One of the big questions every pilgrim asks when thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago is when to do it. What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago? Indeed, the time of year for the pilgrimage is not a trivial matter, dear pilgrim. As you know, there are a variety of routes that run through different territories, each with its own climates and temperatures that change depending on the calendar. On the other hand, depending on whether you seek solitude or many new companions on your walk, the decision can also vary.
Choosing a time of year will affect the necessary preparations, stage planning, accommodation, and what to carry in your backpack. In this article, we will inform you about what it is like to do the Camino de Santiago in each season of the year. We will help you choose your date so that you have the best experience on your pilgrimage adventure.
Most pilgrims prefer warm seasons to do the Camino de Santiago
Spring: one of the most recommended times
During spring, the Camino begins to receive a considerable influx of pilgrims, especially during Easter holidays and in May. Many foreign pilgrims choose this time, between mid-March and mid-June, to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. The crowds during this time of year are not excessive, and there won’t be as much hustle and bustle of pilgrims on the route, facilitating your relaxation and disconnection. Likewise, it will allow you to meet wonderful people from many nationalities.
Spring is the best time to do the Camino, as it offers more daylight hours, mild temperatures, and days that combine sun and rain. You will fall in love with the colorful fields and paths filled with flowers in spring. Additionally, the festivals typical of this time, such as the Mayos in the month of May, add a special touch to the experience.
Furthermore, you will avoid the excessive weight of your backpack, as you won’t need heavy and bulky winter clothes. If you’re lucky, you might take your first swim of the year in rivers, lakes, or beaches, so don’t forget your swimsuit. This season, with moderate weather, is ideal for any route to Santiago, and a week will be enough to enjoy it.
The Camino blooms in spring
Summer: a different way to spend your holidays
This season, the peak period of the Camino de Santiago in terms of climates and services, runs from mid-June to mid-September. The good summer weather, with sun, heat, and little rain almost guaranteed, makes it the best time to do the Camino de Santiago. Moreover, the much-anticipated summer holidays make it the time chosen by many pilgrims. However, some routes of the Camino de Santiago are overcrowded, and you must plan well and book your accommodations in advance.
Depending on the section you take, you might experience a lot of heat on the Via de la Plata, which is highly inadvisable at this time. The same goes for sections of the French Way through the Castilian plateau. These are sections that do not offer much shade and are very hot in summer. On the other hand, between the Basque Country and Galicia, you will not have that problem, as the heat rarely becomes oppressive. You have the sea nearby and plenty of vegetation throughout the route, which will ease the feeling of oppression. Routes like the Portuguese Way, its Coastal variant from Vigo, the English Way, or the Way to Finisterre and Muxía will reward you with beaches.
The Camino de Santiago in summer, full of pilgrims
Autumn: the best time to do the Camino without crowds
During autumn, between mid-September and mid-December, the weather can be cool and rainy, and sometimes windy. Despite this, the landscapes are beautiful and unique in this season, with falling leaves and the special light of autumn creating unforgettable scenes on the paths. Additionally, the fewer number of pilgrims allows you to enjoy the Camino with full tranquility, and nature, in its wildest state, offers spectacular views.
In autumn, between mid-September and December, the Camino de Santiago remains a popular option for those who prefer to avoid extreme temperatures. The autumn weather offers mild temperatures and a mix of sun and rain, making walking pleasant and comfortable.
The autumn landscape in the Galician forests is impressive, with the changing colors of the leaves creating a magical atmosphere. The festivals of this season, such as Samhain (or Halloween) on October 31, add an interesting cultural element to the journey. As in spring, there are fewer pilgrims, which allows you to enjoy the route with tranquility and meet other pilgrims without feeling overwhelmed.
The Camino through A Fonsagrada
Winter: an alternative with more and more followers
Winter, with its cold weather, fewer daylight hours, and the absence of long holidays, makes this the least preferred time to do the Camino. However, this does not mean it is the worst, as it has many advantages.
Winter on the Camino de Santiago, though cold and sometimes accompanied by snow, also has its charm. The sparkling frost and snowy landscapes transform the Camino into a magical experience. The calm and serenity experienced while walking the paths at this time is incomparable, as there are fewer pilgrims and crowds.
Moreover, you can enjoy festivals like Christmas on the Camino de Santiago and learn how it is celebrated in new places. Also, in February you can discover Carnival on the Camino, with the Galician entroidos and all the ancient and mischievous magic of Galicia.
It is true that many services for pilgrims close during the winter due to low demand, but there are always options available. With the Camino all to yourself, you will enjoy a quiet route and a nature and landscapes that you could hardly see at another time of the year.
Two pilgrims walking in winter
In conclusion, which season is the best?
Whatever the season, the most important thing is to travel well informed, with proper equipment and planning, and a great desire to enjoy. You can do it on foot or by bicycle, alone, with friends or family, and even, why not, with your beloved dog.
We know it is not always possible to choose the best time of year to do the Camino de Santiago. We will have to adapt to our personal circumstances, work holidays, and the pros and cons of the routes at different times of the year. Any inconveniences you may encounter have easy solutions: prepare yourself and choose the best route for you. Oh! And of course, let us advise you.
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