Italy, Europe

The Dolomites in July

Everything open, wildflowers everywhere. Start hikes early to beat both the crowds and the storms.

BestWarm, valley highs near 73F (23C), afternoon storms

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

July is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Everything open, wildflowers everywhere. Start hikes early to beat both the crowds and the storms.

Weather: Warm, valley highs near 73F (23C), afternoon storms
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What July is like in the Dolomites

July is peak hiking season. Valley highs sit near 73F (23C), everything is open, and wildflowers are everywhere. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so hikers start early. Crowds and prices are high but still a step below August. In early July the Maratona dles Dolomites cycling race closes some passes to cars for a day.

This month suits hikers, families, and first-time visitors who want everything open. Book mountain huts months ahead for overnight hikes. If you want fewer people, the first half of July is better than the second. The first half of September is the other great window.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop

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

Maratona dles Dolomites

The big amateur cycling race over the passes takes place in early July. Passes close to cars during the event.

Hut-to-hut hiking

All the mountain huts are open, making overnight hikes possible if you booked ahead.

What to pack for July

A rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms
Sturdy hiking boots
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
A warm layer for the summits
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Take the first lift of the day in July and plan to be off exposed ridges by early afternoon, when thunderstorms often build.

Book The Dolomites for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Dolomites
Opens a hotel search for The Dolomites in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

Maratona dles Dolomites

Early July

A huge amateur cycling race over the Dolomite passes from Alta Badia. Passes close to cars during the event.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit the Dolomites?

July is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Everything open, wildflowers everywhere. Start hikes early to beat both the crowds and the storms.

What is the weather like in the Dolomites in July?

Warm, valley highs near 73F (23C), afternoon storms.

Is the Dolomites crowded in July?

the Dolomites is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in the Dolomites in July?

Maratona dles Dolomites (early july).