Is early March ok?

[Vertigo]

I am planning on starting the pilgramage around the 5th of March 2007 from St Jean Pied de Port. Has anybody completed it at this time? Will the weather be ok to do so? Any replies or advice will be much appreciated.

 

[rolf]

Hi Vertigo,
I started my camino on the 6th of March in Pamplona. I have been told that crossing the Pyrenees (SJPdP to Roncesvalles) could be tricky in early March because of the snow, and in fact I haven't met anyone who has risked it.
The rest of the camino until my arrival in Santiago mid April was just perfect weather, not too cold or too hot, with only a few "wet" days. Also there was never a problem to get a place in an Albergue, though some were still closed until after Easter.
I pretty much enjoyed to walk into the spring, personally I think it's the best time to walk the Camino!
Rolf

 

[bpondugula]

Dear all

We are also starting our pilgrimage in March from Leon with the hope that it would be really great to walk and visit places.

Regards

 

[Vertigo]

Thanks Rolf,

Looks like I will be starting from Pamplona instead.

 

[santos]

hi there!
my cousin did it in 2004 he left stjpdp march 8!
but he the type of person whom does winter camping in the snow :?
he sayed it was not that cold(60-70) but rained alot!

 

[bjorgts]

March

I will start a bit later in March than you. But I will start in St. Jean Pied de Port. Probably one must take the lower road at that time, and not over the mountains. I have decided to go to StJPdP and listen to the advices from the locals, but if you start in Pamplona you can make more exact plans on beforehand - if that is prefered.
As for the weather, I know by now that one must be prepared for everything in spring in nothern Spain. Different years have given me different experiences. Almost only sun and warmth one year and bitterly cold wind and much rain another year (and snow). People who have been walking only once, can give you very different reports. There will be lightweight warm wool and wind- and rainresistant clothes in my backpack AND caps and t-shirt for the sunny days.