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Astorga-Santiago-Finisterre starting last week of March 2023

ElleinneV.

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Hello! I am planning to walk my first solo Camino (Camino Frances) starting the last week of March (Astorga to Santiago then continue to Finisterre) . My plan is to fly into Madrid take a bus/ train to Astorga. Any advice in regards to weather at this time so I can pack accordingly? I will have 20 days for my Camino. I appreciate your help and advice! ☺️
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
We have very similar plans this year! (Nearly identical, in fact)

While I’ve not walked in March/April, I walked during September/October in 2021. Mornings could start out chilly, but warmed when the sun rose. I might have started with a jacket and hat, and ended the day with just a tshirt. It may also be rainy, so proper rain gear is encouraged.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
My own personal favourite stretch - this year (April) was my 7th Camino to include it, mostly generally around March and April in past years. I’m including the Astorga start again in next year, at the end of April.

You will love it, I am absolutely sure! There is no sugar-coating it in terms of weather, but as CaminoCalls mentions above it can be cold - especially the morning starts, where puddles and standing water can be ice but it very often warms up well by mid-morning, by which time one has got going and warm with the walking. Days can be mild and with blue skies….some can be cold and wet. I’ve had two weeks of clear blue skies and mild/warm days in the past and two weeks of cloud cover and rain. Snow is also quite possible, especially at altitudes - O Cebreiro, for example, but elsewhere along that stretch too.

So, I’d suggest a good range of wear to cover all these various possibilities (layers etc. etc.) and that would be my best advice. It’s a range of conditions that is best to be prepared for. BUT it is truly marvellous!

The infrastructure (accommodation, bars etc) is getting well underway by the dates you are planning. Easter is early next year too, which has a positive effect in terms of what’s open. I’ve walked in February and the difference in what’s open (and not) is remarkable.
Elleinne, you have chosen a great time to begin. Enjoy! - and wishing you Buen Camino!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
We have very similar plans this year! (Nearly identical, in fact)

While I’ve not walked in March/April, I walked during September/October in 2021. Mornings could start out chilly, but warmed when the sun rose. I might have started with a jacket and hat, and ended the day with just a tshirt. It may also be rainy, so proper rain gear is encouraged.
Hi!! Thank you so much! Ill probably see you on the way. I figured ill just be bringing layers and rain jacket to be sure. Maybe a lightweight sleeping bag as well. 🙂
 
My own personal favourite stretch - this year (April) was my 7th Camino to include it, mostly generally around March and April in past years. I’m including the Astorga start again in next year, at the end of April.

You will love it, I am absolutely sure! There is no sugar-coating it in terms of weather, but as CaminoCalls mentions above it can be cold - especially the morning starts, where puddles and standing water can be ice but it very often warms up well by mid-morning, by which time one has got going and warm with the walking. Days can be mild and with blue skies….some can be cold and wet. I’ve had two weeks of clear blue skies and mild/warm days in the past and two weeks of cloud cover and rain. Snow is also quite possible, especially at altitudes - O Cebreiro, for example, but elsewhere along that stretch too.

So, I’d suggest a good range of wear to cover all these various possibilities (layers etc. etc.) and that would be my best advice. It’s a range of conditions that is best to be prepared for. BUT it is truly marvellous!

The infrastructure (accommodation, bars etc) is getting well underway by the dates you are planning. Easter is early next year too, which has a positive effect in terms of what’s open. I’ve walked in February and the difference in what’s open (and not) is remarkable.
Elleinne, you have chosen a great time to begin. Enjoy! - and wishing you Buen Camino!
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for this information. I appreciate it. I will try to be prepared, but will just go and see where day by day takes me. Hehe! I am timing it to hopefully get to Santiago a day or two before Easter Sunday as I think that would be a great experience. Thank you again! ☺️
 

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