End of October?

[Patrick Reidy]

Hey there!

I really really really want to walk from Leon to Santiago in the last 2 weeks of October (only time I can do it until Spring). I just have a couple of worries niggling on my noggin and I would really appreciate if anybody could help me out with feedback!

Firstly, will there still be a decent amount of people walking at this time? I'm happy to be walking alone but I would feel very lonely if I saw only a couple of people each day and I want to meet cool people.

Secondly, I know weather's unpredictable, but has anyone got a general idea of Northern Spain's October climate? Will I end up like the cows in the movie Twister spinning around in a tornado, or should it be fine?

Thanks in advance!
Irish Camino Virgin

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There will be a decent number of people walking in October.

No tornados, but it might rain!

 

[mspath]

Patrick,

Welcome to the Forum!

October is a great time to walk the Camino! Days are often golden. However, nights can be chilly or cold. Be prepared! Most of us who walk at this time wear lightweight warm layers which can easily be added or removed as the weather changes.

There are ALWAYS some pilgrims walking. Since the crowds of summer are past you will find the welcome at those albergues which are open to be most sincere. It may be chilly or even cold but there are plenty of bunks!

For other pilgrims' comments regarding October/November weather check out this earlier Forum thread.

Happy planning and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[SYates]

And for number of pilgrims have a look here: http://peregrinossantiago.es/esp/oficina-del-peregrino/estadisticas/

Buen Camino!, SY

 

[Patrick Reidy]

Thanks a million for the replies and quality advice! It helped me a lot and I have decided to just go for it! Now to start saving some money and learning how to walk!
God bless
Patrick

 

[Brian Green]

Hey Patrick,

I'm also walking from Leon to Santiago but starting a week earlier than you. Not leaving Santiago until the end of Oct so if you catch up along the way and hear a Kerry accent, say hello.

Brian.

 

[jdpiguet]

Hi Patrick,

I've been on the Camino Frances last year 2nd half of October.
We had beautifull days, full of autumn colors and sun.
We had cold, rainy days, full of gray.

Much more than July/August, be prepared for every weather.
Temperature can change from 10 °C to 27 °C from one day to the next...

Several private albergues were closing after the first of November.
It's a holly day in Spain, and a lot of spanish peoples will be on the Camino for the last days of October: there is a "wave", arriving at Santiago the 1st of November.

Another point is that the daylight time is much shorter than in summer: it's dark from 19:00 to 8:00

But I liked it so much... enjoy and Buen Camino,
Jacques-D.

 

[Patrick Reidy]

Hey Patrick,

I'm also walking from Leon to Santiago but starting a week earlier than you. Not leaving Santiago until the end of Oct so if you catch up along the way and hear a Kerry accent, say hello.

Brian.

I will do Brian! Cheers for the reply, hope to bump into you somewhere along the way.

 

[Patrick Reidy]

Hi Patrick,

I've been on the Camino Frances last year 2nd half of October.
We had beautifull days, full of autumn colors and sun.
We had cold, rainy days, full of gray.

Much more than July/August, be prepared for every weather.
Temperature can change from 10 °C to 27 °C from one day to the next...

Several private albergues were closing after the first of November.
It's a holly day in Spain, and a lot of spanish peoples will be on the Camino for the last days of October: there is a "wave", arriving at Santiago the 1st of November.

Another point is that the daylight time is much shorter than in summer: it's dark from 19:00 to 8:00

But I liked it so much... enjoy and Buen Camino,
Jacques-D.

Hey Jacques!

Thanks for the reply and the very useful information that I needed.

I will be sure to prepare for the crazy weather changes!

Regards,
Patrick

 

[mICH50]

Hi Patrick,

I've been on the Camino Frances last year 2nd half of October.
We had beautifull days, full of autumn colors and sun.
We had cold, rainy days, full of gray.

Much more than July/August, be prepared for every weather.
Temperature can change from 10 °C to 27 °C from one day to the next...

Several private albergues were closing after the first of November.
It's a holly day in Spain, and a lot of spanish peoples will be on the Camino for the last days of October: there is a "wave", arriving at Santiago the 1st of November.

Another point is that the daylight time is much shorter than in summer: it's dark from 19:00 to 8:00

But I liked it so much... enjoy and Buen Camino,
Jacques-D.

Hi Jacques, I am from Canada and I am at the moment planning the camino for 2 weeks (first of october). I am going into a challenge and ready to live it. Thanks for your comments ... this helps me out because I was woundering about the temparature in October. Take care Robert