The best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

When to walk Camino de Santiago

Short answer: it’s up to you. The routes are open year-round, which means you can make the journey any time of the year, which means it all boils down to you when you’d like to make the hike.

However, just like with any trip, there are different factors you must consider before making a decision including foot traffic, accommodation availability and weather. The middle of summer, for example, is generally the busiest these major routes get. Consequently, albergues are highly likely to be full, the trails are crowded (as is Santiago de Compostela and the cathedral), and your hike is less likely to feel like an individual journey if that’s why you’re doing it.

On the contrary, the winter months are colder, which means you’ll have a heavier pack to carry on your back. The weather is also unpredictable and some parts of some routes might be covered in snow, so trekking will be more challenging. To make things harder, many albergues shut down for the winter months, so finding accommodations is tricky business. On the plus side, however, it’s less crowded, which means the trails are quieter, and you won’t have to worry about the sun bearing down on you.

These, however, are not hard and fast rules. Some routes are better tackled in the summer, while others are better done in the springtime. Similarly, early and late summer months are as ideal as some spring and autumn months. 

Walking the Camino in July and August

These summer months see the Caminos at their busiest. Not only are the trials crowded with both hikers as well as tourists, but the cafes, restaurants and albergues are full.
Additionally, the hot weather can be hard to tolerate, making the hike even harder. If you’re doing one of the longer and more popular hikes—the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues, for example—be ready for a bigger challenge. It is wise to secure accommodations in advance with private albergues, or even joining a group tour that includes accommodations and luggage transfers.

An advantage: the days are longer. An exception to the rule is the Northern Way, which is typically less crowded and has better temperatures even in the middle of summer.