Are there Camino routes with decent weather in the winter months?

[Richard Schwartz]

I wish I could do Camino walks all year, but even walks in the early spring have lots of rain. Does anyone have suggestions for long-distance walks anywhere in the world from November to March where one can expect temperate weather? I’ve done a lot in Nepal.

 

[Bradypus]

The Camino de Santiago on Gran Canaria? - not very long but well worth walking

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/camino-on-gran-canaria.16726/

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I've heard that the Lycean Way in Turkey is a good walk for winter months. I have a friend who based himself in Kas to walk sections of it.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/...ycian-Way-Walking-on-the-trail-of-ghosts.html
You could also head to the Southern Hemisphere ... Plenty of possibilities in South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand...

 

[JohnInMadrid]

I just read something about a trail that just opened up in Chile. It connects 17 parks and is about 2,000 miles long. This should keep you occupied for the winter months. let us know what you find out. Good luck

 

[Gary Adrian Pinnegar]

I wish I could do Camino walks all year, but even walks in the early spring have lots of rain. Does anyone have suggestions for long-distance walks anywhere in the world from November to March where one can expect temperate weather? I’ve done a lot in Nepal.

Yes. Australia
The Bibbilum track in West Australia is perfect. Google it. Start in Perth and walk to Albany. You can stay at my place for a few days before you set off
Gary Pinnegar

 

[Bradypus]

Yes. Australia
The Bibbilum track in West Australia is perfect. Google it. Start in Perth and walk to Albany. You can stay at my place for a few days before you set off
Gary Pinnegar

Would you recommend walking the Bibbulmun Track between November and March? I was considering doing so but was put off by the advice on the trail's official website: "It is strongly recommended that you do not carry out any extended walk between December and the start of March anywhere on the Track. " Do you think that it would be safe to disregard that and walk anyway? As a Scot more used to cold and damp than heat and drought I am far more worried about the latter.

 

[notion900]

New Zealand has fantastic tracks with HUTS! Hiking is called tramping in NZ btw.

 

[tomnorth]

I live in Minnesota in the northern USA. I’m walking the Camino Frances in Feb and Mar of 2019. In checking the temps, it seems that the weather along the CF in Feb and Mar is like April here. Highs tend to be around 12c/54f and lows are just above freezing to slightly below. For me, that’s perfect walking weather.

 

[lissie45]

New Zealand has fantastic tracks with HUTS! Hiking is called tramping in NZ btw.

Exactly, it’s nothing like a walk in Spain, you need to carry all food and cooking equipment, and the only taxis are rescue helicopters

 

[notion900]

Exactly, it’s nothing like a walk in Spain, you need to carry all food and cooking equipment, and the only taxis are rescue helicopters

The OP asked about long distance walks in general. He's been to Nepal so I don't think NZ will defeat him.

 

[lissie45]

The OP asked about long distance walks in general. He's been to Nepal so I don't think NZ will defeat him.

Nepal also has porters and regular accommodation options. Nz is much more similar to the us through hikes

 

[Richard Schwartz]

Hi, folks. I never got any notice of all the replies here. Thanks!

 

[Pierre Julian]

The Via de la Plata between Seville and Salamanca was wonderful weather this year in January and February. I would imagine that most Camino's starting in the south of Spain would be pretty good.

 

[Richard Schwartz]

The Via de la Plata between Seville and Salamanca was wonderful weather this year in January and February. I would imagine that most Camino's starting in the south of Spain would be pretty good.

I did it in April, which was not the winter, and the temps were fine. However, it rained a lot. Did you experience much rain in Jan-Feb?

 

[Pierre Julian]

I got a couple of hours of rain the day after Seville, it soon passed. Very pleasant sunny days in Andalusia and Extremadura. It snowed about two days before the city of Salamanca, but at night time. Walking in the snow with the sun shining brightly was wonderful. However I stopped at Salamanca because I wanted heat, not snow, and much as I love solitude, two weeks of it was quite enough. Maybe I was very lucky.

