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The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes, increasingly growing in popularity amongst people of all ages and lifestyles. Although the vast majority choose to do walking holidays in the summer, different seasons bring a completely different experience – each with its own charm. Here’s what to expect on the Camino during different times of the year:
Spring: Blossoming trails and pleasant temperatures
Spring, spanning from late March to early June, is one of the most inviting seasons for the Camino. Nature is coming alive after the winter, with wildflowers brightening the paths and lush green hillsides starting to blossom. The days are getting longer and temperatures start rising during this season, with generally sunny weather and occasional rain.
However, the tourist traffic is also slowly increasing, particularly in May. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, opt for early spring (March to mid-April).
Summer: Long days and lively community
From June to August, the Camino de Santiago reaches peak popularity. The long daylight hours make it easier to cover more distance, and the busy pilgrim community creates a lively and social atmosphere. There are some downsides, though, one of them being the high temperatures that can lead to heat exhaustion if not careful.
Additionally, accommodation tends to fill quickly during the peak season, therefore it’s important to pre-book everything well in advance. Using a specialist agency, such as Santiago Ways, is recommended, as they will take care of all the logistics for you, including hotel bookings and luggage transfers.
Autumn: The golden Camino
The autumn months (September to November) are beloved months by many experienced pilgrims. As the trails start to quiet down, yet the temperatures remain relatively warm, the Camino has almost a meditative atmosphere. Late autumn, in particular, is a beautiful time of the year, as the forests and vineyards turn hundreds of shades of gold, orange and red.
Keep in mind, however, that autumn also brings an increased chance of rainfall and shorter days, especially later in the season. While conditions are still excellent for most routes, it will require a bit more preparation, with rainproof and windproof gear.
Winter: A solitary experience
It comes as no surprise that winter (December to February) is the most challenging season to walk the Camino de Santiago, bringing cold temperatures and short days (around 9 hours of sunlight). Not just that, the less popular routes also have limited services, as they often close down during the low season.
But, even with all of the challenges, there are many pilgrims still choosing to do their Caminos in the winter. It’s a highly rewarding experience, requiring even more stamina and self-motivation than it already does. There is also the Camino Invierno or the Winter Way – a route created specifically for the colder months, avoiding the snowbound mountains of O Cebreiro.
Year-round adventure
So, to answer the question “when is the best time to walk?”, there simply isn’t one! The best season for you will depend on the type of experience you want to have on your Camino. Are you a first-timer who wants the most pleasant conditions and a social atmosphere? Or, perhaps you’re looking for a unique challenge? The choice is yours!
