Weather on April: SJPdP and beyond

[jadidmasihi]

Just curious about the weather on April because most probably, I'll be there.

If snow is possible and since it is my first time to see/trail a snow, what items should I bring? also, would the weather be constant all the way (I'm wondering if i have to lose the jacket or not) to Santiago?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You will be walking 450 miles across several mountain ranges, some plains, and even some deserts; the weather will not be consistent. In April there will be some unmelted snow in the Pyrenees. A snow storm is possible almost anytime, and April is a good candidate both in the Pyrenees and later at the Iron Cross and O Cebreiro. Snow in May is unusual.

Take layers of clothes so that you can add and subtract a layer as it warms and cools. No special equipment is required, but be prepared for rain.

Buen camino.

 

[jadidmasihi]

You will be walking 450 miles across several mountain ranges, some plains, and even some deserts; the weather will not be consistent. In April there will be some unmelted snow in the Pyrenees. A snow storm is possible almost anytime, and April is a good candidate both in the Pyrenees and later at the Iron Cross and O Cebreiro. Snow in May is unusual.

Take layers of clothes so that you can add and subtract a layer as it warms and cools. No special equipment is required, but be prepared for rain.

Buen camino.

wouldn't layers of clothes make your baggage heavy?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, jacket, and poncho. They are all single layer possibilities, but you can wear them all.

 

[jadidmasihi]

T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, jacket, and poncho. They are all single layer possibilities, but you can wear them all.

i think that sounded more weight.

 

[lindseh]

Re: Re: Weather on April: SJPdP and beyond

T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, jacket, and poncho. They are all single layer possibilities, but you can wear them all.

i think that sounded more weight.

Why bothering even bringing a pack if you don't feel like carrying appropriate clothing? You'll be glad you have the layers. Yes, a light pack is important, but so is having the right gear. April is unpredictable, so what falcon suggests is really your best bet. Be prepared for anything.

 

[billbennettoz]

I'll be heading off out of SJPP on April 11th. I'm packing the various layers, but also a set of thermals. Do you think thermals will be necessary? It all contributes to weight!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I'll be heading off out of SJPP on April 11th. I'm packing the various layers, but also a set of thermals. Do you think thermals will be necessary? It all contributes to weight!

Ultimately, of course, it's up to you. The guys who advise in the forum know what they're talking about. You may leave some albergues at 6 in the morning - there might well be frost. Having lived eight years in Spain, we always thought of April as the rainy month ....
Buen camino!

Stephen.
http://www.calig.co.uk/camino_de_santiago.htm

 

[Deleted member 3000]

a set of thermals

I have a set of silk long johns that weigh 7.6 ounces for the set. My lightweight polypro set is a bit heavier, and my real winter medium weight are over a pound. I always take the silk. They have been an excellent first layer when it is cold, and often are the extra warmth perfect for a cool albergue. I have never wished I had a heavier set, and I have walked from February to the end of November in Spain and France.

 

[wayfarer]

a set of thermals

I have a set of silk long johns that weigh 7.6 ounces for the set. My lightweight polypro set is a bit heavier, and my real winter medium weight are over a pound. I always take the silk. They have been an excellent first layer when it is cold, and often are the extra warmth perfect for a cool albergue. I have never wished I had a heavier set, and I have walked from February to the end of November in Spain and France.

I also have a set of silk thermals that my wife brought me from China, long johns and long sleeve top, they are brilliant. I brought them on the Camino last April/May but even though it was cold at times I did not use them. Having said that I would reccomend them over man made any day and if you are coming from a very warm climate I think they are a must. I also use them for winter walking at home.

 

[Jim L. Sanders]

I'm coming from Arizona so I guess that qualifies me as coming from a warm country. I am bringing silk thermals because I do not like to be cold. However, my girlfriend refuses because she likes the cold (originally from Chicago but has lived here in Tucson for 25-30 years).

Linda, if you read this, remember, it is better to be prepared.

