One of the big questions that every pilgrim asks when thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago is when to do it and what is the best time. Indeed, the time of year to do the Camino de Santiago is not a trivial matter, fellow pilgrim. As you may know, there are a variety of routes that pass through different regions, each with its own climates and temperatures that change according to the calendar. On the other hand, depending on whether you’re looking for solitude or many new companions on your journey, the decision can also change. In this article, we will inform you about what it’s like to do the Camino de Santiago in each season of the year. We will help you choose your date so you can have the best experience on your pilgrim adventure.

It varies by seasons

The time of year is, therefore, a variable to consider very carefully, as it will affect the necessary preparations, the planning of stages and accommodations, and what to take with you in your backpack, among other aspects. We could describe what it’s like to do the Camino de Santiago in each season of the year, but to give you a more realistic idea, we need to talk about high season, mid-season, and low season. Many times, these three periods span two or even three seasons of the year, and we find it more useful to make this division for you.

Low season, autumn, and winter

The low season for the Camino de Santiago covers from mid-November to mid-March, which means part of autumn and practically all of winter. Similar to traditional holiday periods, the cold weather, fewer daylight hours, and the absence of long vacations make this the least preferred time for doing the Camino de Santiago. In fact, statistics confirm this: the vast majority of pilgrims prefer times of the year when the weather is better. But wait! This doesn’t mean it’s the worst time, as it has many advantages.

Two pilgrims walking in winter.

Two pilgrims walking in winter.

It is true that during this time, the weather offers cold, rain, sometimes wind, and even snow. However, the landscapes are beautiful and unique in the low season. The falling leaves and the special autumn light, as well as the bright winter frosts, provide unique scenes along the trails. It’s also true that with fewer pilgrims around, many pilgrim services may close, although not all of them. With the Camino all to yourself, you’ll enjoy the route in complete tranquility, and nature in its wildest form will offer you spectacular landscapes.

During this colder season, don’t overcomplicate things.

Between November and March, we recommend the French Way, which is the best route in terms of history, landscapes, popularity, and availability of services. It has a variety of accommodations and restaurants. While it’s heavily traveled in the summer, it’s ideal for walking during this time to avoid crowds. You can start wherever you like: the Camino from Sarria, which is about 115 km to Santiago de Compostela, will offer easier access to accommodations, and temperatures will be cold but not extreme. However, if you’re up for a bit of adventure in the snow and high mountains, you can start from the legendary village of O Cebreiro and enjoy 150 km of Galician hills and meadows.

Let’s not forget about the Portughese Way, the second most popular route with good services, also crowded in the summer. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means that temperatures don’t drop too low, but you should be prepared for rain, wind, and sudden storms. You can start the Camino from Tui or Valença do Minho, covering about 120 km, to experience the Portuguese border and the beautiful Miño River.

Landscape of Tui from Valença do Minho, with the Miño river.

Landscape of Tui from Valença do Minho, with the Miño river.

And what to pack?

That’s right, fellow pilgrim, caution is key, especially during the winter. Prepare to load your backpack with warm and thermal clothing, extra sets of clothes, and comfortable footwear for the end of each stage. During the stages, make sure to have waterproof boots, quick-drying clothes, ponchos or hooded rain gear, and perhaps insulation for your hands, neck, and head (watch out for damp cold!). Walking poles can be useful to prevent slipping on wet terrain, and it’s advisable to carry a backpack cover, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and an external battery and charger for your mobile phone.

Mid-season, spring, and autumn

In the Camino de Santiago, the mid-season has two periods: from mid-March to June and from mid-September to November. It’s an interesting time because the Camino sees a fair amount of pilgrim traffic during Easter, as well as in May and September when many international pilgrims embark on the journey to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. For many, it’s the perfect time to do the Camino de Santiago, with longer daylight hours, fairly mild temperatures, and days that combine sunshine and precipitation.

Boots with flowers in springtime.

Spring blooms on the Camino.

You will fall in love with the colorful fields and flower-filled paths in spring, as well as the autumnal landscape that emerges in the Galician forests. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the festivals that take place during these times of the year, such as Samhain (or Halloween) between October and November and the May celebrations in the corresponding month. The crowds during this time of year are not excessive, and it will allow you to meet wonderful people from various nationalities without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of pilgrims along the entire route, making it easier for you to relax and disconnect.

The best time for venturing into routes with extreme weather

In addition to the Camino Francés and Portugués, which are perfect for most of the year, we can recommend some very special routes. The Vía de la Plata is an excellent choice during this time, as it avoids the stifling summer heat and starts to have services available. It begins in Seville and allows you to walk through the cooler regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castile and León. It connects with the Camino Francés in Astorga, but in the province of Zamora, you can deviate onto the beautiful Sanabrian Way, which starts from Ourense and takes you to Santiago de Compostela after 110 km.

