Doing the Camino de Santiago in Autumn

Autumn is an ideal time to walk the Camino de Santiago: fewer pilgrims, mild temperatures and spectacular scenery. With good preparation for rain and shorter days, it offers a calmer, more authentic, reflective experience, deeply connected with nature.

Autumn is the perfect season for those looking to enjoy the Camino de Santiago with more tranquility, fewer crowds, and a spectacular landscape. At Viajes Camino de Santiago, we have been accompanying over 30,000 pilgrims for more than ten years, and autumn is one of the seasons we highly recommend for those seeking a more peaceful experience. During this time, the weather is still pleasant, although it may surprise you with some rain, and the colors of the landscapes, filled with golden and red tones, create a unique atmosphere for the pilgrimage. In this guide, I will share why autumn is an excellent option for undertaking a Jacobean route, which routes to choose, and how to prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Why choose autumn to do the Camino de Santiago?

Autumn is undoubtedly one of the best times to walk the Camino de Santiago. I myself had the opportunity to traverse it during this season, and it was a unique experience. There is something special about this time of year that cannot be compared to the summer crowds or the winter cold.

Fewer crowds and greater tranquility

One of the greatest advantages of walking the Camino in autumn is the reduced number of pilgrims. The routes are much less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the peace and tranquility that this journey offers. During my walk, I felt how silence and calm enrich the experience. You can take your time, reflect, and enjoy without haste.

The Camino de Santiago in autumn is an experience you cannot imagine and will pleasantly surprise you

More moderate weather and autumn landscapes

Although it may rain, the autumn weather is milder than the heat of summer or the cold of winter. In October, the highs are around 18-20°C and the lows are 10-14°C, with rain on about 13-16 days of the month. In November, the atmosphere cools down a bit more — highs of 13-14°C — and the rains become more frequent, with up to 20 days of precipitation. For this reason, we recommend October as the most balanced month for walking in autumn, and reserving November for those who do not mind getting wet in exchange for a much more solitary Galicia. The fresh air and pleasant temperatures make walking much more enjoyable. Additionally, the landscapes transform with the golden, red, and orange colors of the fallen leaves. For me, witnessing how nature changes color was an impressive visual spectacle.

More authentic and reflective experience

Autumn is a more introspective time to walk the Camino. With fewer pilgrims around you, you can connect better with yourself and with the environment. This calm and serene atmosphere, surrounded by nature in its full splendor, makes the journey more authentic, reflective, and personal. It is not just a physical journey, but also an emotional and spiritual one.

Which Camino routes are ideal in autumn?

Autumn is a fantastic time to travel the Camino de Santiago, and the route that suits you best depends mainly on how much time you have. If you have a week or ten days — which is what most pilgrims have, and not coincidentally, what is most often booked during this time — there are several options that fit perfectly, each with its own character. From Viajes Camino de Santiago, we will tell you which one suits you best.

If you have a week

With 5 or 6 stages ahead, around a week, you have several routes to choose from depending on the landscape you seek. The French Way from Sarria (110 km) is, by far, the most booked section of the year: easy to organize and with the advantage of exceeding the minimum 100 km for the Compostela. If you prefer the Atlantic atmosphere, the Portuguese Way from Tui has a very similar duration, featuring rural and coastal scenery instead of Galician mountains. And if you are looking for something quieter with fewer pilgrims around, the variant Portuguese Way from Vigo also consists of 5 stages, mixing fishing villages and coastline. The English Way from Ferrol can also be completed in 5 or 6 stages, perfect for a short getaway among little-traveled Galician landscapes.

If you have ten days

With a bit more time, 8 or 9 stages, the French Way from O Cebreiro adds the entry through the Galician mountains before reaching Sarria, with high mountain landscapes already tinged with autumn. It is the ideal option if you want more Camino without reaching the three or four weeks of a complete route.

If you have more time

If your autumn allows you several weeks instead of just a few days, you can also consider any of these routes in their complete version. The French Way from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the longest and most varied of all, with the vineyards of La Rioja and the golden fields of Castilla before entering Galicia. The complete Portuguese Way offers the same entire route with rural scenery, and its variant Portuguese Way of the Coast, from Porto, keeps close to the Atlantic from start to finish. All the routes in this article also have their short version if you ultimately decide that a few days are enough for you.

Finisterre and Muxía: alone or as a closure

Many pilgrims decide to add a few more days after finishing any of the previous routes and reach the End of the World, but it is not necessary to combine it with anything: the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía can also be done as an independent route. It is one of the most symbolic routes of the Camino, and in autumn, with the ocean and cliffs wrapped in the calm of the low season, it becomes a particularly moving experience, whether as a conclusion or as a journey in itself.

If you prefer to cover any of these sections in another way, you can also travel them by bike, an increasingly popular alternative at this time of year.

