When should I book a Dolomites hiking trip?

For July and August dates, book 6-9 months ahead. For June or September, 3-6 months is usually enough, though popular rifugios on the Alta Via 1 sell out early.

Are rifugios open year-round?

No. Most Dolomites rifugios operate mid-June through late September only. Outside that window, high-route itineraries aren't available.

What's included whichever month I travel?

Accommodation each night, luggage transfer where roads allow, route notes in our app, and 24/7 support - the same on every Dolomites departure regardless of season.

Does the price change by season?

Yes, slightly - peak July and August dates can run a little higher than June or September departures. Contact us for current seasonal pricing.

Can I hike solo in shoulder season?

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on all Dolomites departures, including June and September.

What gear changes by season?

Early June and late September call for warmer layers and a higher chance of wet-weather gear. Full seasonal kit guidance is included in your pre-trip pack.

Which grade suits shoulder-season hiking?

Our Easy and Easy-Moderate valley routes around Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi are more forgiving of shoulder-season weather than the high Alta Via routes.

Can I move my dates once booked?

Yes, subject to availability. Contact our team as early as possible if you need to shift your Dolomites hiking dates.

4.8(160)

Best Time to Hike the Dolomites

Timing makes or breaks a Dolomites hiking trip - rifugios open and close on a tight seasonal window, and conditions on high routes like the Alta Via 1 shift fast above 2,000m. Macs Adventure has run self-guided Dolomites trips for 20+ years, and this guide covers what to expect month by month.

Mid-June through late September is the core season, with July and August the busiest and most reliable for weather. Shoulder weeks in June and September bring quieter trails but a real chance of snow at altitude on routes like the Alta Via 1.

For the full Dolomites route and region overview, see our main Dolomites hiking tours page.

Dolomites, Italy
Lake Braies
Dolomites, Italy
Alta Via 1, Dolomites

4 hand-picked routes

Italy
4.7 (42)
Walking in the Heart of the Dolomites
Walking
7 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$4,005CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.7 (35)
The Dolomites to Lake Garda
Walking
8 days
Moderate
from$2,900CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.7 (31)
Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort
Walking
9 days
Moderate
from$4,070CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.8 (52)
Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)
Walking
7–10 days
Moderate - Challenging
from$2,245CAD pp
View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!
October 2026
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided
June 2026
West Highland Way, Scotland
October 2026
Hadrian's Wall Path, England
June 2026
Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England
August 2026
Via Alpina, Switzerland
In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try
October 2026
Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

What's the single best month to hike
Early-to-mid September is our top pick - reliable rifugio access, thinner crowds than August, and often still-stable weather.
Is June too early
Early June can still have snow on high passes and some rifugios only just opening. Mid-to-late June is safer for routes like the Alta Via 1.
How busy is July and August
Peak season - rifugios and hotels book out early, especially on the Alta Via 1 and around Cortina d'Ampezzo. Book 6-9 months ahead if targeting these months.
What about October
Most rifugios close by late September or early October, and snow risk rises quickly at altitude. We generally don't recommend high routes in October.
Do valley routes have a longer season
Yes. Trails around Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi, with cable-car access, are comfortably walkable from late May through early October.

Best Time to Hike the Dolomites