Dolomites in June

I don’t know what Rick says about the timing (nor do I think he is an expert on hiking in the Dolomites), but the people I went hiking with last September, whom I do consider very knowledgeable about the area, schedule their first guided hiking trip of the summer starting July 2. They consider that timing pretty much ideal (along with September). Since their hikes can involve altitudes up around 9000 feet or higher, they must expect them to be pretty much snow-free by then. You will be hiking at lower elevations than that, so a week earlier should be fine.

We were there in May of 2018 and the trails had some snow but nothing we couldn’t hike over. It all depends on the snow this year. And also, depending on where you want to go, you need to check if the lifts are running, yet. They weren’t when we were there and unless elevation gain is not a problem, may limit which trails you want to do.

It's a low snow pack winter so far in the Alps yes? Plenty of winter left to go, but at the moment you're looking pretty good to access the alpine in late June.

We go to Ortisei and never gone quite that early but did arrive June 30 one year. It was warm and mostly dry through July, with some rain, some thunderstorms. Be sure your lodging has AC if you stay in Castelrotto or Bolzano.

Castlerotto will be warmer than Ortisei and Bolzano will be the warmest. The Alpe di Siusi is usually cooler although we hit 90 degree temps there in July that same summer.

We will be visiting the Val Gardena about the same time. We were there 6 years ago in the middle of June and the trails were open. A few lifts were not open yet. This year we are arriving the last week of June. You will see lots of wildflowers. It’s a spectacular place on this planet. Enjoy.

There's a great tip embedded in Laurel's post above. I'm planning right now where to base for a week in the Dolomites in August. I hadn't accounted for heat since the times I've been through there it's been pleasant perfect weather everywhere. But heat waves happen all the time.

So thanks Laurel about the tip on elevation. I think I'll stay a little higher, so it'll be a little cooler and a little dryer.

Thanks everyone for the information and taking the time to reply...much appreciated!
Bonnie

Yes, the valley cities (Bolzano, Bressanone, Chiusa) can be very hot, and many moderately priced lodgings in the area do not have air conditioning. The Parkhotel Laurin in Bolzano does have a/c. A look at the historic, day-by-day weather history of Ortisei on the website timeanddate.com suggests that high temperatures, when they show up (and they do) are likely to stick around for only part of the day. It seems to cool off a lot at night.

If you plan to hike to elevation, you need to be prepared for any and all weather. I few years ago I was in Bressanone in June. There was a ferocious snow squall/rain//hail storm at the top of our hike and it was 80F down in the valley. It’s not unusual to encounter cold wet rain at elevation that time of year and you will want to bring layers to stay warm and dry.

We are staying in Castelrotto/Kastelruth the 2nd week of June. We plan to use the chair lifts and gondolas to hike in the Alpe de Siusi and other areas. Will we need to bring down jackets?

Nancy, at the very least, a warm mid layer (light fleece) and a rain jacket are advisable. Mountain weather is fickle. I now carry a light, packable puffer anytime we are in the Alps or Dolomites.

I went third week of June and most everything was open but I did hear some trails might have still been a bit muddy. Given I was only there 1.5 days I had more than enough to keep me busy. And almost anytime of year, layering is the key. Definitely brought my thin puffy jacket for the trip but don’t think I needed it that particular day.

And more excellent advice and suggestions...thanks, everyone!
Bonnie