Weather & best time of year to do the Camino de Santiago

The best time to do the Camino de Santiago depends on several factors: the area and weather conditions, the services you want to have available, and whether you don't mind sharing the Camino with other pilgrims or are looking for something more intimate.

Can we find the perfect time? We will likely have to give up something, whether it is less chance of rain, more hotels or hostels that have more availability or times where there isn't.

Let's look at the pros and cons of the main routes and the best times to do them.

Camino del Norte

The Northern Way runs along the Cantabrian coast from Irún to Santiago. It is cool and green... but it can also rain.

Best time to visit

Spring, summer and early autumn. In spring there is more chance of rain, but you are guaranteed cool mornings, which are perfect for cycling.

Min-max temperatures

Spring: 9–16°C (48 - 61 ºF)
Summer: 16–24°C (60 - 75 ºF)
Autumn: 13–19°C (55 - 66 ºF)
Winter: 6–13°C (42 - 55 ºF)

Advantages

Mild temperatures in summer
Spectacular coastal landscapes
Less crowded than the French Way

Disadvantages

Frequent rain, especially in spring and autumn
Very limited services in winter

Primitive Way

The Primitive Way is the oldest of the routes, starting in Oviedo and crossing mountainous areas of Asturias and Galicia.

Best time of year

In summer and late spring, when temperatures are pleasant and there is less chance of rain; although, you should always carry a raincoat just in case.

Min-max temperatures

Spring: 6–16°C (42 - 60 ªF)
Summer: 13–26°C (55 - 79ºF)
Autumn: 9–18°C (48 - 64 ºF)
Winter: 4–10°C (39 - 50 ºF)

Advantages

Natural, mountainous landscape
A little-used route, ideal if you are looking for solitude

Disadvantages

Very steep, demanding stages
Possible snow or mud outside of summer
Limited services in winter

French Way

The most popular route, starting at the foot of the Pyrenees, on the border with France.

Best time of year

Spring and autumn. In summer, it can be very hot along most of the route, and many stages have little shade.

Min-max temperatures (temperatures in Ponferrada)

Spring: 6–16 °C (42 - 60 ºF)
Summer: 14–28 °C (54 - 82 ºF)
Autumn: 9–18 °C (48 - 64 ºF
Winter: 3–9 °C (37 - 48 ºF)

Advantages

Wide range of accommodation and services
Well-signposted route with many pilgrims
Long route with varied landscapes and many villages

Disadvantages

Overcrowding in spring and summer, especially from Sarria
High temperatures in the central area in July/August

Portuguese Way (from Lisbon or Porto)

The Portuguese Way is known for its low level of difficulty and its two variations, one along the coast and the other inland, which can be combined.

Best time of year

Spring and autumn, and the northern half in summer. In the hottest months, the coastal route allows you to enjoy a sea breeze or cool off in the sea if the heat becomes too intense.

Min-max temperatures (temperatures in Porto)

Spring: 9–17°C (48 - 62 ºF)
Summer: 16–26°C (61 - 79 ºF)
Autumn: 12–21°C (53 - 70 ºF)
Winter: 6–14°C (43 - 57 ºF)

Advantages

Mild climate and green surroundings
Very well signposted route
2 routes to choose from: the Coastal Way or the Central Way

Disadvantages

More frequent rainfall in spring/autumn
Overcrowding from Porto in summer

English Way (from Ferrol or A Coruña)

The English Way is one of the shortest routes, with lots of rural charm, perfect for beginners on the Camino and for obtaining the Compostela.

Best time to go

As it is not one of the most popular routes and is located in the north of the peninsula, late spring, summer and early autumn are perfect. On this route, we can enjoy acceptable temperatures in July and August and, although there is less accommodation, there are also far fewer pilgrims than on other routes.

Min-max temperatures

Spring: 9–17°C (48 - 62 ºF)
Summer: 16–24°C (61 - 75 ºF)
Autumn: 12–20°C (53 - 68 ºF)
Winter: 7–14°C (44 - 57 ºF)

Advantages

Perfect for completing a Camino in a week
Good balance between nature and villages
Less crowded

Disadvantages

Rainfall common throughout the year
Limited services in low season
Sections with steep slopes

Camino Sanabrés

The Camino Sanabrés is a continuation of the Vía de la Plata that many pilgrims take to shorten the route from Granja de Moreruela, avoiding the climb to Astorga to join the Camino Francés.

Best time of year

The best months are spring and autumn, as it can get particularly hot in the summer months.

Min-max temperatures (temperatures in Granja de Moreruela):

Spring: 5–16°C (41 - 61 ºF)
Summer: 14–29°C (57 - 84 ºF)
Autumn: 8–18°C (46 - 64 ºF)
Winter: 0–8°C (32 - 46 ºF)

Advantages

Quiet route with little traffic
Pleasant climate in spring and autumn
Authentic rural landscapes

Disadvantages

Very hot on the plateau in summer
Limited services on some stages

Vía de la Plata

The Vía de la Plata runs through a large part of the peninsula, from Seville to Santiago, crossing the west of the country. In total, it usually takes about 6 weeks, so if you plan to do the whole route, you need to calculate the dates to avoid the hottest days in certain areas.

Best time of year

Spring and autumn are again the best times to avoid high temperatures, but as it is a long route, you need to calculate where you want to start.

Minimum and maximum temperatures in Seville (South)