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I walked in June this year. It was very hot in Pamplona (higher 30s) but turned very cold (for me!) the rest of the way! (Around 8 deg). I didn’t expect it and hadn’t even brought gloves. I used socks one day as my fingers were frozen. They even put the heating on in the rooms!For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
Yeah I’m quickly learning how variable and unpredictable the weather in northern Spain is. 8 degrees in June - yikes!I walked in June this year. It was very hot in Pamplona (higher 30s) but turned very cold (for me!) the rest of the way! (Around 8 deg). I didn’t expect it and hadn’t even brought gloves. I used socks one day as my fingers were frozen. They even put the heating on in the rooms!
So really, there is no way of telling what the weather (and temperatures) will be like
There weren’t any crowds, btw, it was a very solitary Camino. But apparently it all changed in July!
I have always walked in June and July yes its hot but you stop by 2:00.2:30 shower and wash your clothes which will dry fast in the sun and get something to eat. I have done eleven Caminos I have had no problem with the heat.Vancouver guy eh? Think long and hard about leaving SJPP in June. Its a long walk, and you will hit significant heat in July. If you were from Texas, it would be child's play, but recall you are walking outside all day, and there are patches of the Frances with minimal shade. There's a reason Spaniards take an afternoon siesta.....it can be plenty warm in the summer. That said, you could be fine. The weather will be what the weather will be, and it could be pleasant and comfortable. Or it could be 40 C on the meseta. I had two days of 35 C in Galicia in mid May of 2019, where in previous years it was more like 20. On the other hand, I'm heat sensitive, which is why I like departing in April. You can put on a jacket, but you can't take off your skin.
Buen Camino
JustJack: In addition to the consideration about weather (I start April 5), I suggest it be May because of the swelling numbers of people who flock to the Camino. There is a sharp increase as it gets warmer and people start summer breaks from school or going on vacation. Not everyone walks the full Camino, but many walk portions or sections. My daughter and I are happy to carry heavier packs with cold and wet weather clothing to walk with fewer people, than to be in the daily crush of the hordes competing for albergue bunks. As you get closer to SdC, the numbers really swell as the other Camino merge with the Frances and more people flock to walk the last 100km for their compostela. Something to think about. Cheers and Buen Camino!Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
Personally I prefer May (vs June) because of the cooler weather and temperatures. The Camino Frances is spectacular in April/May. The cooler temperatures are welcome especially when carrying a backpack. IMO easier to layer up vs stay cool. Either way, you’ll undoubted have an amazing Camino! Buen Camino!Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
I walked this past July-August. I'm from Phoenix/Las Vegas. I need the heat. Even then, at times, it was a little too cool for me. So depends on what you want/need.Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
I’ve always walked in late September/ October but in relation to weather variability, in 2018 I experienced 36 °c on the first day over the Pyrenees. It’s the Camino - hot, cold, wet , dry, it’s always better than being at home. I even bought new socks , packed them in my backpack, checked my gear, and I can’t even go anywhere yet. Have a great experience, I envy you, but in a nice way.Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
My first Camino was mostly in rain and snow (earlier in the year) and it was wonderful. The weather is just one tiny, tiny part of the experience hey?I have walked April/May, June/July, Sept/Oct. and I would say May. You may have some cool/cold weather but there is nothing gloomy about that time of year. It is absolutely beautiful. Are you stuck with starting at the beginning of a month? If not, maybe the end of first week or second week of May. Keep in mind that May 1st is a holiday and I have found accommodations difficult as many Spanish walk around a holiday. June is nice but it can get very hot later in the month and into July. I was in Logrono around the 3rd week of June and there was a heat way.....107...It was very hot. If you are ok with rising between 4:30-5:00 to get on the trail so you are finished early then its not a problem. Do remember that the hottest part of the day is later in Spain due to them not having there clocks set to their correct time zone. Also, remember the albergues are not air conditioned so you won't probably be napping and sometimes the nights can be hot depending on the number of windows in the albergues.
Just remember weather is part of "THE ART" of camino and part of what makes each Camino unique. My favorite Camino was the one where I had to wear my rain gear 75% of the time.....not because of the rain, but because of all the other experiences.
I walked beginning May 1 (which, by the way is a holiday in much of Europe). Chilly to begin with, warming as i went along. I, too, prefer warmth and would be inclined to start later another time.Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
I also walked in February 2020 (snuck in before covid slammed borders shut) hoping for more snow. It was bizarre! I rocked into Santiago sunburnt! There was NO snow on the mountain ranges you can see on the right as you're heading to Acebo. Very disheartening - the effects of climate change were super apparent. I saw no snow, had almost no rain and it was still winter!Having walked many caminos at varying times of the year (I generally leave Australia for the warmth of the northern hemisphere during our winter.) What I have learned is that the camino angels and demons appear no matter what the time of year. It is how you deal with them at the time that matters. The Frances has so much infrastructure for things such as having your pack transported, to very readily available water, buses and trains if you absolutely can't walk. Be prepared to rapidly change your schedule and any plans and build in free days along the way so anything that does happen will not ruin your journey. One memory that comes to mind on the VdlP in 2011, is of a predicted 35 degree day of 25km with no water or shade. This was all organised in the albergue the night before with a couple of pilgrims opting to take a taxi. The torch came in handy at 4.30am and the pack was transported so I could carry enough water. I also remember arriving with a smile on my face, albeit tired and hot. Enjoy May or June or July, whichever you chose.
I started my Camino the last week in April and I could not have picked a better time. Still some cool mornings and all the wildflowers were all in bloom. You will be at least a month on the Camino, so one month from early June puts you into July for the last 1/3 of your pilgrimage. It might get HOT. But If you Like hot start in Mid-July!!!Simple question that I'm looking for your feedback on - departing from SJPdP in early May or early June? Which would you prefer and why?
It's likely there's not a lot of difference in terms of weather and crowds between early May and early June, but I don't know what I don't know, so I thought I'd ask. I have flexibility so I may as well aim for the optimal departure time, knowing of course that weather and crowds are both unpredictable.
For what it's worth, I tend to prefer heat to cold. I'm ok up to the low 30's (30 celcius = 86 F for the Americans). Mid-to-high 30's is a bit much however, even for me...
All anecdotal past experiences welcome!
I'm interested in starting the Camino in late September or early October--it seems there's usually no snow on the Pyrenees from what I've read. Was that your experience? What is that area like during the fall? Thanks!I’ve always walked in late September/ October but in relation to weather variability, in 2018 I experienced 36 °c on the first day over the Pyrenees. It’s the Camino - hot, cold, wet , dry, it’s always better than being at home. I even bought new socks , packed them in my backpack, checked my gear, and I can’t even go anywhere yet. Have a great experience, I envy you, but in a nice way.
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