An October elopement in the Dolomites is beautiful, but the month comes with important factors to consider. The month of October comes with fast changes to weather. If you’re planning an elopement for October, come prepared for a big range of temperatures! That said, October is actually my absolute favorite month in the Dolomites, so let me convince you to consider it.

Pros and Cons of an October elopement in the Dolomites

Pros:

Cons:

October Weather at a Glance

Sunrise	Sunset	Day Length	Average Temp	Average Rainfall	Average Snowfall	Notes
±07:20	±18:30	±11 hours	10-15°C (50-60°F)	11-12 days	snowline tends to be above 2,000m (6,500ft)	Daylight savings time begins on the night of the 24th-25th

Week to week Conditions for choosing an October elopement date

Early October to late October conditions can vary wildly, and you’ll need to be prepared for a variety of weather. It’s not uncommon for October to be a dry, clear month, with chilly but comfortable temps. On a still, clear day, you may find yourself hiking in shorts and a tee shirt. It’s also not uncommon for snowfalls, below freezing temps and cold, blowing rain. You may also get both in the same day — so prepare your layers accordingly.

OCTOBER, WEEK 1

Best chance for warmest temperatures. It’s likely that the highest elevations have already seen a dusting of snow, but lower valley elevations will still be mild. Some huts remain open until this first week, depending on weather. Heavy snowstorms can happen, but still remain unlikely.

OCTOBER, WEEK 2

Now you’ll really start noticing the leaves beginning to change, and average temps fall quickly. This is my most popular week for fall colors, as it still overlaps with good chances for mild weather.

OCTOBER, WEEK 3

By the third week of October, snowfall on the highest peaks may accumulate, and even popular places like Tre Cime become inaccessible depending on conditions. If you are comfortable with cooler temps, it’s still a nice week if you come prepared.

OCTOBER, WEEK 4

By the end of October, the entire area is beginning to shut down between seasons. Restaurants, rifugios, cable cars etc. all go into maintenance mode in the 6 weeks building up to ski season. The crowds really die down by now, and with luck and flexibility, you may catch some great weather — or not.

ALSO CHECK OUT: The Ultimate Planning Guide for Eloping in the Dolomites

October Weather for a Dolomites Elopement at Different Elevations

	Valley (~1,000–1,300 m)	Mid-Mountain (~2,000 m)	High Alpine (~3,000 m)
Locations	Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia	Tre Cime, Passo Giau, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Seceda	Rifugio Lagazuoi, Piz Boé, Sorapiss, Tofana di Mezzo
Daytime Temperatures	10–15°C (50–59°F)	5–10°C (41–50°F)	Around or below freezing
Nighttime Temperatures	0–5°C (32–41°F)	-5–0°C (23–32°F)	Well below freezing
Average Monthly Rainfall	~70–100 mm (2.8–4 in)	~70–100 mm (2.8–4 in)	~70–100 mm (2.8–4 in)
Rainy / Snowy Days	8–12 days	8–12 days	8–12 days
Storm & Snow Patterns	Cooler, more stable weather; rain possible	Rain may turn to snow, especially later in the month	Snowfall is common; many areas transition to winter conditions

Why October is not an ideal month for a lake elopement

If you want your October elopement in the Dolomites to be near a lake, keep in mind water levels vary a lot this time of year. Most lakes in the Dolomites are fed by run off from winter snow. That means the highest water levels tend to be in the early summer, and lakes will slowly empty over the year. Rainy summers will keep water levels high. On the other hand, a dry summer will leave lots of higher elevation lakes totally drained or very low by fall.

As an example, the photos below are taken in the same spot at Lago Sorapis, on the same date (October 11th) two years apart. In 2022, the lake was virtually empty. In 2024, it was the fullest I’ve ever seen it. The difference came down to how wet the summer was, and two massive early snowfalls in 2024 that filled the lake. The woman below on the left is standing directly next to the boulder which is behind the couple on the right. The water on the right is roughly to her shoulder height in the left photo, for comparison.

ALSO SEE: The best lake locations in the Alps for your elopement

Seeing fall colors in the Dolomites

Fall colors in the Dolomites tend to begin turning around late September, peak in mid October, and fade entirely by early November. High winds, early snow falls and storms can drop leaves earlier. In my experience, the colors are most dramatic and full from mid to late October. The larches especially tend to peak a little later, in my experience. It’s a game of luck, but mid-October is the sweet spot with colors and conditions.

YOU’LL LIKE: J&I’s 2 day Dolomites hiking elopement in October

Crowds and Accessibility in October

By October, tourism does tend to fall off quickly, especially by the end of the month. That said, it’s still busy, just not unbearably so as is the case in from mid-June to mid-September. Popular places like Tre Cime and Lago di Braies will still be packed with visitors. You’ll notice the slowdown most on lesser known hiking trails and further into the parks vs. the tourist spots which are always busy.

Finally, keep in mind that most if not all higher alpine rifugios shut down in mid September. October is a wonderful month to elope, but plan ahead for this.

Looking for a *local* Dolomites elopement photographer?

Hi! I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in intimate destination weddings and adventure elopements all across Europe.

I’m originally from the U.S., so I’m also the perfect bridge between cultures on your elopement day!

I truly want you to have the most relaxing and fun experience possible.

If you and your partner are looking for something low key and adventurous, then I know the places, the vendors and the areas for you.

MORE DOLOMITES ELOPEMENT BLOGS YOU’LL LOVE:

• The Ultimate Planning Guide for Eloping in the Dolomites
• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• Dolomites elopement inspo for every season
• What to wear for a Dolomites elopement
• The best lake locations in the Alps for your elopement
• J&I’s 2 day Dolomites hiking elopement in October

More images from October elopements in the Dolomites: