Italy, Europe

The Dolomites in August

Full summer, but the most crowded weeks, especially around Ferragosto on August 15. Book huts and hotels early.

GoodWarm, valley highs near 72F (22C), thunderstorms

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Dolomites — The DolomitesPhoto: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder. Feel free to use my photos, but ple, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a good month to visit the Dolomites. Full summer, but the most crowded weeks, especially around Ferragosto on August 15. Book huts and hotels early.

Weather: Warm, valley highs near 72F (22C), thunderstorms
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in the Dolomites

August is full summer and the most crowded month. Valley highs sit near 72F (22C), and thunderstorms roll through many afternoons. The busiest days fall around Ferragosto on August 15, when Italians head to the mountains. Prices are at their highest, and huts and hotels fill early.

It suits families tied to school holidays and anyone who books far ahead. Start hikes early and pick quieter valleys to base yourself. If you can shift dates, the first half of July or the first half of September gives you the same access with more space.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.

Everything open

All lifts, huts, and trails are running, so any hike or viewpoint is within reach.

Alpe di Siusi with kids

Flat, gentle trails and farm huts with playgrounds make the meadow a family winner. Use the cable car, since car access is limited by day.

Quieter valleys

Val di Funes and Val di Fassa feel calmer than Ortisei or Cortina during the August rush.

What to pack for August

A rain jacket for storms
Hiking boots and poles
Sun protection
A light warm layer for high ground

Our timing tip

Avoid planning big outings for the days around Ferragosto on August 15, and take the first lift each morning for quieter viewpoints.

Book The Dolomites for August.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Dolomites
Opens a hotel search for The Dolomites in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The Dolomites
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The Dolomites
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Dolomites for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in the Dolomites

Full guide

Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop

The famous three peaks, reached by a toll road to the Auronzo hut. Arrive early; the lot and road can fill in summer.

Tickets and tours →

Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

Europe's largest high alpine meadow, with gentle trails and the Sassolungo behind it. Private car access is restricted during the day in season, so use the cable car from Siusi or Ortisei.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Seceda ridgeline, Val Gardena

Take the lift from Ortisei for one of the most photographed ridges in the Alps. Early lifts beat the crowds.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Lago di Braies

The famous emerald lake with rowboats. In peak summer the access road is restricted and parking must be booked; check current rules.

Tickets and tours →

Sella Ronda

A roughly day-long ski circuit around the Sella group in winter, and a classic road cycling loop over four passes in summer.

Tickets and tours →

Cortina d'Ampezzo

The glamorous resort town and a base for the Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and the wartime open-air museums.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Take the first lift of the day in summer. The famous viewpoints (Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Tre Cime) are quiet before 9am and crowded by 11am.
Choose the first half of July or the first half of September over August. Everything is open and the huts are far easier to book.
Base yourself in quieter valleys like Val di Funes, Val di Fassa, or the Val Badia side villages rather than the busiest parts of Ortisei or Cortina.
Book mountain huts months ahead for overnight hikes in July and August; the popular ones fill early.

Know before you go

Most summer lifts run from about mid June to mid or late September; some keep running into early October. Winter lifts run from early December to early April.
Mountain huts generally open from about mid or late June to mid or late September. Outside those weeks, overnight hiking is not practical.
Many hotels close for several weeks in the spring and autumn gaps, usually from around mid April to late May and from mid October to late November.
High mountain passes can close briefly for snow even in early summer or late September. Tre Cime and Braies access rules change year to year, so check them before you go.

The Dolomites in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit the Dolomites?

August is a good month to visit the Dolomites. Full summer, but the most crowded weeks, especially around Ferragosto on August 15. Book huts and hotels early.

What is the weather like in the Dolomites in August?

Warm, valley highs near 72F (22C), thunderstorms.

Is the Dolomites crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in the Dolomites; expect lines at the headline sights.