Weather & Climate in the Dolomites

Experience the mild summers and cold, sunny days of winter in the Dolomites!

The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps – perfect for year-round active adventures. As a mountain range, the Dolomites receive less precipitation on an annual basis than the majority of the Alps do. In fact, the Dolomites take advantage of the protection offered by the Alps themselves, blocking very cold air coming from northern Europe and Russia.

The northern part of the Dolomites, including in the South Tyrol (Sudtirol / Alto Adige), receive the least precipitation, as the more southerly Dolomite groups break up big storms that come from the south, leaving the north with more desirable conditions. The Brenta Dolomites area to the southwest tends to be struck with cold spells created, by storms that have pushed up from the south. Meanwhile, more fog is created in the eastern parts of the Dolomites, when the cold air mixes with the warmer air from nearby Venice.

The summer months (mid-July through September) have warm temperatures and plenty of sun – perfect for hiking, climbing, via ferrata, and cycling trips. While the average maximum temperature may reach some 25 degrees Celsius (80°F) on the valley floors, the gentle wind of the Dolomites provides refreshing moments in the shade of rich green woods, and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.

In fall the temperature drops, but weather conditions remain stable and pleasant, making the Dolomites a perfect place for “late summer” adventures!

Winter snow usually begins to accumulate in December, lasting through March, and sometimes into April. While winter temperatures do fall below freezing, the sun shines an unparalleled eight days out of ten in the Dolomites – more than any other range in the Alps! The sunny winter paradise of the Dolomite Mountains combined with ample snowfall makes skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures here unbeatable.

Spring returns with warmer weather and longer days, but also with rain. But this too is welcomed, as it clears the air for spectacular vistas and brings beautiful green valleys and pastures overflowing with wildflowers.

Below are monthly average weather information for Cortina d’Ampezzo, on the valley floor of the Dolomites, and one of the most popular areas to visit.  

Weather in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Elevation 1,224m (4,016')       Latitude 45°52'N         Longitude 007° 36'E

Sources: www.holidaycheck.com and http://aa.usno.navy.mil

Keep in mind that temperature is affected both by elevation and wind speed. As you gain elevation, it will be colder. For every 1,000 meters (3,281') you climb, the temperature will drop 6.5 degrees Celsius (3.6°F for every 1,000'). What may be a 27-degree Celsius (80°F) day in Cortina could be 15 degrees (60°F) on one of the summits. What’s more, mountain peaks and passes are susceptible to strong winds. If it is windy, it will feel colder, due to the wind chill factor. This can make temperatures feel well below freezing during winter. At freezing (0°C / 32°F), with a wind of 50 kilometers per hour (31mph), the wind chill temperature would be -8 degrees Celsius (17°F).

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