Several possible start dates-- big difference?

[joecamino]

I plan to walk my first Camino (Frances) this year. From reading the forum, it sounds like the route gets busier as one goes later in the year.

Is there a significant difference-- in crowds and weather-- across these possible start times?

• Early April
• Mid April
• Early May
• Mid May

Starting in May would mean a bit more time for training and some other life activities. But if the "cost" is very hot days, or filled-up albergues, I'll head out earlier.

Thanks!

 

[HedaP]

Hi & welcome Joecamino, there are many far more experienced camino walkers than I am on this forum but I can tell you I am starting from SJPdP on my second camino on 2 April this year. I chose that date because I prefer cool weather. I'm not too worried about finding a bed as have decided to just take my chances and see what the camino provides. I would do this regardless of start date.

 

[HeidiL]

Easter is BIG in Spain. There will be more Spanish pilgrims walking between April 8th and 16th, but also lots and lots of really interesting Easter processions just about everywhere. (I always walk around Easter because I really love them.)

 

[Mark Lee]

I plan to walk my first Camino (Frances) this year. From reading the forum, it sounds like the route gets busier as one goes later in the year.

Is there a significant difference-- in crowds and weather-- across these possible start times?

• Early April
• Mid April
• Early May
• Mid May

Starting in May would mean a bit more time for training and some other life activities. But if the "cost" is very hot days, or filled-up albergues, I'll head out earlier.

Thanks!

I think there was a recent thread with a link to the pilgrim's office showing the numbers for each month. You could look at that and get an idea.
Also I walked the Camino in June of 2014 and the weather wasn't hot at all. It was quite nice. From what I've heard May's weather is even cooler and even the occasional snowy day over the Pyrenees then.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I plan to walk my first Camino (Frances) this year. From reading the forum, it sounds like the route gets busier as one goes later in the year.

Is there a significant difference-- in crowds and weather-- across these possible start times?

• Early April
• Mid April
• Early May
• Mid May

Starting in May would mean a bit more time for training and some other life activities. But if the "cost" is very hot days, or filled-up albergues, I'll head out earlier.

Thanks!

Hi,walked the Camino Franches in 2015 from April 19 till May 24.
Had no problem finding a place to sleep.
Had some snow on the Pyrenees and two walking days with rain.
And also days over 30 ° Celsius.

But this was 2 years ago and this year who knows.

Wish you a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino,Peter.