Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

2 min summary Best time to go Walking routes The French Way The Portugal Way Northern Way Am I fit enough?Kayaking the Camino Cycling the Camino Tips Places to stay Responsible tourism

Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

Northern Spain has a far more ‘British’ climate than the rest of the country, so most pilgrims opt to walk in the summer months.

July and August are the most popular months, though they can be unpleasantly hot, with scorched vegetation. May-June and Sep are the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago, as the weather is lovely, downpours less likely, and you’ll have plenty of company along the way – but it won’t be quite as crowded. Easter can be a busy time, too. Group tours tend to run April-Oct, but you can trek at any time if you’re feeling brave; autumn can be very wet and chilly in the mountains, with snow and ice in winter.

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The Camino de Santiago, month by month

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.

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Camino de Santiago Weather Chart

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Expert tips on the best time to go on the Camino

Ana Rodríguez García, Camino de Santiago language and walking holidays supplier:

“The best time of year to do the Camino is at the end of spring, because days are long, the weather stable and landscapes are at their best. If can’t do it in June, avoid the summer and go in September… the local residents will thank you for it as well!”

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Written by Catherine Mack

Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago