September and early October weather

[audreykeith]

I'm hiking the Camino de Frances early September to early October. I was curious to hear how the weather was for anyone that has hiked during that time. I know it's pretty unpredictable, but was hoping to at least get an idea.

Anyone have advice for type of shoes during this time? Water proof hiking boots, water proof trail shoes, or breathable trail shoes?

Also, is a sleeping bag necessary for this time of year or could I get by with just a liner?

 

[Nanc]

I hiked CF / Muxia from August 26 to Oct 3, 2016
temperatures through the first 2 weeks were consistently 30-35 C
Cooling in the am's as I traveled further
Entering Galacia there was not as much rain as some talk about, but there were 3 days of down pour and maybe a week of lower temperatures and wind requiring hat, fleece etc
i took a 475 gm down bag that was plenty warm as the nights got colder (Caveat: I did not experience any unheated albergues some talk about, and most -all? had blankets)

I used Brook trail runner as every one had convinced me- in wet weather I was able to get newspaper from hosts to stuff the shoes with to help dry them out. Never missed my boots

 

[Kanga]

Glorious weather, usually. If I was to pick the CF based solely on the weather, that is when I'd go. But I do love the spring flowers and colours, so often for me the spring wins, even though I know it will involve rain. And I have had rain and cold weather in September on the CF, so don't assume it will always be warm and sunny.

I would say absolutely no need for hiking boots of any kind, let alone waterproof ones. You are more likely to get wet feet from sweat than anything else. I take the lightest possible footwear that will last the distance and still give my feet support underneath from sharp rocks and stones - so in my case that is open hiking sandals. Even in rain and mud. I slosh through and dry my feet afterwards - they dry faster than shoes. If you wear socks, the trick is to keep an extra dry pair in a plastic bag so you can don them when needed.

 

[FourSeasons]

Sept/Oct a great time to go. It can be really hot, I got sunburnt on my left side so wear long sleeve, sunscreen. Further on down the mornings were cool/cold. I would layer my down vest under my wind/rain jacket and gloves. I'm glad I brought everything. Oh and I had a lightweight down sleeping bag. So comfy. Not much rain in 2013. I wore New Balance country walkers with smart wool socks, not one blister.

I'm so excited for you. Buen Camino.

 

[Man in Black]

We left SJPdP on September 10, 2017 and our first 3 days were wet and cold. Then we didn't have another drop of rain until after reaching Santiago de Compostella over 4 weeks later. Cool/cold mornings particularly on the Meseta and it wasn't overly hot. We were told by locals in Galicia that it had been an abnormally dry autumn.

 

[FLEUR]

Between 2012 and 2016 we returned for our annual walks along the CF, always at the end of September into early October. Over the years we experienced very little cold weather or rain. One year late September was extremely hot. We managed fine with silk sleeping bag liners plus albergue blankets. Strong trainers on our feet and walking sandals to give our feet a change after a few hours walking.

 

[Anamiri]

I started from SJPDP on 1 Sept 2016. It was extremely hot, the first few weeks there was no cloud cover , just beaming hot sun. By the time I got to Zubiri, I was a bit panicked that I wouldn't cope with the heat but I did acclimatize eventually. We did get a few days rain, 2 weeks in, and it turned cold with that. But warmed up again, thankfully not to the same extent. I was told that it was a particularly hot September. I barely used my sleeping bag.

 

[NanaEL]

Sept/Oct a great time to go. It can be really hot, I got sunburnt on my left side so wear long sleeve, sunscreen. Further on down the mornings were cool/cold. I would layer my down vest under my wind/rain jacket and gloves. I'm glad I brought everything. Oh and I had a lightweight down sleeping bag. So comfy. Not much rain in 2013. I wore New Balance country walkers with smart wool socks, not one blister.

I'm so excited for you. Buen Camino.

I can either leave after May 21 OR go in September. My concern is it being too warm. And, yes, I know weather is not predictable, but ... We will probably be on the slower pace so still walking in July most likely. What would you suggest??

 

[RJM]

Back in 2015 part of my Camino Frances walk was during the month of September from the 1st to the 20th. I did not find it very cold in the mornings and evenings, and the fleece pullover I had worked great. I wore shorts everyday when I walked. It only rained on me two days, I think, so the cheap poncho I carried was sufficient. I found no need for waterproof shoes and wore a pair of Merrell Moabs, shoes not boots. I did not carry a sleeping bag, only a synthetic, faux silk liner.
All in all I found the weather to be wonderful and loved to pick the blackberries along the Camino path and one could see the locals harvesting grapes in the vineyards. Beautiful.

 

[ImprobablePilgrim]

What part of the Camino were you walking during this time? My husband and I begin Sept 4 in SJPdP and end Oct 11 in SdC and am researching weather during this time. Thank you!

 

[camino07]

My son walked from St jean last Sept/October and it was unusually hot with many fires in Galicia.
Who knows what it will be like this year?

 

[ShelleyW]

Glorious weather, usually. If I was to pick the CF based solely on the weather, that is when I'd go. But I do love the spring flowers and colours, so often for me the spring wins, even though I know it will involve rain. And I have had rain and cold weather in September on the CF, so don't assume it will always be warm and sunny.

I would say absolutely no need for hiking boots of any kind, let alone waterproof ones. You are more likely to get wet feet from sweat than anything else. I take the lightest possible footwear that will last the distance and still give my feet support underneath from sharp rocks and stones - so in my case that is open hiking sandals. Even in rain and mud. I slosh through and dry my feet afterwards - they dry faster than shoes. If you wear socks, the trick is to keep an extra dry pair in a plastic bag so you can don them when needed.

 

[ShelleyW]

Ah good to hear ! I wonder what kind/brand of hiking Sandles you recommend?