Cimon della Pala

Mountains Prominent Dolomites peak popular among climbers

The Cimon della Pala rises in the Pale di San Martino massif of the Dolomites, favoured by climbers and hikers for its sheer limestone face and panoramic alpine routes.

Main image

Cimon della Pala is a prominent Dolomite peak in the Pale di San Martino group, noted for its steep, sharply defined summit profile and striking limestone faces. Its distinctive shape makes it one of the best-known peaks in the group.

Climbers and hillwalkers visit for alpine routes and panoramic views; the peak dominates views from the valley around San Martino di Castrozza and forms a focal point for photography and mountaineering in the area. The summit reaches 3,184 metres and is visible across much of the Pale di San Martino.

The mountain is part of the Dolomites, a Mesozoic carbonate massif formed by ancient reef and marine deposits and shaped by glacial and erosional processes. It has been a classic objective for climbers since the 19th century and features in local mountaineering literature.

Located in the Pale di San Martino sector of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy, the peak lies near the resort village of San Martino di Castrozza and is accessible from trails and mountain huts in the range.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is 3,184 metres, making it one of the most prominent peaks in the Pale di San Martino group of the Dolomites.
Cimon della Pala
Cimon della Pala, Pale di San Martino group, Dolomites, Veneto, Italy
46.2852, 11.8223
Free (access dependent on hiking routes; climbing permits vary by local authority)

How to Get to Cimon della Pala #

Access is usually from the Val Venegia or the Rolle Pass; the nearest larger towns with services are Primiero San Martino di Castrozza (approx. 20-30 km). Local mountain huts (rifugi) serve as base points for ascents.

Tips for Visiting Cimon della Pala #

  • Attempt the ascent only with proper alpine gear and a certified mountain guide; the route to Cimon della Pala involves exposed ridges.
  • Start early: weather in the Dolomites can change rapidly and afternoon storms are common in summer.

Best Time to Visit Cimon della Pala #

Summer months are the normal climbing season, but always check local mountain forecasts.

Summer (climbing season)
June-September · 5-20°C (summit varies)
Warm valley days but cool, often windy conditions on the summit; best climbing months are July-August.
Late spring/early autumn
May-June, Sept-Oct · 0-15°C
Fewer climbers but snow patches may persist; verify conditions with guides.

Weather & Climate near Cimon della Pala #

Climate

Cimon della Pala's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -11°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1016 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-31°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -6°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -7°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -5°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

33 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -3°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -5°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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