Cortina d’Ampezzo sits at 1,224 metres (4,016 feet) in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, giving it an Alpine continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, sunny summers. January averages -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F) while July reaches 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F). The town receives about 1,100mm of precipitation annually, with snowfall from November through April peaking in January and February. The Dolomites’ unique geography creates microclimates where south-facing slopes can be significantly warmer than shaded north faces on the same day.
Cortina Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall and Snow
Each month in Cortina brings distinct conditions that determine what you can do. Winter months are dominated by reliable snowfall and sub-zero temperatures perfect for skiing. Summer brings warm days ideal for hiking and climbing, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular feature of July and August afternoons.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Snow Days | Sun (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2 / 36 | -7 / 19 | 35 | 8 | 4 |
| February | 4 / 39 | -6 / 21 | 35 | 8 | 5 |
| March | 8 / 46 | -3 / 27 | 45 | 6 | 6 |
| April | 12 / 54 | 1 / 34 | 65 | 3 | 6 |
| May | 17 / 63 | 5 / 41 | 95 | 0 | 7 |
| June | 21 / 70 | 9 / 48 | 110 | 0 | 8 |
| July | 23 / 73 | 11 / 52 | 120 | 0 | 9 |
| August | 22 / 72 | 11 / 52 | 115 | 0 | 8 |
| September | 18 / 64 | 7 / 45 | 85 | 0 | 6 |
| October | 13 / 55 | 3 / 37 | 80 | 1 | 5 |
| November | 7 / 45 | -2 / 28 | 70 | 5 | 4 |
| December | 3 / 37 | -5 / 23 | 40 | 7 | 3 |
Cortina Weather by Month: December to February (Winter)
Winter in Cortina means consistent snow cover from mid-December through late March. December daytime highs hover around 3°C (37°F) with overnight lows of -5°C (23°F). January is the coldest month, averaging -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F), and it’s also the snowiest with around 8 snow days producing 80-100cm of fresh snow per month at resort level. February warms slightly to highs of 4°C (39°F), with similar snowfall and the best powder conditions of the season. The Tofane ski area (2,500-3,200m) stays well below freezing all day, with summit temperatures around -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F). Sunshine is limited to 3-5 hours per day, but the low angle of winter light on the Dolomite peaks creates the famous enrosadira (alpenglow) at sunrise and sunset.
Cortina Weather by Month: March to May (Spring)
March is prime spring skiing with longer days (6 hours of sun), daytime highs reaching 8°C (46°F), and snow still solid on north-facing slopes. The snowpack begins to soften on sunny afternoons but refreezes overnight. April brings a transition: daytime temperatures climb to 12°C (54°F), valley snow melts, but you can still ski on upper slopes until mid-April when most lifts close. Rain increases to 65mm, mostly as showers. May sees daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) with wildflowers blooming across the valley floor. It’s the rainiest spring month at 95mm, often as afternoon thunderstorms. Upper hiking trails may still have snow patches until late May.
Cortina Weather by Month: June to August (Summer)
Summer is short but glorious. June brings daytime highs of 21°C (70°F), 8 hours of daily sun, and long evenings with light until 9:30 PM. Wildflowers peak in late June. July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C (73°F) and overnight lows around 11°C (52°F) , cool enough for comfortable sleep. July also brings the most rain at 120mm, with thunderstorms reliably building over the peaks by 3-4 PM on most afternoons. Start hikes early (by 7 AM) to be off exposed ridges before the lightning risk. August mirrors July with highs of 22°C (72°F) and 115mm of rain. The entire summer period is Italian holiday season (ferragosto around August 15 is peak), so trails and rifugi are busiest then. Pick your base with our best neighborhoods in Cortina guide, and find rooms in our where to stay in Cortina article. The summer Cortina events and festivals calendar includes Lavaredo Ultra Trail and Ferragosto. Pick your base with our best neighborhoods in Cortina guide, and find rooms in our where to stay in Cortina article.
Cortina Weather by Month: September to November (Autumn)
September delivers the best hiking weather of the year: daytime highs of 18°C (64°F), crisp mornings at 7°C (45°F), and reduced rainfall at 85mm. The larch forests turn golden by mid-September, peaking around the third week. October cools quickly to highs of 13°C (55°F) with the first dusting of snow possible above 2,000m. Many rifugi close after the first weekend of October. The summer festival season includes the Cortina events and festivals calendar with Lavaredo Ultra Trail and Ferragosto. November is the quietest month: highs of 7°C (45°F), lows below freezing at -2°C (28°F), and 5 snow days as the winter snowpack begins building. Most hotels and restaurants close for their annual break between early November and early December.
