Best Time to Walk the Camino de Santiago: Month by Month

When to walk the Camino de Santiago

One of the most common questions from pilgrims is: when is the best time to walk the Camino? The answer depends on what you are looking for: good weather, peace and quiet, low prices or the social experience of a busy Camino.

Summary by season

High season: June to September

• Weather: Hot, especially July and August (30-35 C on the meseta plateau, 25-30 C in Galicia)
• Crowds: At their peak. Hostels fill up. Book well in advance
• Prices: The highest of the year for accommodation and transport
• Advantage: Very long days (sunrise at 7:00, sunset at 22:00)
• Disadvantage: Heat, overcrowding, difficulty finding accommodation

Shoulder season: April-May and October

• Weather: Mild and pleasant. April can be rainy, May is ideal, October is cool
• Crowds: High but manageable
• Prices: Moderate
• Advantage: A good balance of weather, crowds and prices
• Disadvantage: Rain possible in April and October

Low season: November to March

• Weather: Cold and rainy, especially in Galicia. Snow possible at O Cebreiro
• Crowds: Minimal. Many hostels closed
• Prices: The lowest
• Advantage: Solitude, authenticity, no queues
• Disadvantage: Cold, rain, fewer services, short days

Month by month

January and February

The toughest months. Bitter cold, frequent rain in Galicia, possible snow in the mountains. Very few pilgrims. Some hostels closed. For experienced walkers only.

March

Spring begins. The weather improves towards the end of the month. Almond trees blossom. A good option for those seeking tranquillity.

April

Full spring. Spectacular green landscapes, especially in Galicia. Frequent showers but pleasant temperatures. Easter week brings more pilgrims.

May

For many people, the best month. Perfect temperatures (15-22 C), the fields are green and in bloom, moderate crowds and long days. This is the month we recommend when asked. For a more detailed comparison, read our guide to spring vs summer on the Camino.

June

Good weather, very long days. Pilgrim numbers rise noticeably from mid-month as summer begins.

July

Peak high season. Strong heat on the meseta, milder in Galicia. Hostels full. Book everything in advance.

August

The busiest and hottest month. European holidays. The last 100 km stages are especially crowded.

September

The heat drops, and so do the crowds. Many consider September the best month to walk the Camino: good weather without the extreme heat and without the overcrowding of August.

October

Autumn with beautiful landscapes. Temperatures drop and rain increases in Galicia. Moderate-to-low pilgrim numbers.

November and December

Short days, cold and rain. Few services. An intimate Camino experience.

The weather in Galicia

For the last 100 km (Sarria to Santiago), the Galician climate has its own rules:

• Rain: It can rain in any month. A waterproof jacket is essential all year round. Read our tips for walking in the rain
• Temperature: Milder than the meseta. Summers 20-28 C, winters 5-12 C
• Fog: Common in the mornings, especially in valleys
• Rapid changes: The weather can change several times in a single day

Transport by season

During high season it is essential to book transport in advance. Transfers from the airport, between stages or for luggage fill up quickly.

In low season there is more flexibility, but fewer bus and train services. A taxi is often the only option for reaching Camino villages at irregular times. If you are also walking the Camino solo, planning transport ahead is even more important.

We operate all year round, with prior booking. In winter we are especially useful because public transport reduces frequencies or simply does not exist for many routes.