The best time to walk the Camino de Santiago: how to prepare for the weather on the Camino

When is the best time to walk the Camino? It is one of the most common questions we receive from travellers planning a Camino or European pilgrimage walk, and the answer often depends on the route, the type of experience you are looking for and the time of year you are hoping to travel.

Each season brings different weather conditions, scenery and trail atmosphere. In general, the main walking season across most Camino routes runs from March through to October, when weather conditions are generally favourable and accommodation, cafes and trail services are more widely available. Outside of these months, some routes can become quieter and more challenging due to colder weather, shorter daylight hours and seasonal closures.

Below is an overview of the different seasons on the Camino, the conditions you can generally expect, and the types of routes that may be best suited to different times of year.

Walking the Camino

What are the different Camino de Santiago routes?

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Below are some of the most popular Camino and European pilgrimage routes currently offered by RAW Travel:

• Camino Frances (French Way): The most popular and traditional route that spans 790km, starting from St. Jean Pied de Port in France.
• Camino del Norte (Northern Way): A scenic coastal route of 817km, with less crowds along Spain’s northern coastline, starting in Irún.
• Camino Portuguese (Portuguese Way): The Portuguese Camino begins in Lisbon or Porto, following a coastal or inland path through Portugal. Lengths are 260km or 620km.
• Camino Primitivo (Original Way): The oldest route, starting in Oviedo, with rugged, mountainous terrain over 320km.
• Le Puy Camino (Via Podiensis): This beautiful 730km route crosses southwest France and then joins with the Spanish Camino in St-Jean-de-Pied-Port to continue all the way to Santiago de Compostela.
• Camino Ingles (the English Way): Beginning on Spain’s north coast in Galicia, this is one of the shorter and quieter routes of the Camino de Santiago, historically used by pilgrims arriving from England, Ireland and Northern Europe.
• Camino de Finisterre: Since ancient times, pilgrims have been making their way beyond Santiago to Finisterre. This 90km route is an extension to the most westerly point in Europe and a great end to the epic Camino Francés.

The weather on the Camino month by month

Understanding what the weather is like on the Camino will help you plan and prepare for your walk and contribute to the enjoyment of your pilgrimage. Start by working out which section of the Camino you want to walk, at what time of year and for how long. Also, consider what type of weather you enjoy walking in. RAW Travel staff are divided on this one; many of us enjoy walking in cooler weather, while some prefer hotter days. 

We have been sending hundreds of pilgrims on the Camino for many years, so we can plan a trip for you based on our extensive experience as well as our own personal journeys along the Camino routes throughout the year.

Generally, the peak Camino season runs from March through to October. This is when most people choose to walk, as the weather is generally favourable and accommodation, cafes and trail services are open and operating. Spring and autumn typically offer the best overall walking conditions, while the hotter months of June, July and August can be more arduous due to the heat and increased summer crowds.

Many people do still choose to walk outside the main Camino season, particularly those seeking a quieter and more solitary experience. Travelling during these months does require more planning, as colder and wetter weather can present additional challenges, some trail sections may close seasonally, and certain accommodation providers, cafes and services may not be operating.

• Spring – March, April and May
• Summer – June, July and August
• Autumn – September, October and November
• Winter – December, January and February

To get an idea of the weather for a particular month, you can check the forecast here. Simply type in the city where you are starting your walk and select the month view. This will give you a good general overview of the conditions you may experience along the route, including places such as the Pyrenees, Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Burgos, León and O Cebreiro.

When is the best time to walk the Camino?

Generally, we suggest that April, May, early June, September and October are ideal times to be walking on the Camino, but we always put this in perspective based on what you would like to do. We have had many staff and clients walk the Camino in successive years and experience very different conditions at the same time of year. April or October for example might have very sunny weather or very wet weather. Mornings and evenings can also be cool: it really depends on the year.

Walking in the summer heat

In Europe the peak of summer heat is generally June through August. It can be very hot and busy as this is when Europeans also take their holidays and make up the greatest number of people walking on the Camino. It is not a coincidence that ‘siesta’ is a Spanish institution taken to avoid the heat of the day. A bit like Melbourne weather, the heat can be difficult to predict, but Spain does experience heatwaves where temperatures can exceed 40°C for days at a time before returning to more comfortable walking weather.

If you would like to travel during summer, we can plan an itinerary where it is cooler, there is more shade and we can break up the walking distances so the days are not as long. Routes such as the Portuguese Camino and Camino del Norte are often ideal during June to August, as the coastal breezes help keep temperatures milder. I walked the Sarria to Santiago section in the month of August on the Camino Francés and experienced glorious weather around the mid-20s. The weather in this region of Spain, Galicia, is generally milder as it is lower in altitude and closer to the coast, although showers can occur at any time of year. Routes such as the Camino Inglés are another great option during the summer months, benefiting from the cooler coastal climate and milder temperatures.

