When to do the Camino de Santiago

What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago? Although the preferences and circumstances of each one determine when to do the Camino de Santiago, there are some external factors that affect us all and that we must take into account: weather, influx of pilgrims on the chosen route, availability of hostels, hotels, etc.

Doing the Camino de Santiago in summer

This is the time of year when there is the greatest influx of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.. In Galicia, and not only there, the months of July and August can be stressful when it comes to finding a roof at the end of the day. This is because summer is the time of year when people tend to have holidays and have more free time to enjoy this adventure.

As far as the weather is concerned, on the French Route, it is usual to be free of rain for most of the route. However, in Galicia or when crossing the Pyrenees, we must be prepared for bad weather. The most common problems, on the other hand, are usually caused by high temperatures. Wearing light shoes or boots, wearing light, breathable clothing, hydrating properly and leaving early will help you to cope better.

Among the pros of to do the Camino de Santiago in summer, Apart from the "good weather", there is the possibility of attending the feast of the Apostle St. James on 25 July, a festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The downside, as mentioned above, is accommodation. If you are interested in staying overnight in the public hostels, they are likely to be full. The rule is that places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given first to walkers, second to cyclists and third to horseback riders. If you opt for private accommodation, remember to make all reservations before you start your journey.

Doing the Camino de Santiago in winter

This is the season with the most unfavourable weather. In the Pyrenees, the passage through Lepoeder is forbidden because of snow, due to the numerous rescues of ill-equipped pilgrims in the past. Snow also tends to be present for long periods at the entrance to Galicia via O Cebreiro, at Cruz de Ferro (León) or at La Pedraja (Burgos). Frosts are more than usual in Castilla y León, and the days are short. For all these reasons, the number of pilgrims who make the decision to walk is not very high. walking the Camino de Santiago in the coldest months of the year.

In the economic aspect, winter has some benefits for the pilgrim. Because there are fewer pilgrims during these months, hotel accommodation is cheaper. In addition, we will not have problems finding a place in public hostels, as they are open all year round.

Other advantages of walking the Camino de Santiago in winter is the tranquillity, serenity and silence present along the way. Those pilgrims seeking a more spiritual experience or seeking to enjoy the rigours of winter will choose this season.

To carry out the stages of the Camino de Santiago in winter, It will be necessary to take into account the hours of daylight, as there are fewer than in the rest of the year. As there will be fewer sunny days, fatigue will be more bearable, but arriving wet and cold may be worse.

In terms of clothing and footwear, consideration should be given to waterproof clothing, windproof jackets, gloves and extra spare clothing.

Doing the Camino de Santiago in spring and autumn

These two seasons are good for walking the Camino de Santiago The weather is mild, with mild temperatures and only occasionally rain and cold weather can cause problems.

Moreover, in both seasons the number of pilgrims is very low compared to the strong summer months (except for the spike at Easter).

Therefore, there should be no accommodation problems. Public hostels will certainly be available and private accommodation is expected to be operational.

As in winter, you should be equipped for the rain. A jacket and waterproof boots or shoes are essential. As in winter, you can save some weight by wearing lighter clothing for between-weather conditions.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Camino de Santiago is done all year round, and although the weather is a fundamental element, there are other variables to take into account. It all depends on the experience we want to live. Now we just have to make the decision to get going. Have a good Camino!