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Dolomites in Summer vs. Autumn:When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Dolomites in Summer vs. Autumn: When is the best Time to Visit?

Reading time:
15 min
Content:
Madison McCardle & Max Rive
Editor:
Madison McCardle
Date:
March 28, 25

Read time
15 min
Content:
Max Rive
Editor:
Madison

Planning a trip to the Dolomites but can’t decide which season to visit?

The Dolomites is a must-see destination for every landscape photographer. This location has it all—towering, jagged cliffs, epic mountain ranges, beautiful weather conditions, and an abundance of foreground options. It offers countless unique and unexplored areas. According to Max Rive, who has been exploring the Dolomites since 2012, here is everything you need to know about the weather conditions and shooting options in summer vs. autumn to help you plan the perfect Dolomites photography trip.

Looking for a detailed Dolomites photography guide? Read more here!

1 .From Idea to Photo

2.Pre-Work

3. Background Subject First!

When is Summer?

The summer season starts at the beginning of July and runs until the end of August, sometimes even into September. It can start a few weeks earlier or later than July 1st, depending on the year. Recently, summer has been starting earlier, so if you plan your trip in July, you are almost certain to experience summer conditions.

When is Autumn?

The first autumn colors start appearing at the beginning of October and can last until mid-November. However, autumn can end abruptly with a big snowfall or strong winds, which can quickly strip the trees of their colors. Sometimes autumn arrives late as well. For example, in 2023, autumn started around October 20th, but just a week later, a major snowfall marked the start of winter. If you are serious about capturing the autumn colors, allow for a flexible schedule to accommodate potential delays or changes in conditions.

Weather Conditions

Summer

A mix of sun and rain, with transitions between the two often providing the best photography conditions. Afternoon rain showers are common due to rising warm air forming cumulus clouds, which can create spectacular thunderstorms. These late-afternoon storms often clear up by sunset, leading to dramatic skies with distant rain clouds. Early mornings can bring fog, formed from the previous night’s rainfall. Extended sunny periods without clouds are possible but not very likely. Similarly, prolonged rainy periods (a week or more of non-stop rain) are rare but can happen. The weather in the Dolomites is unpredictable—snow can even occur at higher elevations (2,500m) in the middle of summer, though this is uncommon. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C.

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Autumn

The weather is more stable and less extreme than in summer due to the lack of drastic temperature changes. Cumulus clouds, rain showers, and thunderstorms are less frequent. A good balance of sun and clouds makes for excellent photography conditions. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations (2,000m and above). Lakes often start freezing around mid-October or later. Light snowfall can add a beautiful touch, but it melts quickly from trees once the sun comes out so you have to be quick to photograph it. Mist is more temperature-dependent in autumn than in summer but can still form at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.

Foreground Options

Summer

• Wildflowers: More than 800 species of wildflowers bloom in the Dolomites. Popular varieties include Soldanella Alpina (Alpine Snowbell), Papaver Alpinum (Alpine Poppy), and Cyclamen.

• Lakes and pools: Great for reflections.

• Water streams: Temporary streams appear after significant rainfall, providing excellent foreground options. These streams can disappear within a day if conditions dry up.

Autumn

• Colorful trees dominate the mid-ground.

• Tree roots can serve as natural leading lines.

• Lakes with fallen tree trunks can add to the autumn mood.

• Water streams are still an option but are less common than in summer.

• Fewer foreground options make composition more challenging in autumn.

A note on water streams: Many of the rocks in the Dolomites are made of limestone or granite. Due to the permeable nature of limestone, waterways aren’t common as the water passes through the rock. There must be significant rainfall for waterways to form, but when they do, they are incredible to photograph. For example, Max went up the Drizenen and took the following photos. During normal to dry periods, these streams do not exist. The stream you see in this photo was 80% gone by the following day.

Best Photography Locations

Summer

Passo Gardena: Peaks are beautifully illuminated at sunrise and sunset, with thousands of flower options in the foreground. In autumn, this location lacks light on the peaks, and foreground options are very limited.

The Tower: This location receives perfect lighting in summer and offers many wildflower foregrounds. In autumn, there’s no light on the peak and no flowers.

Autumn

St. Johann Church: The colorful trees create a striking contrast against the dark green evergreens. Mist adds extra depth. In summer, this contrast is absent since all trees are green.

Seceda: The sunrise angle in autumn creates excellent depth. In summer, the sun rises too far to the left for optimal lighting.

Other Considerations

Crowds: Summer sees more tourists, but sunrise and sunset are generally quiet. In autumn, you may find more landscape photographers at popular locations.

Accommodation: Summer is peak season, making accommodations more expensive. In autumn, prices may be lower, but some accommodations close for the season.

Final Thoughts

Both summer and autumn offer unique opportunities for photographers and travelers in the Dolomites. Summer is vibrant, with lush greenery, wildflowers, and dynamic weather conditions that create dramatic skies. Autumn, on the other hand, transforms the landscape with stunning golden hues, misty atmospheres, and a more peaceful experience.

If you love capturing vivid landscapes, reflections in lakes, and wildflower foregrounds, summer is the perfect time for you. If you prefer moody scenes, striking fall colors, and atmospheric mist, autumn will provide a completely different but equally breathtaking experience.

Since both seasons offer vastly different atmospheres, visiting in both summer and autumn is highly recommended to fully appreciate the Dolomites' diverse beauty. No matter when you go, flexibility is key—Dolomites weather is unpredictable, and waiting for the right conditions can make all the difference in your photography.

At the end of the day, the best season depends on your creative vision and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you visit in summer or autumn, the Dolomites will leave you with unforgettable moments and incredible photographs.

Planning a trip to the Dolomites? Read more here for detailed information regarding the best areas to visit.

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER &
PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Max Rive is most driven by seeking new perspectives in the natural world and capturing them in his own distinguished style. Max's powerful portrayals of his interactions with the mountains has earned him international recognition in the outdoor community.

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER &
PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Madison McCardle is a passionate landscape photographer driven by curiosity and a desire to capture the true essence of each place she explores. Through her lens, she seeks new perspectives that reveal the beauty and authenticity of the world.