Hi Donegalboy,
I walked the Camino from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago between October 8 and November 15, 2008 (yes, I'm slow!).
A number of the refugios were closed, especially in November. It was also impossible to get totally accurate information on which ones these were--both the Confraternity of Saint James guidebook (which is excellent) and the refugio list that I got at the pilgrim office in Saint-Jean were inaccurate. (I don't think this was their fault--the refugios just seemed to be inconsistent in whether or not they stayed open). But I always found a place to stay. I guess my advice would be not to arrive at your planned destination as the sun is going down (around six o'clock, as I recall), in case you have to go farther.
Also, bring a warm sleeping bag. Some of the refugios that were open until the end of October didn't have heating.
In my experience, the Meseta at the end of October was really cold. I'd bring a hat and light gloves. The weather in Galicia in November was surprisingly nice (often sunny and not raining) during the day, though I don't know if this is usual.
On the positive side, if you find an open refugio, there's no competition for beds--except occasionally in Galicia. Even in November, a lot of people seemed to be starting in Galicia to get their Compostelas, and I was in one full refugio (it was a small one: Casanova Mato), and once had to go on to the next refugio (luckily there were two open refugios in Triacastela).
Of course, it might be more crowded this year because of the Holy Year. Especially in Galicia, I would think--though I could be wrong.
Buen Camino!