Dolomites in October?
 

I've been reading archived threads here and have learned some pros and cons of traveling in the Dolomites in October. I do want to avoid crowds, but it sounds like many lifts, restaurants, and hotels are closed in October. I don't mind cooler weather but would like to avoid rain/snow.

We are thinking about going the very last few days of September and early October. Good idea? Bad idea? We might be able to go on September 1st-would this be better(though I imagine it would be more crowded?)?
Thanks.

I have been travelling the Dolomites in mid-September (driving from lake Garda to close to Salzburg via Cortina)several times and the weather has always been perfect, clear, crisp, no snow. At that time, most of the places I was interested in were still open, but not crowded. Of course, there is no guarantee about the weather, but odds are that you will encounter some nice days. Mid-October would definitely become "iffy".

Early September would be ideal. The crowds of August will be gone and the weather perfect. If you can go then- do it.

In October, the weather can be low clouds and rain for days. That would be the biggest drawback. You are planning early October though, so it may not be too bad.

We did the Val Gardena one year the 2nd week in Oct. and it was perfect.
But, you never know for sure.

Hi christy, I have been in the Dolomites up to the middle of September and the weather has been perfect. Twice while I was in the region of Veneto that region and the Dolomites got tremendous rainstorms and very dramatic electrical storms. If I were you I would plan your trip to this beautiful area September 1st.

Hi again christy, I meant to say twice around the middle of September the region of Veneto and the Dolomites got the heavy rainstorms and electrical storms. I must remember to edit my post, LOL.

Thanks! I think we will try to go earlier, but if that doesn't work out and we leave the US Sept. 27, I think we will still see the Dolomites (first thing, flying into Venice). It doesn't sound like anyone is saying that would be a terrible idea.

Sorry to steal this thread for a moment. Can anyone tell me what kind of weather to expect in the Dolomites in late May. Does the snow generally melt by then, or is there still a chance of spring snow showers. We are staying at the Hotel Uhrerhof in Pufels/Val Gardena. How does one plan clothes for the weather?

Thanks,

Margret

We've been to that area 12 times in the last 14 years - 10 times in October to the area around Bolzano and we've had plenty of fine weather (and also a few rainy and a couple of snowy days). Areas deeper into the Dolomites do close down at the end of September and the weather seems to change earlier there. We were in Colfosco and Sesto in late September and it was definitely the end of the season with some lifts closed, but still beautiful. So I think it depends where you are going.

Margret, It will vary greatly by elevation. The valley will be fine moderate weather but th passes may still be suspect. As always in this part of Europe, dress by layers.

Just retired - I was in the Val Gardena area near Pufels a couple of weeks ago. The snow was mostly gone from the valley - although there was still some above 2000m in the Alpe di Siusi.

You don't need to worry in May :)

Steve

Thanks so much, Steve and Bob. I'll take good walking shoes and lots of layers in case of cold at higher elevations. Steve, you sent me driving itineraries last fall when we supposed to travel- we needed to change the trip to the spring because of illness. I now have your itineraries copied into a word file, and my husband will put it into a PDA (he loves his PDA and I love paper!). I love wild flowers and gardens- where would I see them most this May?

Thanks again,

Margret

You will see tons of window box flowers in Val Gardena.

Linawood, that's very encouraging-thanks! We actually did just book for late september/early October, because wonder of wonders, we were actually able to use our frequent flier miles for free tickets (we got good flights, too).

For the poster asking about May: I tried to visit Madonna di Campiglio one May-I was going to make it a base for a few days hiking, but when I got up there most everything was closed and it snowed and sleeted on me. So I think the advice that it varies by elevation is right on.

You should see plenty of wild flowers in May. The Alpe di Siusi should be colourful by then, I think. It's a lovely area for walking ...

One or two of the main lifts should be open e.g. Lagazuoi, Sass Pordoi, Seiseralm ... - and several of the Alpe di Siusi lifts open the last weekend of May.

I remember posting the drives for you Margret - I hope you manage to do some of them :) Do post back, won't you?

Steve