Dolomites in May: Tips for Visiting the Dolomites in Spring (original) (raw)

The Dolomites are a seasonal destination. The summer season starts in early/mid June and stretches until mid September, or even late October. The winter season starts in late December and continues until the end of March, or early April (usually around Easter).

Spring in the Dolomites is an awkward time between the winter and summer holiday seasons. Most hotels, restaurants, and mountain huts are not open in May. And, similarly, most cableways and seasonal buses are not operating in May.

We do not recommend visiting the Dolomites in May, because the conditions are unpredictable and tourist infrastructure is almost completely shut down.

In some years, winter conditions persist throughout the month. It can even snow in May.

So, you’re probably asking, why the heck are we writing about traveling to the Dolomites in May. The truth is we’ve received hundreds of emails and messages inquiring about where to go and what to do in the Dolomites in May.

In an effort to help everyone out who is heading to the Dolomites in late Spring, we’ve decided to write this guide. We’ve summarized where to stay and what to see and do.

May is not entirely hopeless, but if possible,aim for the end of the month. Opt for valley trails and plateau hikes. And, rent a car!!!

Important | The photos used in this post were not taken in May. They were taken in June, July, September, and October.

Monte Pic, Val Gardena, Dolomites

May in the Dolomites Map

All of the accommodations displayed on this map are open in May, though some don’t open their doors until mid-month. Some Dolomites accommodations have a minimum stay requirement, which is quite common in this region.

PLACES TO VISIT

Val di Funes

Val Gardena

Alta Badia

Alpe di Siusi

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Alta Pusteria

Where to Stay

Dolomites Weather in May

The average temperature in May is 15.3 °C (59°F).

There will likely be snow in the mountains, especially on northern-facing slopes.

Rain is quite common throughout the month.

To get an idea of what the current conditions are in the Dolomites, check out a few of these webcams:

When we visited the Dolomites in May, we experienced heavy rain for several consecutive days and quite a bit of lingering snow.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites in May

We recommend staying in Val Gardena and Alta Pusteria in South Tyrol.

Val Gardena

Odle Geisler Peaks from Monte Pic, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Val Gardena is a 30-km-long valley in South Tyrol, stretching between Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley at Ponte Gardena (Waidbruck in German, Pruca in Ladin) and Passo Sella and Passo Gardena.

The main villages in Val Gardena are Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva.

Val Gardena is bounded by the Puez-Odle Group, Sassolungo Group, Sella Group, Resciesa Alp, and Alpe di Siusi.

While staying in Val Gardena, we recommend exploring Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, Val di Funes, and Vallunga Valley.

Some Val Gardena cableways even start operating in late May.

Val Gardena Accommodations Open in May

Ortisei | Residence Prapoz (aparthotel), Boutique Hotel Planlim (luxury), Hotel Angelo Engel (luxury), Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort (luxury), or Hotel Niblea (luxury)

Santa Cristina | Dorfhotel Beludei (boutique luxury). Read our Dorfhotel Beludei hotel review.

Selva | Garni Morene (budget-midrange guesthouse), Hotel Rodella (luxury), and Linder Cycling Hotel (luxury)

Learn More: Val Gardena Hotels

Alta Pusteria

Monte Specie/Strudelkopf Summit, Dolomites

Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal in German) is a region in South Tyrol, which encompasses Dobbiaco/Toblach, San Candido/Innichen, and the side valleys of Braies/Prags and Sesto/Sexten.

Alta Pusteria is an ideal place to stay for exploring the Northern Sesto/Sexten and Northern Braies/Prags Dolomites.

In May, you can walk the circuit trail around Lago di Braies. You can also walk through Val Fiscalina valley.

At the end of the month, it may be possible to walk to Monte Specie atop Prato Piazza.

Alta Pusteria Accommodations

Braies/Prags Valley | Berggasthaus Agritur Moserhof (budget), Garni Bergblick (Budget), or Farmhouse Hanslerhof (midrange)

Dobbiaco/Toblach | B&B Hotel Heidi (budget), Hotel Rosengarten (midrange-luxury), Hotel Laurin (midrange-luxury), or Romantik Hotel Santer (luxury)

San Candido/Innichen | Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio (luxury), Residence Kugler (apartments), Residence Silvia (budget), or ATTO Suites – Appartements (luxury apartments)

Sesto/Sexten | B&B Grüne Laterne (budget), Hotel Schoenblick (midrange), Residence Königswarte (apartments), Aparthotel Gamz (luxury aparthotel), Hotel Alpenblick (luxury), or Hotel Monika (5-star luxury)

7 Places to Visit in the Dolomites in May

1. Alpe di Siusi

Alpe di Siusi Sunrise, Dolomites

There are two cableways which connect the valley to Alpe di Siusi plateau. These gondolas start operating in late May.

Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Gondola: Open starting May 11, 2024, 8:30 am – 5 pm

Siusi-Alpe di Siusi Gondola: Open starting May 18, 2024, 8 am – 6 pm

If you’re visiting earlier in the month, you can still visit Alpe di Siusi by driving up to Compaccio/Compatsch, the largest settlement on Alpe di Siusi plateau.

During the off-seasons (e.g. mid-April – mid-May), when the Alpe di Siusi cableways aren’t operating, you can drive up to Compaccio/Compatsch at any time.

When the cableways are operating, the road to Compaccio/Compatsch is closed to private traffic between 9 am and 5 pm.

Park at the paid P2 car park. During the off-season, the P2 car park is 13 EUR (when the cableways aren’t operating) and 26.50 EUR (when the cableways are operating).

P2 Car Park Location | Google Maps

From Compaccio/Compatsch atop Alpe di Siusi, you can follow the Hans and Paula Steger trail, or the Alpe di Siusi Meadows circuit trail.

Tip | The all-inclusive Sensoria Dolomites hotel in Siusi is open starting in mid-May.

Learn More: How to Visit Alpe di Siusi

2. Seceda

Seceda, Ortisei, Val Gardena, Dolomites

The Seceda Cableways starts operating on May 31, 2024.

If you’re visiting at the very end of May, check out our Seceda – Rifugio Firenze circuit trail, which starts at the Seceda cableway mountain station.

If you want to visit Seceda earlier in the month, you can hike to Seceda from the Cristauta – Praplan car park above Santa Cristina.

Praplan Car Park Location | Google Maps

Follow this Monte Pic and Seceda trail guide. If there is a lot of snow, you may want to hike down following the ascent route, skipping the Monte Pic summit. Ask the local tourist office about trail conditions before starting this hike.

3. Vallunga Valley

Vallunga, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Vallunga (Langental in German, La Val in Ladin) is an impressive alpine valley in Puez-Odle Nature Parkflanked by sheer mountain faces.

Vallunga, “long valley,” is perfect for leisurely walking and hiking with small children.

It’s possible to walk the entire length of Vallunga, which is about 4.5 km long. The elevation difference between the lower part of the valley and the upper part of the valley is 260 meters.

In spring, there’s a seasonal lake in the valley called Lech de Ciampedel.

The Vallunga valley trail starts at the Vallunga car park in Selva di Val Gardena.

If conditions are favorable at the end of the month, it may be possible to hike the Vallunga – Val de Chedul circuit trail.

Vallunga Car Park Location | Google Maps

4. Val di Funes

Santa Maddalena, Val di Funes, Dolomites

Val di Funes (Villnösstal in German) is a valley in South Tyrol, which runs from Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley to the Odle/Geisler massif.

With its rolling pastures, perfect farmsteads, and jagged spires, Val di Funes is oozing with storybook charm.

In May, you can hike the Santa Maddalena Panoramic Trail and possibly the Adolf Munkel Trail.

Even if you don’t want to hike, it’s worth driving to Val di Funes to see the Church of St. Magdalena and the Church of St. John.

You can also extend your stay in Val di Funes, by overnighting in Galreidhof (budget apartments), Fallerhof (budget apartments), or Hotel Fines (midrange hotel with half board option).

5. Armentara Meadows

Armentara Meadows Hike, Alta Badia, Dolomites

Armentara Meadows are located on a plateau above Badia in Alta Badia at the edge of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

When we visited Armentara Meadows, we took the La Crusc/Santa Croce chairlift from Badia to the Chiesa di Santa Croce church and hiked down to Badia via the Armentara meadows. In May, this chairlift will not be operating.

If you want to see this beautiful destination, you’ll have to hike from Val Badia, starting in Badia.

If you’re interested in stay in Alta Badia in May, these accommodations are open:

Colfosco | Crëp Sella (midrange) and Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort (luxury)

San Cassiano | Bio Lüch Ruances (budget)

La Villa | Ciasa Agreiter (budget), Boutique Hotel Dolomit (midrange), Sportony Mountain Lodges (midrange), and Hotel La Majun (luxury)

Badia | Hotel Melodia del Bosco

6. Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee, Northern Italy

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is embedded in the Braies/Prags Dolomites in Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

In May, you can drive up Valle de Braies/Pragser Tal, a side valley of Val Pusteria/Pustertal, to Lago di Braies. There are several car parks close to the lakeshore.

