Camino de Santiago in December
Full winter. Cold, wet, very short days. Christmas brings a small spike of pilgrims to Santiago.
Why walk in December
- Santiago at Christmas is magical
- Total solitude on trail
Things to know
- Most albergues closed
- Pyrenees closed
- Dangerous in storms
What to pack in December
Full winter kit. Same as January. Consider walking only Sarria → Santiago (5 days).
Essential gear for December
Essential
Premium ChoiceSea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag
Ultralight 850-fill down sleeping bag. Packs smaller than a water bottle.
Essential
Best ValueSmartwool Merino 150 Baselayer
Temperature-regulating merino wool base layer. Naturally odor-resistant.
Essential
Best ValueBlack Diamond Trail Poles
Collapsible trekking poles with cork grips. Reduces knee strain on descents.
Essential
Best ValueMerrell Moab 3 Mid
Classic trail boot with Vibram outsole. Trusted by thousands of pilgrims for comfort and durability.
The Camino Packing List Team
Pilgrim-tested editors
We've walked the Camino Francés, Portugués, Norte and Primitivo. Every product on this site is field-tested or vetted against pilgrim feedback before it makes our list.