Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago
Choosing the best time to hike the Camino de Santiago can make or break your experience. Weather, crowds and trail conditions all vary throughout the year, and knowing what to expect each season can help you avoid common mistakes. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of hiking the Camino during different times of the year so you can plan your journey wisely. Best time to walk the Camino.
The key factors to consider are the number of pilgrims, the specific Camino route or section, and the weather.
Pilgrims On The Camino
Most Camino routes are best enjoyed from spring to autumn (April to October). The busiest months are July and August, aligning with the holiday season in Spain. Many other European countries also have holidays then.
If you seek a social experience, the Camino Francés has many pilgrims on the trail throughout the year. This especially the case on the final section from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.
The Camino Francés attracts about 66% of all Camino pilgrims, highlighting its popularity. If you want to meet some fellow pilgrims but prefer to avoid the busy summer months on the Camino Frances, the Camino Portugués is a great alternative.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a completely off-the-beaten-path experience, routes like the Via de la Plata or the Camino de Invierno are perfect and crowd-free.
Weather On The Camino
Weather on the Camino de Santiago is a significant factor for many people when embarking on a walking or cycling adventure like the Camino. Some might prefer sunny skies and a bit of heat, while others favour cooler temperatures and don’t mind a bit of rain.
Summer in northwest Spain, particularly in Galicia, generally doesn’t have extreme temperatures. However, as the saying goes in Spain: “It never rains to everyone’s taste.” We recommend checking our ‘weather’ tab when booking your tour to see the average monthly temperatures and rainfall. This will help you determine if the weather suits your preferences. Our interactive weather map for the Camino is also a useful planning tool, which you can find here: Weather on the Camino.
In our opinion, certain routes, like the Via de la Plata, particularly in the regions of Andalucia and Extremadura, can be too hot in summer.
Additionally, some sections, especially those across mountains, are not recommended in winter as snow might make them impassable.
Camino de Santiago Routes
The most famous route, the Camino Francés, can be walked most of the year. However, the first stage across the Pyrenees from St. Jean Pied de Port and other high-altitude areas can be too challenging or even closed in winter due to snow. Because of this, many pilgrims choose to begin their journey in Pamplona, Logroño or Sarria during the colder months.
Coastal routes, such as the Portuguese Coastal Camino (particularly the first section from Porto to Baiona), are ideal from spring to early autumn. Warmer days, refreshing Atlantic breezes and long hours of daylight make April to September the most enjoyable period. The Camino Finisterre, which leads pilgrims from Santiago toward the Atlantic coast, is also perfect during these months thanks to mild temperatures and stunning ocean views.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more rural experience, the Via de la Plata (Ourense to Santiago) is a great option. This final section of the historic route offers peaceful landscapes and gentle terrain.
The Via de la Plata is best explored in spring and autumn, avoiding the hot summer months in AndalucÃa and Extremadura.
For those who prefer cooler temperatures and dramatic sea views, the Camino del Norte is another fantastic choice. Stretching along Spain’s northern coastline, this route shines between May and September, when the weather is more stable and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
If your dates are flexible, our travel specialists can help you choose the best season for your preferred route. You can also download all our free Camino eBooks to help you plan your trip.
FAQs: Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago
April, May, June, September and October usually offer the best combination of mild weather and manageable crowds.
A: The Via de la Plata (Ourense to Santiago) and the Camino Finisterre are among the quietest routes offered by CaminoWays.
Summer is perfectly fine for most Camino routes, especially in Galicia and along the coast, where temperatures stay moderate. However, some inland regions of Spain can be very hot in July and August, so choosing a cooler route or starting early in the morning is recommended.
Yes, but mountain sections — such as the Pyrenees on the Camino Francés — may be difficult or restricted in winter due to snow.
A: The Camino Portugués is ideal for meeting fellow pilgrims in a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier Camino Francés.
You can download all our free Camino eBooks to help you plan your journey.