The Primitive Way is another very special route, as it was the first one to be established. It’s less traveled and doesn’t have as many services, but during the mid-season, things start to pick up. It begins in Oviedo and crosses the high mountains between Lugo and Asturias, so it’s not recommended in winter. You can comfortably walk the 102 km from Lugo, where the peaceful hills and Galician villages, free from mountainous terrain, will nourish your pilgrim spirit.

A Fonsagrada route.

The way in A Fonsagrada.

Pilgrim in “onion mode”

During this season of variable weather, pilgrims often find themselves constantly dressing and undressing while walking, adding or removing layers when the sun comes out or when sudden rain falls. Your backpack will carry slightly less weight than during the low season, but keep in mind that there can still be cool nights and mornings, as well as the possibility of rain between sunny spells.

Our recommendation is to use common sense when packing for the Camino de Santiago during this time: bring some warm and thermal clothing, extra sets of clothes, and comfortable footwear for the end of each stage. Waterproof footwear and quick-drying clothing are essential, as well as a poncho or rain gear. It’s advisable to have a backpack cover, walking poles, a first aid kit (a heads-up for those allergic to springtime!), an external battery, and a charger for your mobile phone.

High season, the peak of summer

This season, the peak time for the Camino de Santiago in terms of the number of pilgrims, climate, and services, spans from mid-June to mid-September. As mentioned in previous paragraphs, the good summer weather with guaranteed sunshine, warmth, and minimal rain makes it the best time to do the Camino de Santiago. Moreover, the coveted summer holidays prompt many pilgrims to choose this time, so some routes on the Camino de Santiago can be crowded, and you should plan well and book your accommodations in advance.

Pilgrims walking in summer.

The Camino de Santiago, crowded in summertime.

In the summer, and you don’t need to be a meteorologist to know it, temperatures are generally hotter. Depending on the section of the Camino you choose, you may experience a lot of heat on the Vía de la Plata or on sections of the Camino Francés that pass through the Castilian plateau, which also lack much shade. On the other hand, between the Basque Country and Galicia, you won’t have that problem, as the heat rarely becomes stifling. You’ll have the sea nearby and abundant vegetation throughout the route, which will alleviate the feeling of discomfort.

In summer, sea and mountains

We want you to fully enjoy the summer and the Camino de Santiago, so during this season, we highly recommend routes that run close to the sea. The Portuguese Coastal Camino from Porto, covering 194 km, is the best option for enjoying the beautiful beaches of northern Portugal and the Rías Baixas in Galicia. Staying close to the sea and benefiting from the cool northern breeze, we also recommend the English Way from Ferrol, about 114 km, whose first half will offer you the opportunity to swim in the nearly pristine beaches of the Rías Altas. The Northern Camino from Ribadeo, with around 190 km, will also provide the best of the Cantabrian Sea and the Galician mountains along a historic route.

Another option is to do the Camino de Finisterre and Muxía, known as the Epilogue, as it starts from the Obradoiro Square itself. With a total of 120 km, you will reach these two cities on the Costa da Morte, where you can enjoy the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the best seafood and fish, and the unforgettable Sunset at the End of the World.

Finisterre coast.

Finisterre coast and O Centolo little island.

With less clothing, walking is more comfortable.

Regarding your backpack, during this season, you can go lighter in terms of weight. It’s almost mandatory to wear lightweight clothing and breathable footwear, use sunscreen to avoid skin burns, and wear a cap or hat to keep your head from overheating. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit because you’ll come across places to take a refreshing dip to relieve fatigue.

As always, it’s advisable to have a backpack cover, walking poles, a first aid kit, an external battery, and a charger for your mobile phone. While the likelihood of rain is low, a few drops can always fall, so you can bring a poncho or rain gear or, given the availability of many services during this high season, purchase them along the Camino.

All seasons of the year are good for doing the Camino de Santiago

Whether it’s autumn, winter, spring, or summer, the most important thing is to travel well-informed, with appropriate equipment and planning, and above all, a strong desire to fully enjoy the experience. You can do it on foot or by bike, alone, with friends or family, and even, why not, with your dog.

We understand that it’s not always possible to choose the perfect time of year to do the Camino de Santiago. You’ll have to adapt to your personal circumstances, work vacations, and the pros and cons of the routes we’ve mentioned, taking into account the different times of the year. Any inconveniences you may encounter have easy solutions: choosing the best Camino de Santiago route, planning your stages and accommodations well, and equipping yourself appropriately. Oh, and of course, listening to our advice!