Italy, Europe
The Dolomites in September
Stable weather and thinner crowds. Many huts and lifts close from mid to late September.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Stable weather and thinner crowds. Many huts and lifts close from mid to late September.
- Weather
- Crisp and clear, valley highs near 64F (18C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in the Dolomites
September is one of the best months. Days are crisp and clear, with valley highs near 64F (18C), and the weather is often stable. Crowds thin once school is back. Many huts and lifts close from mid to late September, so the first half of the month offers the best mix of access and calm. Cattle drives bring cows down from the pastures, decorated with flowers.
It suits hikers, couples, and photographers who want clear views and fewer people. Families with small children not yet in school love it too. Check lift and hut dates before you book. If you come later, October brings golden larches but fewer open lifts.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.
Stable hiking weather
Early September often has clear, settled days, ideal for longer hikes like the Tre Cime loop.
Autumn cattle drives
From mid September, cows come down from summer pastures wearing flowers and bells, often with village festivities.
Seceda at sunrise
Take the early lift from Ortisei for the famous ridgeline with far fewer people than in August.
What to pack for September
- Warm layers for cold mornings
- Hiking boots
- A light rain shell
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Our timing tip
Come in the first half of September and check your lifts' closing dates, since many stop running from mid to late month.
Book The Dolomites for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The DolomitesOpens a hotel search for The Dolomites in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Autumn cattle drives (Almabtrieb)
Mid September to early October
Cows come down from summer pastures decorated with flowers and bells, often with village festivities.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit the Dolomites?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Stable weather and thinner crowds. Many huts and lifts close from mid to late September.
What is the weather like in the Dolomites in September?
Crisp and clear, valley highs near 64F (18C).
Is the Dolomites crowded in September?
Crowds in the Dolomites are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in the Dolomites in September?
Autumn cattle drives (Almabtrieb) (mid september to early october).
Keep planning The Dolomites.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
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