Best Time to Walk the Camino de Santiago

Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

Choosing when to walk the Camino de Santiago is almost as important as choosing the route. The weather, pilgrim numbers and availability of services vary enormously depending on the time of year. Here is a complete guide to help you pick the perfect date.

Spring (April – May)

Spring is one of the best times to walk the Camino. The Galician landscape explodes in green, temperatures are mild and pilgrim numbers are moderate.

• Temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
• Rain: Moderate, especially in April. May is drier.
• Advantages: Spectacular landscapes, wildflowers, long days, albergues without overcrowding
• Drawbacks: April can be rainy. You will need a rain jacket and layered clothing. Check our complete packing list to prepare your backpack for each season.
• Pilgrim numbers: Moderate. Enough pilgrims to socialise, without feeling crowded.

Summer (June – September)

This is peak season on the Camino. Summer sees the highest number of pilgrims, especially July and August.

• Temperatures: 20-35°C (68-95°F). Inland areas can exceed 35°C in July and August.
• Rain: Rare, although in Galicia it can always rain
• Advantages: All services open, lively social atmosphere, very long days
• Drawbacks: Intense heat on the meseta and inland Galicia, full albergues, need to book well in advance, overcrowding on the last 100 km
• Pilgrim numbers: Very high. Booking accommodation is essential.

Autumn (September – November)

For many experienced pilgrims, autumn is the best time to walk the Camino. September and October combine good weather with fewer crowds.

• Temperatures: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
• Rain: Increases from November onwards
• Advantages: Spectacular autumn colours, grape harvest season, perfect walking temperatures, fewer pilgrims than summer
• Drawbacks: Shorter days (dark before 7pm in November). Some services reduce their hours.
• Pilgrim numbers: Medium-low. A quieter, more intimate atmosphere.

Winter (December – February)

The Camino in winter is a completely different experience. Only for pilgrims seeking solitude who do not mind the cold.

• Temperatures: 2-10°C (36-50°F). Possible overnight frost.
• Rain: Frequent, with possible snow at higher elevations
• Advantages: Complete solitude, dramatic landscapes with fog and frost, lower prices
• Drawbacks: Many albergues closed, very short days, intense cold, some muddy stretches
• Pilgrim numbers: Very low. You can walk for hours without seeing another pilgrim.

Peak season vs off-season

| Aspect | Peak season (Jun-Sep) | Off-season (Nov-Mar) |

|--------|----------------------|---------------------|

| Accommodation | Must book ahead | Wide availability |

| Prices | Higher | Lower |

| Atmosphere | Social, lively | Solitary, introspective |

| Services | All open | Some closed |

| Weather | Hot | Cold and rainy |

Month-by-month summary

• January-February: Cold, solitary, for experienced hikers only
• March: Start of the season, variable weather, few pilgrims
• April: Spring, rainy but green, a good option
• May: Excellent, green landscapes, mild temperatures
• June: Very good, high season begins
• July-August: Peak season, very hot and very crowded
• September: Ideal, good weather, fewer people than summer
• October: Excellent, autumn colours, peaceful
• November: Variable, short days, some services close
• December: Cold, very few pilgrims

Our recommendation: September-October

If you can choose, September and October are the perfect months to walk the Camino de Santiago. Temperatures are ideal for walking (15-22°C / 59-72°F), the Galician landscape shows its best autumn colours, there are fewer pilgrims than in summer and all services remain open.

At Casa Andaina in Palas de Rei, we welcome you all year round. We have heating for the cold months and a garden to enjoy in the warm months. Book directly with no commissions.