When is the best season for a Dolomites Italy elopement?

There’s no “one size fits all” answer when choosing the best season for a Dolomites Italy elopement. You’ll need to consider the kind of weather you like, how keen you are to avoid crowds and what kind of activities interest you most. Generally, tourism peaks in July and August, so book things fast and early for the high summer season. Fall is quickly becoming a second wind for tourism though, so hiking trails can be crowded all the way until the end of October. Winter is absolutely incredible as well if you’re into skiing, snowboarding or other snow sports!

Spring is the only season I personally find least exciting, mostly because it’s a harsh “shoulder season.”

From March to late May, things are still pretty cold, wet and icy on the mountains. The huts and lifts are also down for maintenance and cleaning between March and June. It isn’t until mid to late June that things really start to warm up, thaw out and open up.

Overview of Seasonal Climate Data for Weather in the Dolomites

The below graph shows the monthly averages for rainfall, temperatures and hours of daylight (fahrenheit and inches). Please keep in mind this is for Cortina d’Ampezzo, which sits at an elevation of 4,000ft (1,224m). Higher elevations will have lower temperatures and quickly changing weather. Lower elevations will on average be warmer.

July and August are the warmest, sunniest months. June is often the wettest and has muddy ground conditions from the melting snow. Hopefully, this data helps you decide what is for you the best season for a Dolomites Italy elopement.

Overview of Monthly Temperatures and Days of Rain in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Winter Elopements in the Dolomites

Activities: hiking, snow shoeing, skiing, sledding, apres ski, snowboarding, snowball fights, star and night photos

Locations: Cortina and other major ski areas (Dolomiti Superski)

Things to watch out for: icy roads and pass closures due to snow levels. Make sure to have snow chains.

Weather: below freezing, cold and snowy, but often dry and clear

READ MORE: How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites

Best season for a Dolomites Italy elopement: Fall

Activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, kayaking, camping

Locations: all locations are accessible as long as there is no early, heavy snowfall (things are usually clear up until late September or October)

Things to watch out for: moody weather, cold nights/mornings, huts beginning to shut down for the winter season

Weather: prepare for a wild mix. Many early fall days in the Dolomites are sunny and warm, almost summer like. Other days can be chilly, windy and spitting rain. Sometimes it’s both in one day! Layer up smartly and come prepared.

Summer Elopements in the Dolomites

Activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, kayaking

Locations: Seceda UNESCO, Seiser Alm, Tre Cime and all higher passes and elevations

Things to watch out for: crowds, overbooked hotels and tours. Many higher elevations lakes dry out quickly (Lago di Sorapis and Braies tend to look pretty drained by the end of summer).

Weather: the sun is STRONG at higher altitudes this time of year. Wear sunscreen always. It can also be very warm, so plan for a range of temperatures if you’re moving up and down altitudes a lot. Summer storms can bring lightening, which is a no go on the mountains. Other than the occasional storm, weather in summer is ideal.

Spring Dolomites Italy elopement

Activities: weather dependent; March/April can still offer great skiing, while hiking above 2,000m can be ideal as early as mid-May or as late as July.

Locations: ski areas with operating lifts, and areas with open passes

Things to watch out for: late snowfall and delayed pass, lift and hut openings. Some passes and areas will remain closed until mid or even late June on years when snowfall is heavy. Remember, the weather in the valley is NOT the same as the weather 2,000 meters up! June may feel like summer where your hotel is, but once you start climbing elevation, things can change dramatically.

Weather: pleasant, or wet, chilly and unpredictable

CONTINUE READING ABOUT DOLOMITES LOCATIONS WITH THESE OTHER BLOGS:

• How to elope in the Dolomites for every budget
• What to wear for a Dolomites elopement
• Tre Cime National Park elopement photos
• How to plan a ski wedding in the Dolomites
• 7 tips for photos at Lago di Braies

READY TO HIRE A DOLOMITES ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?

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

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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.