Italy, Europe
The Dolomites in October
Golden larches and quiet trails, but most lifts and huts are closed. Great for valley walks and harvest food.
The straight answer
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Dolomites. Golden larches and quiet trails, but most lifts and huts are closed. Great for valley walks and harvest food.
- Weather
- Cool, valley highs near 55F (13C), early snow possible
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in the Dolomites
October turns cool, with valley highs near 55F (13C) and early snow possible up high. The larch trees turn gold and the trails are quiet. Most lifts and huts are closed, so big hikes are harder, and some hotels shut from mid month. Crowds and prices drop.
It suits walkers, photographers, and food lovers who enjoy valley hikes and harvest season. Torggelen season in South Tyrol brings new wine and roasted chestnuts at farmhouse taverns. Pack for cold mornings and possible snow up high. If you want lifts and huts open, come in early September instead.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.
Golden larches
The larch forests turn bright gold, beautiful on lower trails and in valleys like Val di Funes.
Torggelen season
Farmhouse taverns serve new wine, roasted chestnuts, and hearty food after the harvest.
Last cattle drives
Some cattle drives continue into early October, with cows decorated for the trip down.
What to pack for October
- A warm jacket and layers
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- A hat and gloves for cold mornings
- A rain shell
Our timing tip
Book an October stay in a valley town that stays open all year, and plan hikes that do not rely on lifts.
Book The Dolomites for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The DolomitesOpens a hotel search for The Dolomites in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The DolomitesWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The DolomitesTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Dolomites for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Autumn cattle drives (Almabtrieb)
Mid September to early October
Cows come down from summer pastures decorated with flowers and bells, often with village festivities.
Torggelen season in South Tyrol
October into November
Farmhouse taverns serve new wine, roasted chestnuts, and hearty food after the harvest.
Things to do in the Dolomites
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.
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.
Seceda ridgeline, Val Gardena
Take the lift from Ortisei for one of the most photographed ridges in the Alps. Early lifts beat the crowds.
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.
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.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The glamorous resort town and a base for the Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and the wartime open-air museums.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit the Dolomites?
October is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Dolomites. Golden larches and quiet trails, but most lifts and huts are closed. Great for valley walks and harvest food.
What is the weather like in the Dolomites in October?
Cool, valley highs near 55F (13C), early snow possible.
Is the Dolomites crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in the Dolomites; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in the Dolomites in October?
Autumn cattle drives (Almabtrieb) (mid september to early october); Torggelen season in South Tyrol (october into november).
Keep planning The Dolomites.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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