Is it too hot in July for Camino walking

[Our Gran]

hello.

We are working out dates for 2017 and with work and other commitments early to mid July looking likely.

Would appreciate comments on this and any hints for a 62 year old first time hiker. The training starts now

Thanks

 

[SYates]

That is really difficult to say, first because it depends partly on what temperatures you are used to/where you are from. F.e. for somebody from Alaska it might be unbearable hot, for somebody from certain parts of Australia just normal hot. Second it really depends on how the weather develops, some summers are hotter than others, f.e. at the moment Spain suffers a heat wave so temperatures are higher than normal. And it depends which Camino you choose also. The best method to avoid the worst heat is starting with first light and getting most of your hiking done before it gets really hot.
Buen Camino, SY

 

[Our Gran]

That is really difficult to say, first because it depends partly on what temperatures you are used to/where you are from. F.e. for somebody from Alaska it might be unbearable hot, for somebody from certain parts of Australia just normal hot. Second it really depends on how the weather develops, some summers are hotter than others, f.e. at the moment Spain suffers a heat wave so temperatures are higher than normal. And it depends which Camino you choose also. The best method to avoid the worst heat is starting with first light and getting most of your hiking done before it gets really hot.
Buen Camino, SY

Hello, many thanks for your response. This will be my first hike, and as a 63 year old with a new knee I am only planning on covering Sarria to Santiago. I live in Australia so am used to hot weather. I saw a comment, but cannot now recall where, stating July to be avoided due to extreme heat.
Kind regards

 

[SYates]

Galicia has a damp/wet heat but generally is not as hot as for example the meseta. Your main problems will be the crowds on those last 100km ... Buen Camino, SY

 

[Kanga]

@Our Gran I'd walk the Norte at that time as it is along the coast. And it is very beautiful. The only problem might be accommodation; it is a holiday area and during the tourist season albergues and rooms get booked up.

 

[HeidiL]

The Norte with a new knee? I'd check the height profile at http://www.godesalco.com/plan first.

 

[Dutchwalk53]

it depends partly on what temperatures you are used to/where you are from. F.e. for somebody from Alaska it might be unbearable hot, for somebody from certain parts of Australia just normal hot.

I agree 100% with this. In an earlier post someone wrote that she walked in a heatwave while it was around 70/80 degrees (Fahrenheit) For me, coming from hot and humid Florida, that temperature is great somewhat cooler walking weather.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Just do it. You have to take a chance, step out into providence. Let things rise up to meet you. (Hopefully not the curbstones!)
That's what this camino business is all about.

 

[Castilian]

I am only planning on covering Sarria to Santiago.

Go for it! The chances of finding heat over 35ºC on that strecht are very very low.

 

[Old Gringo]

In your circumstance I would not recommend doing VdlP in Andalucía or Southern Extremadura during July.

 

[SYates]

In your circumstance I would not recommend doing VdlP in Andalucía or Southern Extremadura during July.

No worries, she wants to do the CF from Sarria to Santiago ;-)
Buen Camino, SY

 

[donalomahony]

 

[grayland]

For the record....many members here are a decade or more older than you...most don't have new knees..but some actually do have various replacement parts.

Allow plenty of time and go slowly enough to be comfortable.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[soeur.clara]

hi yes i agree with SY , start in Sierra its the one for you ! and for the heat well us we just walked rreally in the morning so the sun dosent get to us so much, in the afternoon we rested ! its nice like this! and you do the first 2 weeks small walks of 15 to 20 km and after you start to see if your knee can take it
good luck buen camina