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Hi Jill
i am planning the same route for his year but leaving around the 18th or there abouts.
Hi there. We live about 40 km west of the VDP and I have to say that the peregrino's experience of 30 plus degrees in the first week of October is very rare. It's normally 25-ish generally with a bit of rain. This means that it is usually a perfect time of year to do this Camino. In this part of the world the word is that the albergues on the VDP have suffered badly during the pandemic so nailing down your accommodation is extremely important. Buen camino.
I would say not optimum. Early spring is still cooler down south, the days get longer which means you don't have to start and end in the dark which happens in the fall. Going north you'll catch nicer weather as you get closer to Santiago. I too am looking at the beginning of March. Check google for weather information.
Hi in 2014 Oct was +30C for first 10 days. Water was an issue on 2 days. Beautiful none the less. Went via Astorga and snow at o Cebrio.
I will be heading out of Sevilla on October 14 or 15 this year (probably 14). I would much rather walk in -3 Celsius than +30C.
Jill
early if they open the gates sooner.
I haven't done the VdlP yet, but that's my impression - that "crowding" isn't a problem on this route.
@Albertagirl have you purchased a ticket already? I’m landing on flying late November, then spending 5 months walking first the Portuguese then some combination of the VDLP taking it slow to enjoy the sights, sounds and people.
@Colette Z
I have a few friends that walked starting in Mid September. They have all told me that it is hotter than the 30+ that is reported in the weather reports. One of my friends is from Australia where as you know the temperature can be extreme. He said being outside for so many hours day after day can be absolutely brutal. They all said they would never walk the VDLP at that time of year again. They all had those reflective umbrellas and left very early in the morning. Before 5AM. They all said that it was absolutely imperative to be off the camino as early as possible. I believe they said 1PM was the latest. There was a death a few days ahead of one of my friends. A pilgrim who died of heat stroke. I believe that they felt that 3 liters of water was the minimum to take. Planning is very necessary at that time of year.
Just wanted to remark on the unique, almost astonishing, experience we distance walkers have; traveling through different climate zones (not to mention cultural, architectural, and language dialect changes) On Foot!
What time of year did you walk?
Hi Robi, thanks for your response. I'm planning to walk from Seville to Salamanca starting sept 21 or so. I would like to start a week later but I don't know whether it fits with other obligations. I gues I will start walking rather early in the day which is fine with me. This will be my 3rd Camino.
I haven't walked this route yet, but I have been researching it a bit. Looking at Gronze, it appears that there are a number of albergues that aren't open this year. I think that you will need to do some planning so that you know what your options are for a plan B or C.
@trecile
Great to hear from you. I would DEFINITELY make reservations. My understanding is that there are virtually no albergues open south of Merida. The VDLP winds through some pretty sparsely populated zones so just happening upon somewhere to stay cannot be relied upon. I seem to remember about 3 weeks ago on this forum someone took it upon themselves to contact all of the listed albergues on the VDLP and he published the responses here. I would use the search facility on this site to see if you can track this post down. It would be invaluable for you. If you cannot find it, check with Ivar, I am sure that he will have noted it. I always take a sleeping bag with me and I have never been disappointed that I have. Buen Camino and if I can help at all with anything just drop me a line.
Which year were they walking? Was it infamous 2016 with this unusual heat wave when a pilgrim died before Almaden?
It was 2018. They told me that someone did pass away that year as well. I am sure that you are correct about historical temperature ranges. As I previously stated (I think it was in this thread but maybe not) I would much rather walk in cool or even cold weather than hot weather, 28 - 30+.This is why I am starting on October 14th. I just feel a whole lot better in colder temps.. I know sunrise gets later and later in October and I like walking in the dark. Especially on a path like the Via de La Plata that is normally so quiet and without many pilgrims or people in general. I find it so peaceful and to see the sunrise slowly and hear the sound of gravel under my feet is so soothing and starts my day perfectly. Thanks for the warning about the grapes. There have been times I have had one ot two of those red grapes. They are packed with sugar and sure have given me a shot of energy.Which year were they walking? Was it infamous 2016 with this unusual heat wave when a pilgrim died before Almaden?
At a normal year walking the southernmost part of VdlP in mid September should be similar to walking the meseta part of the Camino Frances in the summer (which I did this July)
Normally in the second part of September the max temperature in Andalusia part (first stages from Seville) shouldn't be more than 32C/90F and since you go north with every stage the temperature goes down. If you are lucky at the end of September crossing the pass of Bejar (low mountains) before Salamanca you can get some quickly melting snow at night.
I didn't walk this part in September yet but I soon will (God and covid permitting). I walked in October once and it was warm and super comfortable. The days in October are short a bit, it can be dark almost until 8:30 am which for me was weird. Advice for those walking in October: do not pick the grapes thinking you are alone. The vineyard owners hire security guys driving around. They have binoculars and they are not very nice
