Any tips on walking the Meseta in February?

[dutchwalkagain]

After 5 spring/fall Camino's we're thinking about walking a partial Camino in February. Mainly the Meseta and maybe Santiago to Finisterra. Any tips /thoughts are welcome. We will be staying in Hotels mostly.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

It's pretty lonely and windy and wet in February on the Meseta, but if that's what you like, you will like it just fine. Bring lots of layers, as even the best hotels don't keep the heat on all night.

 

[TrvlDad1]

I walked Burgos-Astorga last March. If you like solitude, don’t might a chill wind, and can search out accommodations, you’ll love it. The best Camino I’ve walked.

 

[dutchwalkagain]

I walked Burgos-Astorga last March. If you like solitude, don’t might a chill wind, and can search out accommodations, you’ll love it. The best Camino I’ve walked.

We love solitude and welcome chill winds (living in the Florida heat all year ) Our main concern is rain. But figured (hope) the Meseta is a fairly dry area. ?!?!

 

[J F Gregory]

From experience I can tell you your days will be slower. Lots of walking in mud.

 

[trecile]

We love solitude and welcome chill winds (living in the Florida heat all year ) Our main concern is rain. But figured (hope) the Meseta is a fairly dry area. ?!?!

Check weatherspark.com for historical weather information, including temperatures and rainfall.
Here's their info for Frómista on the Meseta.

Frómista February Weather, Average Temperature (Spain) - Weather Spark

In Frómista during February average daily high temperatures increase from 47°F to 51°F and it is overcast or mostly cloudy about 52% of the time.

weatherspark.com

 

[mspath]

February is winter and winter on the Camino Frances is not a walk in the park; it can be dangerous! The wind on the Meseta blowing from the west can be glacial.

I assume that you will start from Burgos; these February entries from my 2008 blog might help with your planning. Many of the entries mention wet, cold weather and the incessant wind.

For general advice re walking in winter do scan the thread, Winter Camino Frances. Winter is a wonderful time to walk but you must be prepared.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

 

[trecile]

Here's a thread about the Camino in February.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/on-the-camino-on-this-date-in-february.69325/

 

[Domsa]

I have booked flights for February to walk Burgos to Leon. Intend to stay in albergues. I walked SJPP to Estella last February - only 10 other pilgrims. I loved the quietness, the weather, the challenge I Can’t wait.

 

[APilgrim3393]

After 5 spring/fall Camino's we're thinking about walking a partial Camino in February. Mainly the Meseta and maybe Santiago to Finisterra. Any tips /thoughts are welcome. We will be staying in Hotels mostly.

Been there done that and would do it again. The meseta in February was an experience in the area of weather. Chiefly the biggest factor was the wind which can get cold. As always especially here where weather can go extremes. Layers was the key for me. Great sun. So good to be able to take a layer off at midday. Windbreak type of jacket and a winter hat was important for me and I’m used to the northern winds of Canada, yet gloves were also useful at times. The rain was not a factor for me except one day near Leon. It went from great sun to a downpour in a matter of 20 minutes. And lastly there were one or two days where I was glad that I brought some extra water.

 

[APilgrim3393]

We love solitude and welcome chill winds (living in the Florida heat all year ) Our main concern is rain. But figured (hope) the Meseta is a fairly dry area. ?!?!

The meseta is my favorite. Chance of rain is definitely less, but when it comes, it comes suddenly on this day before Leon, I got walloped and drenched gratefully there was this little place 10 kilometers later where I could at least dry out comfortably.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

be very sure to bring some lip balm and moisture cream for your face and hands. Chapping is a real issue.

 

[aliciag56]

I was on the meseta in November not February but I'd say be prepared for very few cafes (and their accompanying bathrooms) to be open

 

[dutchwalkagain]

Thanks all. Flights are booked and we ended up moving it to April.

 

[Kanga]

By April all the albergues should be open, but for anyone looking at this thread, here is a list of albergues open during the winter months.

 

[dick bird]

We love solitude and welcome chill winds (living in the Florida heat all year ) Our main concern is rain. But figured (hope) the Meseta is a fairly dry area. ?!?!

Only dry in summer. Winter can be bleak with wicked winds. Wrap up well.

 

[JerseyWalker]

Thanks all. Flights are booked and we ended up moving it to April.

My husband and I are also walking in April. We plan to walk from Burgos to Leon. My husband is recovering from foot surgery so we are hoping the flat terrain will be easier.

How is weather on the meseta in April?

Buen Camino!

 

[J F Gregory]

I have experienced it cold, windy, wet and very Muddy. Hopefully not.