When to walk the Camino

2°C – 10°C · Empty crowds

Cold, wet, snowy in the Pyrenees. Many albergues closed; the Napoleon route is officially closed.

3°C – 12°C · Empty crowds

Still winter. Cold rain and mountain snow. Slightly more daylight than January.

5°C – 15°C · Quiet crowds

Shoulder season begins. Cool, fresh, frequent showers. Pyrenees still snowy until late March.

7°C – 18°C · Moderate crowds

Spring in full swing. Mild days, cool nights, occasional showers. Easter spike on the Francés.

10°C – 22°C · Busy crowds

Arguably the best month. Warm, green, alive. Pilgrim numbers climb but albergue capacity holds.

14°C – 27°C · Busy crowds

Warm to hot. Meseta begins to bake. Long days, fewer storms.

17°C – 32°C · Peak crowds

Hot. Meseta can hit 35°C+. Coastal routes stay cooler.

17°C – 32°C · Peak crowds

Hottest month. Spanish vacation season — crowded everywhere.

12°C – 25°C · Busy crowds

Many pilgrims' favorite month. Warm days, cool nights, grape harvest in Rioja.

8°C – 20°C · Moderate crowds

Autumn colors and quiet trails. Cooler nights, increasing rain from mid-month.

5°C – 14°C · Quiet crowds

Late autumn. Cold, wet, short days. Many albergues closing for the season.

3°C – 11°C · Empty crowds

Full winter. Cold, wet, very short days. Christmas brings a small spike of pilgrims to Santiago.