late June or July for Dolomites

It’s kinda risky to generalize about weather these days. For example, just last week, Ortisei and other towns were hit by snow. While not completely unprecedented— it came as a surprise to many. You’re correct that June would be less crowded than July. Part of the reason for this is that some hiking trails at higher elevations may not be suitable to hike if the ground has not yet dried out. Late June is better than early June, with July being better than June. Many of the lifts open by mid-June.
All in all, the dates of June 22-27 are a good bet.

We want to hike in the Alpe di Suisi. Is June too early for that? Or is it higher than that which may not be suitable for hiking?

10 years ago, we stayed in Alpe di Suisi in mid-June. There was some snow at highest mountain passes, which people were walking over. Only 1 lift was not operating. The meadow and forest were full of wildflowers.

Late June will be fine. You cannot guess the weather so have something for heat (75-80), something for moderate (55-70), and something for cold (<55 and maybe close to freezing). I do it with layers: long and short sleeve wool tees, a light fleece, a packable puffy jacket, and for hot, a very light short sleeve hiking blouse.

We just left Ortisei and the AdS. We had everything from freezing in the morning when staying in the Alpe to about 70 in the afternoon in the valley over the course of two weeks.

Hmm. I must admit I had not thought about clothing. While I do have a packable down jacket, I would rather not bring it. We aren’t planning to spend our entire trip hiking but will visit cities as well like Venice. So bringing hiking clothes and city clothes will be challenging enough. If we went to the Dolomites in July instead of late June, would it be reasonable to leave a down jacket at home?

Beth, I just listed what I pack almost every trip, spring or fall. We do not, as a rule, go in summer although we were lucky to live in Italy and go to the area a few times in June, July and early August. My summer experience is you do not need a packable puffer but a good rain-resistant or rain-repellant coat is advisable with an optional warm layer should you wake up to 45 degrees and cloud cover, fog, rain, etc.

Thank you for the clarification Laurel. I do travel with a packable waterproof rain coat and always have another layer I can wear under. I could even add a pair of light weight gloves which don’t take much room. But really don’t want to give space to a pack able down coat.

I live at sea level so hard for me to figure the difference altitude makes. We do have two sons now in Denver and visited over Labor Day. I took my packable down jacket as we were driving up a mountain over 10,000 feet and the forecast was chilly.I wore it for 20 minutes of a 4 day weekend. I really don’t want to do that going to Europe.

A thermal shirt, merino wool sweater and waterproof windbreaker is what I pack to save space.

I doubt there would be significant difference (in weather or crowds) between the two periods.

Kenko-I do have a merino wool cardigan that is great for traveling. I also have a couple 32 degrees Heat long sleeve shirts. Are thermal shirts significantly better?

Roberto-thanks. I think I will stick with June then because would prefer to visit other places in Italy in June rather than July.