val Gardena and Alta Badia put you close to the most lifts and huts. Cortina is the base for the Tre Cime and the eastern Dolomites. Alpe di Siusi suits families and gentle walkers. Compare them in which Dolomites valley to stay in.