Numbers soar during ‘Holy Years’, when
25th July – St James’ Day – falls on a Sunday. The next Holy Years are 2021, 2027, and 2032.
April and May turn your pilgrimage into a floral one with wildflowers starting to come out, as well as migratory birds flying in. It is cooler at night during
April though and you will have a higher risk of rain.
July and August are peak season on the Camino Francés, with June getting busier nowadays too. The Camino del Norte and Portuguese Way will be slightly quieter during these months, although many people love the camaraderie of the French route too.
If your pilgrimage is truly to be in the footsteps of monks dating back over the centuries, then wine should also feature from time to time. Grape harvests happen from late
September into October and you will often find local festivities along the way during these months. Autumn is quieter than spring months usually.
If you are hoping to kayak the Camino de Santiago, guided trips tend to go between early
July and September.
Few people take on the Camino de Santiago in winter, as doing the whole route involves crossing the Pyrenees which may be snow covered. There are also fewer daylight hours during
November, December and January.
Some walkers do take on the
Portuguese Camino as early as
March, starting in Porto, as there are fewer big peaks to take on.
Some pilgrims may want to consider taking on some of the Camino during Lent, which begins
February or March depending on the year. Although some areas may be tricky with wintery conditions, do talk to our specialists about creating a tailor made itinerary for you during this time for you, avoiding any seasonal perilous areas.
