Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to walk the Camino de Santiago in January? In the month of New Year’s resolutions, you might be able to fulfill a very special one: the Camino de Santiago, starting the year with pilgrim energy. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to walk the Camino in the heart of Winter. Keep reading, as you’ll find very valuable information for your journey.

A diversion on the way.

Why Choose January to Walk the Camino?

January, named after the Roman god Janus with his two faces, closes the doors of the old year and looks positively towards the new one. Be like him: walking the Camino de Santiago in January can help you foster a positive mindset for the incoming year. It might seem like an unusual choice due to the cold and rainy winter weather, but the good news is that you’ll encounter fewer pilgrims than at other times of the year. This is why January offers a more peaceful Camino, allowing you to connect with nature in a unique way. The winter landscapes adorned with frost, snowflakes, solitary forests, and quiet villages inspire a sense of unparalleled serenity.

Advantages of Pilgrimage in January

Embarking on a Jacobean Route in January is ideal if you’re seeking time for yourself and to reflect on your projects for the upcoming year. You’ll have the entire Camino to yourself and enjoy all that it offers:

  • Quiet Tranquility: With fewer pilgrims walking, the Camino’s serenity will be your sole companion, bringing calmness all around.
  • Unique Landscapes: Admiring the dreamy winter scenes, with frost glistening on the fields, will brighten your walk.
  • Accessible Routes: There are several recommended winter routes, easy, beautiful, and suitable for everyone.
  • Solitary Introspection: The Camino, the best place for self-discovery.
  • Emotional Recharge: A new year and a new Camino that will recharge your batteries and make you more positive to carry out your future projects.

Pilgrims enjoying New Year.

Precautions for Walking the Camino de Santiago in January

January, being a central month of Winter, has its challenges, and it’s not all gold, frankincense, and myrrh. You should consider the following:

  • Cold and Rain: You’ll need to carry more weight in your backpack due to additional clothing.
  • Shorter Days: With fewer daylight hours, you’ll have less time to walk.
  • Limited Accommodations and Services: Being the off-season, many accommodations and services may be temporarily closed.

Key Considerations for Walking the Camino in January

In our post about walking the Camino in Winter, we provide all the information you need for a Jacobean Route in January, including all the tips to ensure an unforgettable experience, what to pack, and the best routes. Broadly, we advise you to follow these tips:

  • Choose a route with a more benign climate, like the Portuguese Way.
  • Prepare well for low temperatures and precipitation.
  • Book your accommodations in advance to ensure your rest.
  • Explore and enjoy the gastronomy and culture of the places you pass through.

For cycling enthusiasts, cycling the Camino by bike is an interesting alternative, allowing for longer Jacobean Routes. For animal lovers, January offers a great excuse to do the Camino with your dog, as January 17th celebrates the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals. If you start from Madrid, following the Camino de Madrid, or pass through Astorga (León) on the French Route, you can request a blessing for your canine pilgrim companion.

A dog close to a milestone on the Camino in January.

In these last two scenarios, your backpack alone might not be enough, and it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t carry more than 10% of your body weight. If this is the case, it’s best to avoid complications and arrange for your backpack to be transported for you.

Starting the year with a pilgrimage is a brave and rewarding choice. With fewer pilgrims, you’ll have more opportunities to connect with yourself and the surrounding nature. Moreover, as Christmas winds down, like a wise man on an epiphany journey, any Jacobean Route will offer a magical experience for the new year. If you’re ready to face the cold and rain, an unforgettable adventure awaits you on the Camino de Santiago in January.