Weather in Camino de Santiago

About Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage path that crosses northern Spain for 780 kilometres, ending at Santiago de Compostela. Spiritual seekers and outdoor adventurers walk sections or the whole route. Villages welcome pilgrims; cathedrals punctuate the journey.

Country

Spain

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

Spanish, Galician, Basque

Things to do in Camino de Santiago

Walk sections of the Camino or the entire 780 km route Stay in pilgrim albergues (hostels) along the way Explore Pamplona (starting point) and its bullfighting heritage Visit major cathedrals at Burgos, León, and Santiago Experience Camino community and pilgrim culture Hike through Spanish countryside and medieval towns

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

Recommended

May

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

The Camino de Santiago is less a single destination than a thousand-year-old network of pilgrimage routes converging on the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims' staffs are still laid down after weeks of walking. Whether you tackle the full Camino Francés or a final stretch of a few days, the appeal lies in the rhythm of small villages, communal albergues and the sense of shared purpose with walkers from around the world.

Best areas to stay in Camino de Santiago

Sarria

The most popular starting point for the final 100km stretch needed for a Compostela certificate.

O Cebreiro

A high mountain village with traditional stone-and-thatch pallozas, marking the entry into Galicia.

Portomarín

A relocated town beside a reservoir, with a fortress-like church moved stone by stone when the original site was flooded.

Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)

The pilgrimage's end point, centred on the cathedral square where walkers gather to mark their arrival.

Getting to Camino de Santiago

✈

Flights

Santiago de Compostela Airport serves the end of the route, while Biarritz or Pamplona airports are common starting points for the French route.

⏱

From London

~2.5 hours by air from London to Santiago de Compostela.

🚕

Getting around

The Camino is walked or cycled; regional buses and trains connect towns along the route for those joining or leaving partway.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to walk the Camino?

Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and the busiest.

How long does the Camino Francés take?

The full route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is around 780km and takes most walkers 30-35 days, though many do shorter sections of a week or two.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Albergues (pilgrim hostels) are often first-come-first-served in peak season, though many now allow booking ahead — useful during busy months or holy years.

What is a Compostela certificate?

It's the official certificate awarded to pilgrims who walk at least the final 100km (or cycle 200km) and collect stamps in a pilgrim passport along the way.

Is the Camino only a religious pilgrimage?

No — while it has deep religious roots, many walkers undertake it for the physical challenge, scenery, or simply the experience of a long-distance walk through northern Spain.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Walked the last week from Sarria and it completely lived up to the hype — the camaraderie with other walkers was the real highlight, not just the scenery.

Sophie L. · September 2024

★★★★★

Did the full Camino Francés over a month. Tough on the feet but the variety of landscapes, from vineyards to mountains to Galician forest, kept it interesting throughout.

Pieter V. · May 2023

★★★★☆

Arriving in the cathedral square after days of walking was genuinely emotional, even for someone not religious. Book albergues ahead in autumn if you can.

Anna K. · October 2024