Cortina d'Ampezzo, set in the heart of the Dolomites, features a dynamic alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, wet summers. The town experiences significant seasonal temperature swings, abundant precipitation, and dramatic mountain scenery. With long summer days and reliable winter snow, Cortina is a premier destination for outdoor adventure, skiing, and year-round exploration.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Cortina d'Ampezzo’s alpine climate is marked by pronounced seasonal contrasts and abundant precipitation. Winters (December–March) are cold and snowy, with average highs around -1 to 4°C and lows often dropping to -8 to -10°C. Snowfall is frequent and reliable, supporting a long ski season and picturesque winter landscapes. January is typically the driest and sunniest winter month, while December and February can see more snow and occasional fog. Days are short, with only 1.5–2 hours of sunshine in December, but the region’s high elevation ensures crisp, clear air and excellent snow cover.
Summers (June–September) are mild and wet, with average highs of 19–22°C and lows of 10–14°C. July and August are the warmest months, but also the rainiest, with up to 226 mm of precipitation and 15–18 rainy days per month, often as afternoon thunderstorms. Despite the rain, summer offers long daylight hours (up to 15–16 hours in June/July) and 7–8 hours of sunshine daily, perfect for hiking, cycling, and mountain adventures. Spring and autumn are transitional, with rapidly changing weather, cool to mild temperatures (7–17°C), and fewer crowds. May and October can be unpredictable, with rain, snow at higher elevations, and many businesses closed between seasons. Annual precipitation is high, around 1,700–1,800 mm, and humidity ranges from 47% in spring to 78% in winter. Winds are generally light, but can be brisk during storms or in exposed mountain areas.
| Average climate data for Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | -2 | -1 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 3 | -1 | 18 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -11 | -11 | -8 | -3 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | -0 | -3 | -9 | -11 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 42 | 49 | 66 | 85 | 112 | 115 | 123 | 143 | 95 | 91 | 128 | 38 | 1,086 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 177 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 212 | 331 | 312 | 126 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 84 | 266 | 136 | 1,504 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 12 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 59 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 89 | 92 | 91 | 91 | 88 | 84 | 83 | 86 | 86 | 84 | 88 | 83 | 87 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 48 | 57 | 57 | 59 | 61 | 52 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 49 | 58 | 44 | 53 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
The best time to visit Cortina d'Ampezzo is from late June to early September for hiking, cycling, and mountain adventures, when the weather is mild, days are long, and most services are open. For winter sports, December to March offers reliable snow and a lively après-ski scene. Shoulder seasons (May, October) are quieter but many facilities are closed.
The least favourable time to visit is late October to mid-December and late April to early June, when many hotels, restaurants, and lifts are closed for the off-season. Weather can be rainy, cold, and unpredictable, with muddy or snowy trails and limited activities. November is especially quiet and often described as bleak.
Cortina d'Ampezzo has a dynamic alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, wet summers. Temperatures range from -1°C in January to 22°C in July, and precipitation is high year-round, especially in summer.
For hiking and outdoor activities, visit from late June to early September. For skiing and winter sports, December to March is ideal, with reliable snow and lively resort life. Avoid the off-seasons when many businesses are closed.
Yes, Cortina receives abundant precipitation, averaging 1,700–1,800 mm annually. July and August are the wettest months, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Even in winter, snow and occasional rain are common.
Winter highs average -1 to 4°C, and lows can drop to -8 to -10°C. Snow is frequent, and conditions are ideal for skiing. Nights are very cold, so warm clothing is essential.
Yes, Cortina is a world-class ski resort with reliable snow from December to March, over 120 km of pistes, and modern lifts. The area is part of the Dolomiti Superski region, offering extensive runs for all levels.
Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and winter gear for skiing. In summer, bring sun protection, a rain jacket, and warm clothes for cool evenings. Weather can change quickly, so always check the forecast and dress in layers.
Cortina is busiest in winter (Christmas, Carnival, February) and summer (July–August). Expect crowds, higher prices, and busy trails. Spring and autumn are much quieter, but many businesses may be closed.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (18.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (-2.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 7.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (6.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-11.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is -1.9 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (142.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (38 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,086.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (22.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (5.8 days). Over the whole year there are 176.5 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is February (331.1 mm). The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,504 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (13.2 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June and July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 59.5 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (91.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is December (82.7 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 87.1 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (8 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (5.9 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 6.9 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is May (60.9 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is December (44.2 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 52.6 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 3.1 h). Over the whole year there are 6.2 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 4). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February and March (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 2.3.
