Yes, for anyone who wants a winter mountain trip. Val Gardena joins the Dolomiti Superski network, and Cortina d’Ampezzo stays cold, with afternoons at 38°F (3°C) in February.
The summer side of the Dolomites is not what February offers. The lifts of the summer network run from May to November, and the free guided tours of the Cadini del Brenton run from July to mid-September.
At a glance
- Cortina d’Ampezzo high: 38°F (3°C)
- Cortina d’Ampezzo low: 20°F (-7°C)
- Bolzano high: 50°F (10°C)
- Bolzano low: 31°F (-1°C)
- Rainy days: 4 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, 3 in Bolzano
- Daylight on February 15: 10 hours 22 minutes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
What is the weather like in the Dolomites in February?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Daylight (15th) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F (1°C) | 0.9 in (23 mm) | 5 | 3.3 h | 9 h 04 |
| March | 46°F (8°C) | 1.1 in (29 mm) | 5 | 4.8 h | 11 h 50 |
|---|
*Long-term monthly averages.*
February is cold in the high valleys and gentler in the valley floor. Cortina d’Ampezzo reaches 38°F (3°C) in the afternoon and drops to 20°F (-7°C) at night. Bolzano is a good deal milder, with 50°F (10°C) by day and 31°F (-1°C) at night.
Cortina has about four days with at least a millimeter of precipitation in the month, and Bolzano about three. Pack warm layers and a waterproof shell for both. Daylight in Cortina lasts a little over 10 hours in mid-February, so plan the outdoor day around the middle of it and be back before dark.
January is colder, with Cortina at 33°F (1°C) in the afternoon and Bolzano at 44°F (7°C). March is clearly warmer: Cortina climbs to 46°F (8°C) and Bolzano to 60°F (16°C). Days also lengthen from 9 hours of light in mid-January to 12 in mid-March, and February sits between the two.
Where to go in the Dolomites in February
Val Gardena
Val Gardena is in Alto Adige (South Tyrol) and has three villages: Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and S. Cristina. In winter it joins Dolomiti Superski, and the lifts leave directly from all three villages. February is a month to ski here.
Seceda
Mount Seceda, 8,264 feet (2,519 m) high, rises in the Odle Group. In winter it’s a ski area and hosts the Gardenissima, the longest giant slalom race in the world. Its summer hiking paths are not the reason to come in February.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is called the Queen of the Dolomites and sits among the mountains. The S.S.51 di Alemagna runs through it north to south, and the S.R.48 bis delle Dolomiti east to west. February is cold here, so dress for 20°F (-7°C) nights.
Alta Badia
Alta Badia has two Michelin-starred restaurants. La Crusc/Santa Croce is in Badia, in the same region. Reserve a table ahead, since a long mountain day pairs well with one good dinner.
Bolzano
Bolzano is the mildest base of the places with February figures, with afternoons at 50°F (10°C). It suits anyone who wants the mountains within reach without sleeping at high altitude.
What to do in the Dolomites in February
Skiing the slopes of Val Gardena
Val Gardena has 310 miles (500 km) of slopes, which is plenty for a week. Cross-country skiers get 71 miles (115 km) of trails of their own.
Because the lifts leave directly from Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and S. Cristina, a base in any of the three works. Selva is the highest village, at the foot of the Sella massif. S. Cristina is the sunny one, below Sassolungo.
Seceda and the Gardenissima
Seceda turns into a ski area in winter. The summer hiking paths to huts such as the Curona Hut belong to another season.
The mountain is partly steep and crumbly, but to the southeast it becomes a gently rising high alp. Dress for the cold up high.
LUMEN, the mountain photography museum at Plan de Corones
LUMEN is the Museum of Mountain Photography at Plan de Corones, at 7,431 feet (2,265 m). It occupies a former upper station of the cable car, turned into a museum of 1,800 square meters. It’s a good indoor stop at altitude.
Check the opening dates and how to get up before going. Bring an extra warm layer, since the museum sits well above the valley floor.
Ortisei’s pedestrian zone and wood carving
Val Gardena is the cradle of wood carving. Ortisei has a lively pedestrian zone with shopping, food and Ladin tradition. It makes a good off-slope afternoon.
Walk it in the middle of the day, while the light lasts. Shoes with grip help on cold afternoons.
Are the Dolomites busy in February?
Rooms come in many kinds around the Dolomites, which helps a late search. Around Seiser Alm there are hotels, holiday apartments, guesthouses, private rooms, farm holidays and mountain huts. Guests can stay on the Seiser Alm itself or in Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern or Tiers am Rosengarten. The 3 Zinnen region has five holiday villages: Prags/Braies, Niederdorf/Villabassa, Toblach/Dobbiaco, Innichen/San Candido and Sexten/Sesto.
Book early for ski weeks in Val Gardena, where the lifts are in the villages themselves.
Every accommodation in South Tyrol adds a tourist tax to the room rate. It’s required by law and paid on site by guests aged 14 and over.
What to pack for the Dolomites in February
February asks for real winter clothing in the mountains and a lighter coat in Bolzano.
- Insulated jacket and thermal layers for Cortina’s 20°F (-7°C) nights.
- A waterproof shell for the four days or so with precipitation.
- Ski clothing for the Val Gardena slopes and the Seceda area.
- A warm extra layer for LUMEN, which sits at 7,431 feet (2,265 m).
- Shoes with grip for Ortisei’s pedestrian zone on cold afternoons.
What to know before visiting the Dolomites in February
The U.S. State Department rates Italy at Level 2, Exercise increased caution, issued September 10, 2026, due to terrorism. It recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. It also highly recommends buying travel insurance before traveling.
The summer lifts run from May to November, so they’re not the plan for February. Guided tours of the Cadini del Brenton run from July 5 to September 13. Car access to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo parking at Rifugio Auronzo has needed online booking since May 23, 2026.
Is February a good time to visit the Dolomites?
Val Gardena and Seceda are winter places in February.
March is warmer, at 46°F (8°C) in Cortina and 60°F (16°C) in Bolzano, with nearly 12 hours of daylight. Shifting by four weeks buys warmth and light.
For skiing, pick Val Gardena. For milder days, base yourself in Bolzano, where afternoons reach 50°F (10°C). Hikers will find the summer lifts and guided tours closed in this season.
Sources
- dolomiti.it (https://www.dolomiti.it/en/passes-and-mountains/tre-cime-di-lavaredo), checked 2026-10-30
- valgardena.it (https://www.valgardena.it/it/), checked 2026-10-30
- seiseralm.it (https://www.seiseralm.it/en/plan-your-holiday/search-book/all-accommodations.html?%3Futm_source=seiseralm.it), checked 2026-10-30
- dolomiti.it (https://www.dolomiti.it/de/sospirolo/veranstaltungen/gefuhrte-besichtigungen-der-cadini-del-brenton), checked 2026-10-30
- cortina.dolomiti.org (https://cortina.dolomiti.org/en/event-details-en/?id=588503dc-99cd-40f1-a06c-13722494ad58), checked 2026-10-30
- valgardena-groeden.com (https://www.valgardena-groeden.com/en/highlights/the-dolomites/high-plateaus-and-alpine-pastures/seceda-meadows/), checked 2026-10-30
- seiseralm.it (https://www.seiseralm.it/en/enjoyment-experience/experience/sights.html), checked 2026-10-30
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30