 

[Pierre Julian]

BTW, Malaga is noted for it's good all year round weather, and in February this year it was marvellous. So maybe a walk on the Mozarabic from Malaga or Almeria is worth considering for sun? I can't speak highly enough of the Almeria to Granada association, they were all so kind and helpful. I've only walked it in September though.

 

[Richard Schwartz]

I got a couple of hours of rain the day after Seville, it soon passed. Very pleasant sunny days in Andalusia and Extremadura. It snowed about two days before the city of Salamanca, but at night time. Walking in the snow with the sun shining brightly was wonderful. However I stopped at Salamanca because I wanted heat, not snow, and much as I love solitude, two weeks of it was quite enough. Maybe I was very lucky.

thanks...

 

[adrianm4492]

I live in Minnesota in the northern USA. I’m walking the Camino Frances in Feb and Mar of 2019. In checking the temps, it seems that the weather along the CF in Feb and Mar is like April here. Highs tend to be around 12c/54f and lows are just above freezing to slightly below. For me, that’s perfect walking weather.

See you on the road then Tom. I'll be the one huffing and puffing at a snails pace. But loving every minute!

 

[robertt]

Portugues!

 

[blueskywa]

Would you recommend walking the Bibbulmun Track between November and March? I was considering doing so but was put off by the advice on the trail's official website: "It is strongly recommended that you do not carry out any extended walk between December and the start of March anywhere on the Track. " Do you think that it would be safe to disregard that and walk anyway? As a Scot more used to cold and damp than heat and drought I am far more worried about the latter.

Definitely heed the official advice. That is the height of summer and the temp can reach 40c. I live in Perth, quite near the beach and wouldn't go anywhere near the Bush in summer! Beautiful in the cooler months with all the flowers for sure though

 

[nycwalking]

I live in Minnesota in the northern USA. I’m walking the Camino Frances in Feb and Mar of 2019. In checking the temps, it seems that the weather along the CF in Feb and Mar is like April here. Highs tend to be around 12c/54f and lows are just above freezing to slightly below. For me, that’s perfect walking weather.

I walked Feb/Mar in 2014.

Prepare for mud and more mud, some cold albergues, a few warm pilgrims, and one heck of a good time.

You may also have to walk a few extra kilometers for an open albergue.

Buen camino.

 

[tomnorth]

I walked Feb/Mar in 2014.

Prepare for mud and more mud, some cold albergues, a few warm pilgrims, and one heck of a good time.

You may also have to walk a few extra kilometers for an open albergue.

Buen camino.

I’m steeling myself for the mud. The cold doesn’t worry me as much. I’ll have my trusty warm sleeping bag with me. I am hoping to have a marvelous experience.

 

[long trails]

Nowhere in Europe really - you definitely have to venture much further South! Maybe the Canaries? I did part of the VDLP in March and it was very cold and wet even down near Seville. There are a few hikes in the south of Portugal that looks ok?

I have done the Bibbulmum track, well section hiked it and can really recommend it but Nov thru March is going to be very hot and you'll see lots of snakes. I have been pretty close to standing on a tiger snake and that was in October. I had no emergency beacon (stupid me!) and could have been in a bit of bother had I been bitten. The reality is that very few people are bitten by deadly snakes in Aus - it's usually kids playing in the garden or people looking for snakes.

I have also hiked a lot in NZ. Yes as someone mentioned before the hut system is world class! $90 can buy you a pass that lasts six months. The huts are awesome too although you have to carry a sleeping bag, cooking equipment and food of course - so not like a camino!

Despite it being the other side of the world I am lucky to be able to go to NZ most years and the hut and track network is the main reason...and the fact it's summer.

There is the Te Araroa trail too which is 3000km from the top to bottom of NZ, or the other way although most hike southbound. I have done a number of the tougher sections and it can be very hard going. People that have done the American trails (PCT, AT and CDT) often say the TA is harder but I'd imagine they all have their own challenges.