We will start at Lake Maggiore and end around Bolzano. Covid cancelled trip now for Sept. 2022. but wy not last week in May first week plus in June? Weather, crowds, experience, flora and fauna...which would you rather? Am excited and feel like bumping it up. Would go this September but not if we need to jeep taking our masks on and off.
Posted by
Paris
9549 posts
I would go for May/June over end of September.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
Both periods are shoulder season therefore not extremely crowded like summer (or winter ski season on the Dolomites).
The weather is impossible to predict, but temperature should be pleasant in both periods on the lakes. The Dolomites weather is totally unpredictable, especially at higher altitudes, therefore you’ll have to take your chances regardless. For sure it gets cold on high mountain passes, even in July, therefore you’ll need at least a jacket and a sweater.
I generally prefer June over September because days are longer as sunset is at around 9pm. In May the chance of the weather being iffy on top of the mountains is higher than in June. I remember being snowed in near Madonna Di Campiglio in May. Down at the lakes level should be lovely in May.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2169 posts
We stayed in Ortisei for five nights in early June 2019 and had a wonderful time and plenty to do. However, some of the lifts and some of the mountain huts/restaurants had not yet opened for the season (notably: Seceda lift, which was scheduled to open June 15). People will tell you it's hot in Bolzano in the summer and I can vouch for that, even June 5-9). Ortisei, however, was delightful.
Posted by
OP
oakville
173 posts
We only have three nights in the Bolzano area coming from Lake Garda. I understand June 2 is a holiday plus many Germans are on a school break thus vacationing at Garda...Perhaps last two weeks in May is best if not September? The longer days is a very good point.