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Is it OK to walk in April or is snow likely?
I have trawled through the posts but cant find anything about the weather in April. Is it OK to walk in April or is snow likely?
For me it means perfect temps for walking, not too cold, not too hot, but everyone's different. I always bring gloves, hat, and buff. They don't have to be heavy. Sometimes I've used them in the morning, but never needed them throughout the day.Many thanks.
And what does it mean "perfect temps"? Are there necessary some warm gloves, warm cap, scarf...?
Maybe yes for Primitivo situated between 600 - 1000 m of altitude.
I do not understand this general question about weather. No one can predict the weather. The professionals, people who get paid to do this, have a tough time doing it more than 48 hours out.
Last year or the year before are not good indicators of this years weather during same period.
I remember walking the Norte, beginning April 1st. A member who lives in Bilbao told me I would very likely have a lot of rain. The first 21 days, I had sun and 20C. Not a drop. I hit Galacia and it rained the next 7 days.
I suggest to all, "Do not worry about the weather". Bring rain gear and wear when required.
Ultreya,
Joe
Yes nobody can predict weather. But scientifically calculated weather averages is a good way to gauge what can be expected. This is the information that people are looking for. What can be expected.
It is possible to look at weather averages for all the areas along the Primitivo. I know, because I've actually walked the Primitivo and used the weather data. I knew that I didn't need snow gear based on the information. Actually I wouldn't need it even in Spain's version of winter, but that's another subject.Alaskadiver:
You can get all the information, from every source possible on weather for an area. It is all basically useless for a two week Primitivo walk in the Spring. It might rain, snow, be sunny, cloudy, dry or muddy. More than likely it will be all of the above.
Therefore, be prepared for all of the above and adjust as each day presents itself.
A Camino is a week to two months walk through a variety of topography not a vacation in a particular place in Spain.
Ultreya,
Joe
You'll get a better idea the closer you get to April. But looking at weather patterns this winter, I'll take a guess you'll be fine. Just take layers and some rain gear and keep an eye on the weather.I have trawled through the posts but cant find anything about the weather in April. Is it OK to walk in April or is snow likely?
It is possible to look at weather averages for all the areas along the Primitivo. I know, because I've actually walked the Primitivo and used the weather data. I knew that I didn't need snow gear based on the information. Actually I wouldn't need it even in Spain's version of winter, but that's another subject.
I agree you should be prepared, especially if you feel snow will be a problem for you. No need to come across so aggressive. Relax People just want information and telling them to just ignore historical data and pack their closet isn't really helpful either.
Hi JennyI have trawled through the posts but cant find anything about the weather in April. Is it OK to walk in April or is snow likely?
I would say wear your hiking shoes, it doesn't take too long (~30 min, depending on start point) to be out of town and on to the trail.My first walking day out of Oviedo will be Easter Sunday, 21st April. I'm wondering whether I should be carrying my sandals?
Thanks, my sandals saved my CF, particularly when it was hot, but I am not sure the 600g are justfied on the Primitivo in April.I would say wear your hiking shoes, it doesn't take too long (~30 min, depending on start point) to be out of town and on to the trail.
Hi, HE-J,Hi, I too am thinking about the primitivo in April 2019... I will be walking solo...while I don’t mind walking alone some of the time I’m not sure I want to be ‘isolated’. Any indications as to how many people will be on the primitivo in mid April would be gratefully received! (Thinking about starting from Oviedo about the 9/10 April) Many thanks is advance, buen camino.
Thanks Peregrina2000... 25 people per day arriving in Santiago sounds reasonable ...but 800 per year works out at an average of 15 per week...although I imagine that people aren’t walking all year round! ...can you post the link showing 25 people per day? Thanks in advance xHi, HE-J,
Well, according to the pilgrim office statistics, in 2018, more than 800 people getting compostelas started in Oviedo. That is around 25 people per day. You won't be crowded, but you certainly won't be alone!
Sorry, I wasn’t clear, I was quoting the statistics for the month of April, 2018.Thanks Peregrina2000... 25 people per day arriving in Santiago sounds reasonable ...but 800 per year works out at an average of 15 per week...although I imagine that people aren’t walking all year round! ...can you post the link showing 25 people per day? Thanks in advance x
Not quite start of April, but I plan to set out from Oviedo 30th March following on from San Salvador Route (out from Leon around 24th or 25th March). I share the view of an earlier contributor on this thread - if the weather is really "extreme" (snow/ice) or just plain awful around that time, I'll take a view and be flexible and head off for Porto or some other more favourable start point.
Inspired by Jozero's Winter Camino blog last year, I walked and greatly enjoyed a "Winter Camino" last year partly in heavy snow and ice, but thankfully and intentionally never alone in those specific conditions on the more isolated and higher stretches. Advice from locals etc. is always welcome and recommended. Whatever you do, enjoy it and stay safe.