When is the best time to walk? Weather, crowds, and winter closures

Which months are best?

May, June, September, and October. In CaminoGO's route data, these are the top recommended months for the Camino Francés: days are long enough, temperatures are comfortable, and the trail is quieter than in July and August.

Month-by-month breakdown

Taking the Camino Francés as an example:

• January and February (not recommended): The coldest, darkest months. Early mornings on the Meseta can be icy, Galicia gets frequent rain, and many albergues close for the season.
• March (doable, if you come prepared): Starting to warm up, though the weather is still unsettled. The Route Napoléon stays closed through March 31.
• April (good): Wildflowers bloom and more pilgrims arrive. Expect rain or sudden cold snaps, and big crowds around Holy Week (Semana Santa).
• May and June (recommended): Comfortable temperatures and lush green fields make this the top choice for many pilgrims.
• July and August (doable, but hot and crowded): Daytime temperatures on the Meseta often hover around 30°C with little shade; the trail gets packed after Sarria, and public albergues fill up early.
• September and October (recommended): Steady weather and smaller crowds than summer. From late October onward, days get shorter and rain becomes more frequent.
• November (doable, if you come prepared): The wettest month of the year, and the Route Napoléon closes starting November 1.
• December (not recommended): Cold and dark like January and February, with many albergues closed for the winter.

When is it most crowded?

July, August, and Holy Week—especially after Sarria. Many people start in Sarria to walk just the final 100+ kilometers, making the last few days particularly busy.

• Most public albergues don't take reservations. In Galicia's public albergues, for example, official rules state that beds are assigned on arrival.
• If you want a bed in a public albergue during peak season, arrive early; for peace of mind, book a private albergue or guesthouse ahead of time.
• The next Holy Year (Xacobeo) is 2027. Whenever St. James's Day (July 25) falls on a Sunday, it's a Holy Year, which usually draws even bigger crowds.

What should you watch out for in winter?

The single most important thing: the main day-one route on the Camino Francés is closed.

• According to officials, this rule has been in place since 2015: heavy fog and snow are common in winter, and the high number of rescues was putting even rescue crews in danger.
• Before you set off, check that an albergue is open at every stage.
• Days are short, so time your walk to arrive before dark. Galician authorities advise against walking at night.

What about other routes?

• Portuguese Way: Mild in spring and fall, with Atlantic moisture often bringing passing showers; midsummer is drier, though it can get very hot.
• Camino del Norte: Weather shifts quickly—even in summer you can cycle through sun, sea fog, and showers in a single day; June–September is the easiest window to plan around.
• Camino Primitivo: June–September is best for the high mountain sections; in other months, check snow conditions and mountain passes before you go.

Key points

• May, June, September, and October are your best bet.
• July, August, and Holy Week are the busiest times, especially after Sarria.
• From November 1 to March 31, you must take the Valcarlos route on day one of the Camino Francés.

In CaminoGO

Every route overview includes climate details. Lodging listings show “Open all year” or the specific months they open—when planning a winter walk, remember to check that lodging is open at every stop.