Embarking on the Camino de Santiago is a journey that intertwines physical endurance with the whims of nature. Understanding the weather patterns along this storied route is not just a matter of comfort but of necessity. Whether you’re basking under a radiant sun or bracing against an unexpected downpour, the climate plays a crucial role in your pilgrimage experience. In this blog, we delve into the various conditions on the weather Camino de Santiago. From the warm sunshine to the occasional rain, we’ll provide insights and tips to help you prepare for the skies as much as the trails. Join us as we explore the ever-changing weather on the Camino de Santiago and how you can make the most of your journey, regardless of the forecast.
Weather Camino de Santiago
Who doesn’t like it? Walking with a radiant sun in the sky. Unfortunately, the weather on the Camino de Santiago cannot be beautiful every day. Do you let that throw you off? Or are you a hiker who goes through wind and weather? This blog gives you more insight into the weather Camino de Santiago and we give you tips on how to prepare and dress for different types of weather.
The Camino sun hours
The Camino de Santiago weather can vary depending on which pilgrimage route you choose and what time of year you want to go. The most popular pilgrimage route is the Camino Frances. This starts in Northeast Spain and ends in Northwest Spain. Winters in Northern Spain are mild with rainfall and in summer temperatures rarely exceed 25ºC. In the north of Spain you enjoy an average of 1,584 to 2,223 hours of sunshine per year (for comparison: for Ingland this is number between 1,400 and 1,700). So even during winter days you can experience cold temperatures, but with the sun shining in the blue sky.
To help you plan your pilgrimage better, we have created an overview of the most important pilgrimage routes and the weather in the different seasons. This keeps you informed of the weather Camino de Santiago every month of the year.
Do you want to know more about it? In this blog we will tell you more about when it is best to walk which Camino. What is the best month? Which routes are recommended or not recommended in which month?
The Seasons and the weather Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago weather varies depending on the route you choose and the season in which you hike or cycle. The majority of the routes run through Northern Spain. The weather in Northern Spain is oceanic and characterized by mild winters, not too hot summers and precipitation.
Spring: March, April, May
Summer: June, July, August
Autumn: September, October, November
Winter: December, January, February
Camino de Santiago on Spring
Spring is one of the most popular seasons for walking or cycling on a pilgrimage. Temperatures are slowly warming up. These range from 13°C in March to 18°C in May. It can be half rainy and half sunny during this period.
Camino de Santiago on Summer
In general, it can be warm in Spain from June to August. However, in summer the weather in northern Spain can be cooler than the rest of the country. The sun shines most of the days of the month. However, the chance of rain is greater, especially in Galicia. The average temperature is around 25°C if you choose, for example, the Camino Portugues along the coast.
Camino de Santiago on Autumn
Autumn is also a very popular season to go on a pilgrimage, walking or cycling. Temperatures cool to around 23°C in September, 18°C in October and 13°C in November. As temperatures drop, there is also a greater chance of rain along the various pilgrim routes.
Camino de Santiago on Winter
In winter, pilgrimage can be quite a challenge due to the cold, snow and ice. In winter, the chance of rain is very high and temperatures average around 13°C.
Pilgrim routes and temperatures in the different seasons
CAMINO FRANCES
The Camino Frances starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and ends almost 900 km further in Santiago de Compostela. Some of the most popular cities along the route are Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Sarria. All stages of the Camino Frances are in the northern region of Spain, making the weather Camino de Santiago weather very seasonal.
Spring
9°C tot 21°C
Summer
15°C tot 28°C
Autumn
6°C tot 14°C
Winter
3°C tot 12°C
CAMINO PORTUGUES
The Camino Portugues officially starts in Lisbon. From there it is more than 600 km to Santiago. However, many pilgrims start in Porto. Normally the first stages of this pilgrimage are warmer than the last stages.
Spring
11°C tot 20°C
Summer
15°C tot 25°C
Autumn
8°C tot 17°C
Winter
6°C tot 15°C
CAMINO DEL NORTE
The Camino del Norte starts in San Sebastian. And runs via Bilbao and Santander towards Santiago de Compostela. The weather along the North Coast can be stormy.
Spring
10° tot 20°C
Summer
14°C tot 25°C
Autumn
8°C tot 17°C
Winter
5°C tot 15°C
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
The final destination of every pilgrimage is Santiago de Compostel (or you can continue walking to Finisterre and Muxia). Normally the weather in the city is stable as the city is within 100 km from the coast.
Spring
9°C tot 19°C
Summer
12°C tot 23°C
Autumn
7°C tot 15°C
Winter
5°C tot 12°C
Stay informed about the weather Camino de Santiago
The weather Camino de Santiago can be very changeable these days due to climate change, with temperatures changing seasonally from year to year. What we advise is to always keep an eye on the weather forecast before and during your trip.
Tips for the weather Camino de Santiago
Finally, some tips on how to dress during the different weather Camino de Santiago and what to pay attention to in the different seasons.
Tips for autumn
During autumn it will rain more often. However, don’t let that stop you from going on a pilgrimage. Going for a walk when it rains is not really good for your motivation, but it can be if it turns out that you are fine with the right walking clothes.
Autumn is often at its best in early autumn. Ideal walking weather.
Winter tips
When walking a pilgrimage in the winter months, spend more time warming up and cooling down to prevent injuries.
If there is a strong chilly wind it is a lot colder. Take these extra cold conditions into account by wearing something thicker.
Be careful with slipperiness. If necessary, wear walking shoes with a slightly coarser sole.
Spring tips
The first walks in the spring in warm weather may be less pleasant, because your body is not used to warm weather conditions. The body adapts quite quickly. This way, the skin pores open a lot easier after a number of workouts. Therefore, just take it a bit easier on the first warm spring days.
Summer tips
In summer, when temperatures are around 25° Celsius, it is wise to walk more slowly and drink more before, during and after your walk. Drink plenty of fluids before, during (100-250 ml per 15 minutes) and after walking. Use plenty of sunscreen during sunny days. Reapply after 2 hours.
Concluding Your Weather Camino Journey
As we wrap up our exploration of the Camino de Santiago’s weather, it’s clear that preparation and adaptability are key to a fulfilling pilgrimage. Understanding the seasonal nuances and packing accordingly can make all the difference in your experience. Equipped with the knowledge of what to expect from the skies, you can focus on the spiritual and physical journey ahead. Remember, the weather on the Camino, much like the path itself, offers a mix of challenges and rewards, each contributing to the richness of your pilgrimage story.
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