Choosing when to walk the Camino de Santiago depends on the weather, trail crowds and hotel availability. Your preferred walking conditions should guide your choice.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Spring and autumn usually offer comfortable temperatures, moderate crowds and a greater chance of rain.
- July and August bring longer days, hotter conditions and busier trails.
- Winter routes are quieter, but snow, shorter days and the seasonal closure of the high Napoleon Route can make walking harder.
- We arrange hotels with breakfast, daily luggage transfers and support throughout your walking holiday.
How Season Affects Crowds, Accommodation, and Weather
The time of year you choose will shape your daily experience on the Camino. From how busy the trails feel to how easy it is to find accommodation and what weather conditions you face, each season brings its own advantages and challenges.
Summer Crowds and Accommodation
The middle of summer is usually the busiest time on the major routes. Pensions and hotels are fuller, the trails are more crowded, and your walk may feel less personal.
This is especially true on the Sarria to Santiago route, one of the busiest stretches of the Camino in high season.
Winter Trail Conditions
Winter brings colder conditions, so you will need extra layers. The weather is also unpredictable, and some parts of some routes might be covered in snow. The high Napoleon Route on Camino Francés Stage 1 is closed from 1 November to 31 March, so winter walking is more challenging.
In summary, here are the pros and cons of walking the Camino at different times of year:
Walking the Camino in April, May, June, September and October
- Moderate temperatures: not too hot and not too cold.
- Moderate crowds mean quieter routes and easier walking.
- Hotel availability is generally better than in July and August.
- Rain showers are still possible, so pack a waterproof jacket.
If your dates need to fit around annual leave or public holidays, our Irish bank holiday Camino guide can help you compare useful walking windows.
Walking the Camino in July and August
- These summer months see the Caminos at their busiest and trails can be crowded with hikers and tourists.
- Cafes, restaurants, pensions and hotels are busier.
- The days are longer, so you have more time to enjoy scenic spots along the Camino and sunsets.
- High temperatures can make each walking day more demanding.
Walking the Camino in December, January and February
- Winter walking can be more demanding because temperatures are lower and daylight hours are shorter.
- Some parts of the route, especially the mountain passes, might be snow-covered.
- A major advantage is that the routes are considerably emptier and quieter.
- Some pensions and hotels are closed during the winter months and you have to pack winter clothing, which generally takes up more space.
When to Book Your Camino Walk
Book as early as possible for July, August, Easter Week, and a Holy Year, when demand is higher. Spring and autumn can offer more flexibility, but availability still varies by route and date. We arrange your hotels with breakfast, daily luggage transfers and support, so talk to our team to check your preferred dates.
