Camino de Santiago in January
Cold, wet, snowy in the Pyrenees. Many albergues closed; the Napoleon route is officially closed.
Why walk in January
- Almost no other pilgrims
- Cheap flights/accommodation
- Stunning snowy landscapes in Galicia
Things to know
- Most albergues closed
- Pyrenees crossing dangerous
- Short daylight
- Many cafés closed
What to pack in January
Winter sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F), insulated jacket, waterproof everything, microspikes for mountain sections.
Essential gear for January
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.