The Lago di Braies circuit trail is 3.6 km long and takes 1 hour to complete.

7. Val Fiscalina

Val Fiscalina / Fischleintal, Dolomites

Val Fiscalina (Fischleintal) is a side valley of Sesto Valley in Alta Pusteria. It’s a dream destination for casual walking in the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites.

In May, you can walk from the town of Sesto/Sexten all the way to Rifugio Fondovalle/Talschlusshütte, a refuge which stands at the head of the valley.

This easy 12.2 km circuit trail from Sesto to Val Fiscalina takes 3:15 hours.

Learn More: How to Visit Val Fiscalina

Dolomites Huts Open in May

Lungiarü Val Badia Dolomites

Mountain huts (Rifugio, Hütte) and alpine pasture huts (Alm, Baita, Malga, Schwaige) in the Dolomites typically open in June. However, a few huts, situated at lower elevations, or on accessible plateaus, open up in mid-late May. Here are a few Dolomites huts you can visit in May.

Please double check opening times, as they may shift, due to weather. Also, some huts are closed on certain days of the week (“rest days”).

Cortina d’Ampezzo Huts

El Brite de Larieto

Location: Larieto larch forest

Recommended Hike: Crepe de Zumeles Circuit Trail as described in our Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide

Trailhead: El Brite de Larieto car park, or Rio Gere

Opening Times: Mid-May until Early November | elbritedelarieto.com

Rifugio Fodara Vedla

Location: Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, South Tyrol

Recommended Hike: Ra Stua – Sennes Plateau Circuit, as described in our Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide

Trailhead: Ra Stua

Opening Times: May 18, 2024 until early November | fodara.it/en

Alta Pusteria Huts

Rifugio Vallandro / Dürrensteinhütte

Location: Prato Piazza, Braies/Prags Dolomites, South Tyrol

Recommended Hike: Monte Specie

Trailhead: Prato Piazza Car Park

Opening Times: Mid-May until Early November, depending on weather conditions | vallandro.it

Malga Prato Piazza / Almhütte Plätzwiese

Location: Prato Piazza

Recommended Hike: Monte Specie

Trailhead: Prato Piazza Car Park

Opening Times: Early May until mid-October | almhuette-plaetzwiese.com

Rifugio Fonovalle / Talschlusshütte

Location: Val Fiscalina

Recommended Hike: Val Fiscalina Valley Trail

Trailhead: Sesto

Opening Times: Mid-May until Late October. During low season, the hut is closed on Thursdays | Talschlusshuette.com

Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi Huts

Rifugio Sasso Piatto / Plattkofelhütte

Location: Rifugio Sasso Piatto is located at the foot of Sasso Piatto on the Sentiero Friedrich August trail.

**Recommended Hike: Sassolungo Circuit Trail

Trailhead: Passo Sella

Opening Times: May 30 – October 20, 2024 | Rifugio Sasso Piatto website

Malga Sanon

Location: Alpe di Siusi

Recommended Hike: Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail

Trailhead: Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola mountain station, or Compaccio

Opening Times: Late May until late October | sanon.it

Val di Funes Huts

Malga Geisler / Geisleralm

Location: Malga Geisler is located on trail 34, near Puez-Odle Nature Park

Recommended Hike: Adolf Munkel Trail

Trailhead: Zannes/Zans Trailhead in Val Di Funes, South Tyrol

Opening Times: May 20 – November 5, 2024 | Geisleralm website

Malga Gampen / Gampenalm

Location: Malga Campen is located at the trail 35 and trail 33 junction in Puez-Odle Nature Park

Recommended Hike: Rifugio Genova Circuit

Trailhead: Zannes/Zans Trailhead in Val Di Funes, South Tyrol

Opening Times: May 18, – Late October 2024 | Malga Gampen website

Dusler Alm

Location: Trail 36, near Puez-Odle Nature Park

Recommended Hike: Adolf Munkel Trail

Trailhead: Zannes/Zans Trailhead in Val Di Funes, South Tyrol

Opening Times: Mid May until Early November

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.

When to Visit the Dolomites

Winter Season. For skiing and winter activities, the best time to visit is between mid/late December and March. Read Dolomites in December.

Summer and Fall Seasons. The best time to road trip and hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can easily continue until late October. Read Best Time to Visit the Dolomites, Dolomites in September, and Dolomites in October.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Lago di Sorapis, Lago Federa, Cadini di Misurina, and Baita Segantini.

Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out 25+ Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Day Walks in the Dolomites

Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati