Weather in November?

[CowboyJoe]

Considering going in November, finishing early December. Anyone gone in that timeframe and if so, what kind of weather did you experience? Any problem finding hostels/hotels open? Many others on the road? Anyone else going then? Thank you for any advice!

 

[mspath]

During the past 10 years I have walked in late autumn/winter. By November days are cool but often clear and sunny. Nights can be cold however. Layers are best for clothes. Starting mid October many albergues close for the winter season. Those that are open generally have some heat which may automatically go off in the night. See this Forum resource list of albergues that are open in winer. There are always some pilgrims walking but hardly the throngs of summer; happily there is never a race for a bunk! Personally I love to walk in this 'off' season and sincerely hope to go again later this year. For more on November walking see this earlier Forum thread.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

 

[Albertagirl]

I shall be walking the Camino Frances from SJPdP for the first time from the end of September to the end of November, taking my time and enjoying the relative lack of crowds. I shall pick up the list of albergues and when they close for the season in the Pilgrim Office in Saint Jean so that I can plan for my stops. Buen camino, Joe.

 

[whariwharangi]

From about mid November and Burgos (where a lot of people stopped walking) there was usually frost in the mornings. Usually I was walking in just a shirt by mid day.

I had one day with snow crossing at O' Cebreiro. There was ice forming on any open water puddles near Cruz de Ferro.

The rain squalls were fierce in Galicia. I was lucky to escape getting completely soaked by rains that filled the streets with a river in minutes.

It was cool and there was often rain but it was still warmer, drier, and sunnier than it was at home.

Days were short with about 8 - 10 hours sunlight.

Washed clothing had to be dried using a dryer.

A lot of Albergues were closed. That meant staying in larger towns where the municipal and xunta operated albergues are mainly located. Sometimes that meant taking a short day. No problem finding a bed.

There were others on the camino. You got to know everyone travelling in your time window.

A lot of the attractions were closed or operating on a reduced schedule that usually didn't match my plan for the day.

 

[CowboyJoe]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts! Much appreciated, great insight!