Camino in May

[sophieojai]

We are thinking of hiking the Camino in May. What are the pros and cons of walking at this time. We would really appreciate feedback from seasoned pilgrims. Thanks

 

[lindseh]

PROS: not too suffocatingly hot like the summer, nor is it too crowded that you have to race for beds, but there are still loads of people to get to know
all the flowers are in bloom... it's a beautiful time to walk!

CONS: although on my camino I only ever saw two days of rain, I've heard that there is a possibility of poor weather, and it does still get somewhat chilly at night.

But all in all (I could be biased as it's the only time of year I've done it...) it's one of the best times of year to do it. April can be cold and even have snow, and by June it's getting hot and crowded.

Buen camino!!

 

[Diegomartine]

I'll do it on May too. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[skilsaw]

May is beautiful.
I walked from winter in April to spring in May.
Spring is beautiful!
May is an excellent time to do the Camino.

Give yourself lots of time. 30 to 33 Days - St. Jean Pied du Port to Santiago.
Walking is for pilgrims.
The bus is for tourists.
Be a pilgrim!

Buen Camino
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[Diegomartine]

May is beautiful.
I walked from winter in April to spring in May.
Spring is beautiful!
May is an excellent time to do the Camino.

Give yourself lots of time. 30 to 33 Days - St. Jean Pied du Port to Santiago.
Walking is for pilgrims.
The bus is for tourists.
Be a pilgrim!

Buen Camino
David, Victoria, Canada.

Hi David, did you get lots of rain/cold on May?

 

[tyrrek]

Lindseh sums it up perfectly. I was walking at the same time last year and it was perfect. This year was apparently a bit cooler than last, but you have to be prepared for anything at most times of year really. Buen Camino!

 

[Olivares]

Sophie- this is the deal: early to mid-May can be very rainy with the later part of May (say after the 21st) much more dry and beautiful. IF you are walking the entire camino, then it is likely you will at some point see rain, so might as well start early May. If you are doing a section and starting at SJPDP, I would then STRONGLY recommend you plan to start more towards the second half of May with less chance of daily showers. I started the Camino in Late May 2011; perfect weather. This last May I HAD TO go the second week of May and it rained 4-5 days-- the following week was suuny and beautiful. Something to consider.

 

[sophieojai]

Thanks for all your informative answers. I will definitely consider setting off in mid May

 

[Flatcat]

The wife and I will be doing the Camino in May 2013 as well!!
We've purchased Ponchos for any bad weather and we'll have light weight ( gore-tex ) jackets for the most part! But life is funny when your prepared for the worst the best generally comes out!

 

[laver1963]

Hi to all

I have booked my ticket and will land in Paris around 19 May 2013 to find my way to St Jean Pied de Port to begin my adventure. Looking forward to but very apprehensive also as I have never done anything like this before. Looking forward to meeting many like minded people alone the way.

 

[tendigrino]

the person who does not rain that does not come north of Spain.
We are in a period of several years of low rainfall. yet three straight days of rain in Navarra and Galicia are not uncommon.
May is a great month to do the Camino de Santiago.
Not cold (a sleeping bag is small and light enough.)
Some people but not so much in summer.
You will find German, French, Italian, Canadian, Australian, Brazilian, Polish, Korean, Japanese and some Spanish. Churches will enjoy from the twelfth century and forests of beech and oak. There are cities like Estella, Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, Astorga they deserve an extra day.
Buen camino to Santiago.
Ultreya.