The Camino de Santiago is a spiritual and cultural adventure that attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world throughout the year. However, one of the most unique times to do the Camino is in November. While some may see this month as a challenge due to the weather, others view it as an opportunity to enjoy the magic and tranquility of the Camino de Santiago in a unique way. In this article, we invite you to explore why November might be the perfect time to embark on this enriching experience.
The charm of November: the serenity of the Camino
November brings the transition from autumn to winter, and with it, a special calm on the Jacobean routes. The crowds of pilgrims who usually walk the routes in the warmer months significantly decrease. This gives you the chance to experience a sense of serenity that is hard to find at other times of the year. Besides the advantage of enjoying more solitude, introspection, and peace, you will have an easier time finding accommodations, since there is no overcrowding of pilgrims like in the summer months.
Autumn colors
Autumn paints the landscapes of the Camino de Santiago with a palette of warm and magical colors. Forests are covered in golden and red leaves, creating a picturesque backdrop for your journey. Walking among trees that seem to be on fire is an experience you will surely treasure.
The autumn landscapes of November greatly enrich your Camino experience
Not just trees and leaves, but you’ll also find many fruits typical of this time of year: acorns, chestnuts, and mushrooms (be careful with the latter—only for experts!) are some of the products that appear at this time of year. A tasty piece of pork fed on acorns and chestnuts, a good chestnut roast, or a mushroom scramble, paired with young wines from recent harvests, will be your reward at the end of each stage.
A challenging but manageable climate
It’s true that the weather can be unpredictable and challenging if you’re planning to do the Camino de Santiago in November. Temperatures are cooler and rain is frequent. You may even find snow in the higher regions. However, with proper preparation—like waterproof clothing and extra layers, warm gear (even gloves and neck warmers), and appropriate footwear (plus comfortable shoes for the end of the stage)—you can face these elements and turn them into part of the adventure. We also recommend trekking poles, very useful to avoid slipping on wet ground and to help navigate around the occasional flooded section of the path.
Dress well against the cold in November
Moreover, depending on the Jacobean route and section you choose, you can avoid rain and snow. Routes that come from the south of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Via de la Plata, the Sanabrés Way, or the Portuguese Way, offer better climates and temperatures. Since most of their sections don’t pass through high mountain areas, snow won’t be a problem.
Meaningful encounters
The lower number of pilgrims in November gives you the opportunity to create deeper connections with those who also choose this time for their Camino. Encounters in hostels and moments of solitary reflection take on a special meaning in this season. So you won’t be completely alone: you’ll surely meet some “crazy” pilgrim like yourself, and you can share your end-of-stage time with them, and even the local people will welcome you warmly, as is the tradition of hospitality toward pilgrims.
O Cebreiro, an iconic place on the Camino
The importance of preparation: detailed planning
Due to variable weather conditions and the possible reduction of services in some sections, detailed planning is essential when traveling in November. With fewer pilgrims, many accommodations, bars, and services like backpack transport may no longer be available on the Camino de Santiago during this month. Be sure to book accommodations in advance and bring enough food and water for the more isolated sections.
Nonetheless, the villages along the Camino de Santiago are not left without services just because there are fewer pilgrims. Many are towns and small cities with daily life, businesses, and local residents who work there. You’ll still find shops, bars, restaurants, accommodations, and taxis—so don’t panic!
Which are the best-prepared routes?
For example, the French Way from Sarria passes through Palas de Rei and Arzúa, small towns but with services available year-round. The same goes for the Portuguese Way from Tui, which passes through the large and beautiful city of Pontevedra. These two routes offer the most services.
Other options include the English Way from Ferrol or the Way from A Coruña, two large cities where this route begins and which pass through lively towns and cities like Betanzos and Sigüeiro. Also, the Northern Way from Villalba or the Primitivo Way from Lugo are good options, as both eventually connect with the French Way.
You can enjoy inland routes, or even coastal ones
As you can see, we recommend short routes of the Camino de Santiago that can be completed in 5 or 6 days. They all run through Galicia, a region with many towns and services every few kilometers, unlike other regions of Spain. Ending in Santiago de Compostela, you will of course receive your pilgrimage certificate, the Compostela.
Spirituality and reflection
November, with its quiet atmosphere and nature in transformation, is an ideal time for introspection and reflection. Bring a travel journal to record your thoughts and feelings as you progress on your pilgrimage. While walking alone, that pilgrim “logbook” will be your best companion and the memory of an experience as intimate as doing the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago in November may be challenging but rewarding. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy peace and quiet, and deepen your spiritual journey. With the right preparation and detailed planning, which we at Viajes Camino de Santiago can provide you with, this month can become the perfect time to embark on this transformative experience. So, why not consider November as your next chance to discover the Camino de Santiago in a completely new way? May your pilgrimage this month be a journey of reflection and discovery!
I am planning to do the camino frances in November, but i am worried i will not see and meet anyone! I want some time to be by myself but the community portion of the camino is important to me has well. Do you think november is not good for me.
I am a flower productor (very small farm) in Canada amd I am not available between may and october.
Hi Rose!
Your timing might be quieter than the peak months, but November can still be a beautiful moment to walk the Camino — especially if you’re looking for a balance between solitude and connection. On the Camino Francés, particularly from Sarria onwards, there are always other pilgrims on the route, even in low season. You may not meet crowds, but the encounters you do have often feel more meaningful and personal.
It’s also a special time of year — the landscape is peaceful, the pace is slower, and there’s space to reflect, breathe and connect with the heart of the Camino. Many pilgrims say they truly appreciated the calm of walking in November.
And don’t worry — we can help you plan it in a way that ensures you’ll have open places to sleep and eat, and enough fellow pilgrims to share the journey with, even if it’s just a few kind souls here and there 😊
We’d love to support you in making it happen — your Camino can absolutely be a beautiful one, even in November. Maybe especially in November.
Warm wishes!
Hi Rose
We are also considering to walk from Sarria to Santiago sometime end of November this year. Not too sure if we will go ahead with it as there are many factors to consider. 😅 Still thinking about it.
thankyou for your insights and intimate knowledge….from Australia, im thinking of doing the Camino Portuguese Central in November.
Hello,
I am interested about your experience on the camino in November! Did you meet other people? or was it a deserted feeling?
Many thanks from australia this is my first day researching and i like your reflection thank you yhank you. I ll be going in november 2024 :)
I am doing the Camino Frances in November 2024! See u around!
Hello, i am interested about your camino experience in November! I am thinking of going in november this year but i am worried everything will be closed and I will meet no one? Is it a deserted feeling or was there still a communal aspect to your walk?
Thank you