Camino Frances during winter months

Welcome to the Forum!

Winter is a wonderful time to walk but you must be prepared.
To begin your research/planning do check the helpful posts/links in this recent forum thread.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/camino-winter-advice.51183/

Stay safe and Buen camino!

Kyna webster said:

I'm considering walking some of the Camino Frances during December. Has anyone done this and can you give me some advice/information regarding the weather, and if the albergues are open during this time?

Click to expand...

Hi Kyna in January of this year i walked the Camino Frances starting January 06 i found the first first day very difficult i thought i was prepared but i managed i underestimated the section to Roncevalles but the rest was fine there were towns that i arrived in on a Sunday i booked for the next evening on the previous day when all was closed so always have some food in your ruchsack ie tin tuna bread water, one evening i had cake and a tin of tuna for my dinner? i was well prepared with a ski jacket good for minus 20 c do not wear cotton poloshirts underneath wear the new material 75% poly and 25% spandex i booked for the next evening every day , also in Fromista in the winter the Albergue is in someons fron room? and there are not any hotels i tried to stay in Hostal;s and small hotels where i could have a hot Bath!!!! be careful around aspercuata as there are not any where open, please read my blog below Peter Obrien
http://petermartinobrien.wordpress.com.

I walked the French Route in February and March and found it was the perfect time to go with 10% of the pilgrims on the route as compared to the summer.
I used www.wisepilgrim.com to research when albergues, pensions, casas rurals and hotels were open...about half the accommodations close up for Christmas and
New Years. I kept a list of the "open year round" place to cross reference the listings in my John Brierley guidebook.
I am from Maine, so I found it was not that cold for me...take polypropylene underwear and alpaca hat and socks and fingerless gloves...layer so you can strip off as the day warms up.
It was never below freezing when I left in the morning and it often warmed up to 50 F. Check out pictures on my blog at "slowcaminobook.com"