At What Time of Year or Month Is the Route Napoleon Likely Open

[RJ in Mandeville]

Is it in all probability open in late April or is it later in May? And when in all likelihood will the route be closed? I understand weather is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. But I am wondering what are the odds of it being open in late April, mid-May and so forth.

 

[Robo]

Hard to say. I have crossed twice in late April OK.
But it's totally weather dependent.
Always have a Plan B in case it's closed that early in the season.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Is it in all probability open in late April or is it later in May? And when in all likelihood will the route be closed? I understand weather is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. But I am wondering what are the odds of it being open in late April, mid-May and so forth.

Official it opens April 1st. , but it all depends off the weather.
Before leaving SJPdP ask the people in the Pilgrim Office, they will know.
Buen Camino

 

[naplesdon]

There is strict schedule for the opening and closing the route in addition to the local weather warnings. Pay heed because too many have had to been rescued at great expense to the safety of Bombeiros and themselves.

 

[t2andreo]

Official it opens April 1st. , but it all depends off the weather.
Before leaving SJPdP ask the people in the Pilgrim Office, they will know.
Buen Camino

Peter is referring to the Pilgrim Office at St. Jean Pied de Port, NOT the Pilgrim Office at Santiago. The SJPdP office is where starting pilgrims obtain the most current information on weather, trail conditions and accommodations. It is located at #39 Rue de la Citadel - the Main Street in the old town.

FYI - the office of Express Bourricot is next door at #37. If you are interested in sending luggage directly to Santiago, this the THE place to enquire.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[C clearly]

I am wondering what are the odds

I don't have any statistics to base my bet on, but I have various "impressions" from years on the forum. My guess is that your odds are close to even throughout April - somewhat on the side of closures at the start of the month, and more on the side of opening at the end of the month. Odds of opening would be very high by the end of May, except, of course for possible systems that could obscure visibility at any time of year.

 

[RJ in Mandeville]

Thanks to everyone who responded. C clearly, that was exactly what I was looking for, even if the information is anecdotal. I recognize weather is unpredictable, but it helps with planning a possible trek and deciding when to begin.

 

[makingtrax]

Is it in all probability open in late April or is it later in May? And when in all likelihood will the route be closed? I understand weather is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. But I am wondering what are the odds of it being open in late April, mid-May and so forth.

Generally aprily1st unless there is still lot if snow around or late storm comes through. Closes novemberish for same reason

 

[Kathar1na]

Is it in all probability open in late April or is it later in May? And when in all likelihood will the route be closed? I understand weather is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. But I am wondering what are the odds of it being open in late April, mid-May and so forth.

• Prohibited by law: 1 November to 31 March. Every year.
• Not recommended / not passable: Often the first few days in April of each year. The reason is old snow from the winter season that is still too high in some parts. My guess is - it’s just a guess, I have no evidence for it - that enough Camino walkers trudge across it or through it so that the trail becomes passable within the first few days of April.
• Not recommended / not passable: Any day of the year. Rare. Depends on the weather. Note: There is no official warning system or “closure” mechanism. There was one time recently though when the Spanish auhtorities may have issued a prohibition to cross but that was due to wildfire over a small area.