You can also familiarise yourself with our “Camino tips for walking in hot weather” article, especially if you’re travelling during the warmer months.

Extras to include in your kit during summer

• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen
• Breathable lightweight hiking socks
• Lightweight quick-dry walking clothes
• Extra water bottles or hydration bladder
• Rehydration salts/electrolytes
• Light long-sleeve layer for sun protection

Important items to consider when planning to walk in hot weather:

1. Air conditioning is not common in many parts of Europe, particularly in rural areas of France and Spain. Some hotels, especially traditional or family-run properties, may not have AC in guest rooms as it is still less common in smaller towns and older buildings. In hotels without AC, it is common practice to keep blinds or shutters closed during the hottest part of the day and open windows in the evening for ventilation. Guests can often cool rooms by opening windows in the evening once temperatures begin to drop, and fans may also be available on request.
2. Standard hotel check-in times in Europe are usually between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Many of the hotels along the Camino are smaller, family-run properties managing daily room turnover, so arriving early does not guarantee access to your room. We recommend planning your day around the heat accordingly by starting early in the morning and taking breaks during the hottest part of the day. If you expect to arrive at your hotel early, it may be a good idea to pack bathers/swimwear in your daypack for a afternoon swim, carry a book to relax with, or stop at a local bar or café while your room is being prepared.
3. Wildfires are a possibility during the summer months. We strongly recommend ensuring phone notifications and emergency alerts are turned on during your trip, and staying in contact with our local staff in case any itinerary adjustments are required due to local conditions.

Walking in spring and autumn

If you are planning to walk a longer Camino route during spring or autumn, as we generally recommend, you should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Depending on the timing and length of your trip, you may experience changing seasons during your walk.

Some Camino routes also pass through mountainous or elevated regions that can create their own microclimates, bringing fog, rain, wind and occasionally even snow. For example, walkers on the Camino Francés crossing the Pyrenees in spring can still encounter snow in May, while routes such as the Camino Primitivo and Le Puy Camino are also known for more changeable mountain weather. Coastal routes such as the Camino del Norte and Portuguese Camino are generally milder in summer due to the ocean influence, but during the shoulder months they can feel cooler and experience higher chances of rainfall.

In general, spring and autumn offer some of the best walking conditions, with milder temperatures, good daylight hours and moderate numbers on the trail. Early spring walks can still bring cold or slippery conditions in higher altitude areas, so it is important to pack and prepare accordingly.

Extras for preparing for cold and wet weather

If you are planning a trip in March or April, particularly on routes that pass through mountainous or elevated regions, you should be prepared for the possibility of cold weather, rain and even snow.

Extras to consider packing include:

• Head torch
• Thermals and warm layers
• Gloves, beanie, buff and warm socks
• Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Extra socks stored in a ziplock bag in your daypack
• Waterproof daypack cover
• Hiking poles, as some terrain can become slippery or more technical in wet or icy conditions

Snow can occur on some Camino routes above 800m elevation, including the Camino Primitivo, Le Puy Camino, the Pyrenees crossing on the Camino Francés and even parts of the Meseta, which despite its reputation for warmer weather is still a high-altitude plateau. Mel, one of our Camino Destination Experts, walked the Camino in May. Here she talks about the gear you’ll need in cooler conditions…

If you are starting your walk in St Jean Pied de Port on the Camino Francés, please note that the Napoleon Route between St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles is officially closed between 1 November and 31 March. Regardless of your departure date, we strongly recommend checking conditions with the local tourist office before setting out so you are aware of the latest weather and trail conditions. You can read more about this crossing in our Insight article, “Walking the Camino Francés – the First Day from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles”.

Burgos Cathedral (copyright @diegoms_22)
You can experience snow on the Camino…

…and glorious sunshine!

Need help planning your Camino adventure?

RAW Travel is Australia’s leading walking tour operator for the Camino de Santiago. We offer individual and group self-guided walking holidays across the most popular Camino routes in France, Portugal and Spain, including the Camino Francés, Le Puy Camino, Portuguese Camino, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo and Camino Inglés. Whether you are looking for a shorter coastal walk, a quieter mountain trail or a full-length pilgrimage experience, we have a range of itineraries to suit different walking styles, travel dates and experience levels.

If you are unsure which route or departure period is best for you, Contact our Experts who can help recommend the most suitable options based on your travel dates, walking preferences and desired experience.