When is the best time to walk the Camino? A common question asked among pilgrims; there isn’t just one answer! The ideal months to walk the Camino depend on the route and section you select. But most importantly, on what you hope to gain from your Camino journey and how you want to experience it.
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, is manageable most of the year. However, the first section across the Pyrenees from St. Jean Pied de Port and other mountainous regions can be too challenging in winter.
Coastal routes, such as the Portuguese Coastal Camino (particularly the first section from Porto to Baiona) and the Finisterre Camino, are ideal for spring and summer, from April to September or even October.
The Via de la Plata is best explored in spring and autumn, avoiding the hot summer months in Andalucia and Extremadura.
If your dates are flexible, we recommend checking with our travel specialists about the best times to travel. Remember, you can download all our Camino ebooks for free to help you plan your trip here: Camino eBooks.
Contact us for more information about the Camino de Santiago routes or to book your Camino holiday. Enjoy your adventure! Buen Camino!
