Best Time of Year to Walk the Camino de Santiago (Month-by-Month Guide)
Best time to walk the Camino depends on what you value most: cooler weather and fewer people, or long sunny days and lots of pilgrim energy. This guide is written so you can quickly decide your month and then confidently book flights.
Camino seasons at a glance
The Camino de Santiago stretches across very different climates, from the Pyrenees to Galicia, so “best time” is always a compromise between weather, crowds, and services.
- Peak season: roughly June to mid-September – warm to hot, very social, but busiest and often more expensive.
- Shoulder seasons: April–May and mid-September–October – milder temperatures, good services, and popular with first-timers.
- Low season: November–March – quiet, more spiritual atmosphere, but shorter days, colder weather, and more closures.
Walking the Camino in winter (December–February)
Winter on the Camino can be magical and reflective, but it is also the most demanding season in terms of weather and logistics.
- Pros: Very quiet trails, cheaper prices in many towns, and a strong sense of pilgrimage for those comfortable with solitude.
- Cons: Short daylight hours, cold or freezing temperatures on higher sections, increased rain, and snow or ice possible in some areas; many albergues and rural services close.
Winter is generally better suited to experienced walkers who are used to bad-weather hiking, can carry warmer gear, and are flexible with stage planning when conditions change.
- Our videos
- Weekly Camino Weather 26 Jan 2026
- Camino Training – start now for April – October 2026
- Camino apps – Practical Guide to what might useful on the way.
- Food on the Camino – What to expect.
Spring on the Camino (March–May)
Spring is a favourite for many because landscapes feel alive again, even though weather can flip between glorious sunshine and sudden storms.
- March and early April can still be chilly and wet, especially in the north and at altitude, but wildflowers begin to appear across fields and hills.
- Late April and May usually offer longer days, greener countryside, and moderate temperatures, though rain is still common and Easter or local holidays can briefly increase crowds.
Spring works well if you prefer cooler walking conditions, don’t mind carrying a light rain jacket, and like the mix of other pilgrims without peak-season crowding.
Summer on the Camino (June–August)
Summer brings the most daylight and the biggest crowds, which can be wonderful or overwhelming depending on your personality and heat tolerance.
- Pros: Long days, almost full service coverage along popular routes, and a very social atmosphere on routes like the Camino Francés and Portugués.
- Cons: High temperatures on exposed sections, competition for beds on busy routes, and higher costs in some touristy towns during school holidays.
If walking in summer, plan to start very early, cover most kilometers before midday, stay hydrated, and consider quieter routes or less popular start dates to soften the crowding.
Autumn on the Camino (September–November)
Many seasoned pilgrims consider early autumn the sweet spot: the heat of high summer fades but the energy on the trail remains strong.
- September often brings warm days, cooler mornings and evenings, and good availability of services, though popular sections can still feel busy.
- October and early November typically mean more rain and shorter days, but you walk through vineyards and forests in rich autumn colour, and crowds steadily thin.
Autumn is ideal if you prefer moderate temperatures, don’t mind some rain, and like a balance between community and personal space.
How to choose your ideal month
There is no single “best” month; instead, there is a best match between your preferences and the Camino’s seasonal personality.
- Choose winter if you are experienced, want deep solitude, and accept cold, wet conditions plus fewer open albergues.
- Choose spring or early autumn if you want milder weather, decent services, and a middle-of-the-road crowd level that suits most first-time pilgrims.
- Choose summer if you crave long sunny days, a very social Camino, and you are willing to manage heat, earlier starts, and more competition for beds on popular stages.
Thinking in terms of your non-negotiables – for example, “I hate heat”, “I want company”, or “I want silence” – makes it easier to pick a window and then refine your exact start date.
Download my Camino guides here including budgeting, shoes, packing and more…
- Our videos
- Weekly Camino Weather 26 Jan 2026
- Camino Training – start now for April – October 2026
- Camino apps – Practical Guide to what might useful on the way.
- Food on the Camino – What to expect.
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