 

[cloosh]

I am new to this and will start my first Camino around the 5th April from SJPP.
I can appreciate what variants of weather and changes of altitude can make at that time of year, which makes a person worry about being warm enough.
As an old soldier, can I pass on a tip?
Carry a pair of women's pantihose with you. They are cheap, light weight and disposable, Under long pants, pantihose can keep the best of us warm and I can say that after many cold, wet nights on guard, where good army long johns just did not have enough heat.
A pair of rain pants also make a good simple alternative in beating a biting wind.
If you are cold around the upper torso, a newspaper between shirt and jacket,will help you stay toasty warm as well as give you something to read at lunch time! I learned that from standing up in the turret of a tank.
Believe me, these ideas work.
Should you see someone on the Camino in April stuffing a newspaper inside his jacket, stop and say Hi and if you are cold you can have the sports section. I never read that!

 

[nreyn12]

Carry a pair of women's pantihose with you.

GREAT tip, thanks! I haven't worn them since 1997, but this is for a good cause!

 

[jadidmasihi]

Re: Re: Weather on April: SJPdP and beyond

T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, jacket, and poncho. They are all single layer possibilities, but you can wear them all.

i think that sounded more weight.

Why bothering even bringing a pack if you don't feel like carrying appropriate clothing? You'll be glad you have the layers. Yes, a light pack is important, but so is having the right gear. April is unpredictable, so what falcon suggests is really your best bet. Be prepared for anything.

you can't blame me for asking that question. I'm a first timer and anxiety is on high level. If I have to ask how to make coffee during the cammino, I will.

 

[jadidmasihi]

I am new to this and will start my first Camino around the 5th April from SJPP.
I can appreciate what variants of weather and changes of altitude can make at that time of year, which makes a person worry about being warm enough.
As an old soldier, can I pass on a tip?
Carry a pair of women's pantihose with you. They are cheap, light weight and disposable, Under long pants, pantihose can keep the best of us warm and I can say that after many cold, wet nights on guard, where good army long johns just did not have enough heat.
A pair of rain pants also make a good simple alternative in beating a biting wind.
If you are cold around the upper torso, a newspaper between shirt and jacket,will help you stay toasty warm as well as give you something to read at lunch time! I learned that from standing up in the turret of a tank.
Believe me, these ideas work.
Should you see someone on the Camino in April stuffing a newspaper inside his jacket, stop and say Hi and if you are cold you can have the sports section. I never read that!

thanks for the tip. Especially the "newspaper" tip.

 

[carriedavey]

G'day Folks! My wife Caroline and I will be taking that "small first step" of our Camino on Wednesday April 10th. We walked the overland track in Tasmania in 2011 and encountered some extreme weather and the use of "layers" proved to be a good decision. On some days we had hot sun and this was balanced on the penultimate day with driving sleet! and for 4 of the six days we had rain! Layers and more layers is our way to go :lol: This has been on my "to do" list for many years, since hearing my friend read the poems inspired by El Camino that he wrote. If God spares me, I hope to celebrate my 68th birthday "on the path" and then the next day we celebrate 42 years of marriage! (hope I survive!)
Buen Camino to all!

Dave and Caroline

 

[jadidmasihi]

G'day Folks! My wife Caroline and I will be taking that "small first step" of our Camino on Wednesday April 10th. We walked the overland track in Tasmania in 2011 and encountered some extreme weather and the use of "layers" proved to be a good decision. On some days we had hot sun and this was balanced on the penultimate day with driving sleet! and for 4 of the six days we had rain! Layers and more layers is our way to go :lol: This has been on my "to do" list for many years, since hearing my friend read the poems inspired by El Camino that he wrote. If God spares me, I hope to celebrate my 68th birthday "on the path" and then the next day we celebrate 42 years of marriage! (hope I survive!)
Buen Camino to all!

Dave and Caroline

happy birthday in advance and congratulations on the wedding anniversary.

Ask and it shall be given unto you