A pilgrim cycling on the French Way

Essential preparation for the Camino in autumn

If you decide to undertake the Camino de Santiago in autumn, it is essential to be well prepared for the climatic changes and the conditions of the route. Take note:

• Appropriate equipment for autumn weather: One of the most important elements is clothing. Make sure to wear breathable clothing that allows you to adapt to temperature changes. During the day it can be warm, but the nights and mornings are cool, so bring lightweight garments, but also coats and layers for rain. A good rain jacket is indispensable!
• How to organize your backpack for the season: My personal advice is to pack light but efficiently. Bring the essentials, but also some extra clothing for rainy and cold days. A good pair of waterproof boots will ensure that mud and rain are not a problem.
• Considerations for backpack transport: Along the Camino, you can take advantage of the backpack transport service to lighten your load. This will allow you to walk more freely and focus on enjoying the landscape and the experience without carrying extra weight.

You know, less is more: you should not overload your backpack when doing the Camino de Santiago

Practical tips for enjoying the Camino in autumn

Walking the Camino in autumn has its particularities, but with these practical tips, you can enjoy the experience to the fullest:

• Adapting to changing weather conditions: Autumn weather is unpredictable: you can have sun and rain on the same day. The important thing is to be prepared for everything. My experience taught me not to let a little rain ruin my spirits. Rain or shine, there is always beauty to discover on the Camino!
• Taking advantage of the lower influx of pilgrims: With fewer people on the Camino, you can enjoy more conversations with other pilgrims and the feeling of being on a personal journey. The atmosphere is much more relaxed, allowing you to experience the Camino more deeply.
• Enjoying local gastronomy and culture: Autumn is the season for chestnuts, young wine, and cider in Galicia. Take the opportunity to savor the local flavors, which are an integral part of the Camino experience. Restaurants offer seasonal menus that will allow you to enjoy authentic and comforting cuisine.

Galician gastronomy features very autumnal dishes, such as this caldo gallego, a revitalizing dish for the pilgrim

Possible inconveniences of the Camino in autumn

Although autumn is a wonderful time to walk, it also presents the following challenges:

• Shorter days and less sunlight: One of the disadvantages is that the days are shorter. It is advisable to start walking early to make the most of the daylight hours. Don't forget your flashlight in case you arrive a little late at the shelter!
• Risk of rain and humidity: Yes, rain is a real possibility, especially in the northwest of Spain, and it is important to know what to do if it rains. Always carry waterproof clothing and cover your backpack to protect it from moisture. Despite the rain, I assure you that the atmosphere and the peace of the landscape make up for everything.
• Reduction of services on some routes: Some routes, especially the more remote ones, may have fewer services available in autumn. It is advisable to check in advance the availability of shelters and services on your route to avoid setbacks.

Pilgrim walking with a raincoat in a very autumnal landscape

Testimonials from pilgrims who have traveled the Camino in autumn

The testimony of other pilgrims is always enriching. During my Camino in autumn, I had the pleasure of meeting many travelers who, like me, sought the serenity and beauty of this season. They all agreed that autumn brings a sense of closeness to nature and introspection that is not experienced at other times.

Personal experiences and recommendations

One of the pilgrims I spoke with mentioned that walking in autumn allowed him to enjoy the details of the Camino more calmly, without rush, and without the hustle and bustle that usually occurs in the summer months. Additionally, the serenity of nature during this time was a transformative experience for him.

Autumn, with its fresh air and landscapes painted in golden and reddish tones, has a special power to connect the pilgrim with the environment and with themselves. For me, the impact was profound, and it allowed me to reflect on the journey while watching how nature prepares for winter.

Pilgrim crossing a forest in autumn

Frequently asked questions about the Camino de Santiago in autumn

Before you decide, we address the most common questions from those considering pilgrimage during this time of year.

Is it cold in Galicia in October and November?

Not especially in October, with highs of 18-20°C that allow for walking in short sleeves at noon. In November, the drop is noticeable, with highs of 13-14°C, so it is advisable to wear layers for the mornings and evenings.

Which month is better, October or November?

October offers the best balance between stable weather and autumn colors at their peak. November brings more rain, but also the most solitary Camino of the year, something that many pilgrims seek precisely for that reason.

Are accommodations still open in autumn?

Yes, most accommodations on the main routes —hotels, rural houses, and shelters— remain open throughout the autumn. It is from November that some begin to close, especially in the less traveled sections, but there are still enough options available to organize the trip without any issues.

Without a doubt, autumn is one of the best times to undertake the Camino de Santiago. Fewer crowds, a moderate climate, spectacular landscapes, and a more personal experience make this season the ideal choice for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic pilgrimage. If you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to request your customized quote… and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!