Spring, the best time to do the Camino de Santiago

The weather on the Camino de Santiago in spring

One of the advantages of doing the Camino de Santiago in spring is the weather. Mornings and nights are usually cool but far from the low temperatures that are registered in winter, which, in many areas of the Camino de Santiago, can be below zero. During the day the temperatures are usually pleasant, with a sun that is not yet scorching but that invites you to enjoy walking in the open air.

With these favorable weather conditions on the Camino, the pilgrim will not need to get up excessively early as they should in summer to avoid the high midday temperatures. Our recommendation: start walking around 8 in the morning.

This way you can calmly walk through the stage and reach the next destination before lunch time. Those who prefer to slow down or lengthen the stage will have no problem either. However, do not forget to follow some simple tips to combat the heat and avoid possible burns, cramps or sunstroke.

Good weather and mild temperatures are the general trend during the months of May and June. But let's not get confused. The popular proverb warns us that this is not always the case: "In April, there are thousands of waters" and "Don't take off your coat until May 40" are two powerful warnings that we must take into account. In fact, spring can be very rainy in some parts of Spain, especially in the north (Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia). So before walking, don't forget to keep an eye on the weather.

Lighter backpacks

The arrival of good weather allows the pilgrim to dispense with warm clothing and walk with lighter backpacks. Thermal shirts or down jackets can stay at home. Breathable T-shirts, detachable pants and trekking shoes are back in fashion on the Camino.

Although if there is a garment that cannot be missing in our backpack, it is the raincoat. Spring is one of the craziest times meteorologically speaking and a storm can hit at any moment. Therefore, the raincoat will be our faithful friend. If we can, make it light and breathable. In addition to not weighing or taking up space in the backpack, you can use it when the rain surprises you and store it again until next time.

Whatever your backpack, we remind you that at the Post Office we offer you a daily backpack transport service from stage to stage: the Paq Mochila. Thus, you will be able to walk free of weights and have all your things when you finish the stage.

You will only have to leave your suitcase or backpack at 8 in the morning at your accommodation and the postman will transport it to the next one, where you will have it before 2:30 p.m. Hiring it is very easy. You just have to enter www.paqmochila.com and fill in your details.

Hostels at full capacity*

The influx of pilgrims begins to be important in spring but far from the large numbers in summer. This has two advantages. On the one hand, it allows you to meet people and walk with other pilgrims in the sections where you don't feel like being alone. But you can also carry out stages in solitude and in communion with yourself, without anything or anyone disturbing your experience.

The arrival of more pilgrims to the Camino also causes the hostels to be at full capacity. Unlike other times such as winter, when it is difficult to find accommodation on some roads, in spring you will not have a problem.

You will be able to choose between hostels, hostels, pensions or hotels and bars, restaurants and shops will be open at your path regardless of the route you choose. Remember that in this website you can find all the information about the different types of accommodation present at all Routes.

* This year, as a consequence of Covid-19, this situation may change. Sanitary measures and restrictions have reduced the capacity of hotel establishments and some have chosen not to open. That is why we recommend that you book in advance or make sure that the accommodation you are going to is open and has places. 

The best routes in spring

Any Jacobean Route is good to do in spring. But there are some Caminos that are especially enjoyed at this time. For example, May is a good month to travel the Vía de la Plata. Characterized by flat sections with little shade, the Vía de la Plata can become a true hell during the summer. In winter, the cold accompanies the pilgrim who, in addition, will see reduced services from stage to stage.

Therefore, spring is presented as the best time to travel the almost 1000 kilometers that separate Seville from Santiago. The same occurs with the Camino Mozárabe, which starts in the south of Spain and connects in Mérida (Extremadura) with the Vía de la Plata.

Another of the Camino that are very enjoyed in spring is the French Way. The months of May and June, as well as September, offer very pleasant temperatures, which allow the pilgrim to enjoy each stage.

The stages that go through Castilla y León can be somewhat difficult in summer due to the high temperatures that usually occur in those months, while the snow in places such as the Pyrenees, Foncebadón or O Cebreiro can make the Camino difficult in winter.

Perhaps the worst routes to enjoy in spring are those that cross the North of Spain due to meteorological instability: the Camino del Norte from Irún and the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo. The rains are usually frequent in spring. Nothing, yes, that cannot be saved with a good raincoat. Unique landscapes will be the reward.

We hope that this information has been useful and that you have been encouraged to walk the Camino de Santiago in spring. If you have any pending questions, do not hesitate to ask our postmen or leave us a comment on this post.

And if you can think of more advantages (or disadvantages) when it comes to doing the Camino in spring, we will be delighted that you share them with us. Buen Camino!