January, February, March 2019

[PattyKoed]

Hello All,
I am considering walking the full Camino, starting in January 2019 from LePuy en Velay. Does anyone have insight into what I may expect/encounter at that time of year? What can I expect in terms of weather, accommodation availability, and other pilgrims?
I sincerely appreciate your insights.
Warmest,
Patty

 

[mspath]

To further your research re Walking in Winter see these earlier recent threads filled with useful links and tips.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/logrono-to-burgos-in-january.50991/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/november-december-cf.50932/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/walking-the-camino-in-december-january.37261/

Sillydoll who is a Forum member has in her blog compiled encyclopedic information on Winter Walking.
http://amawalker.blogspot.fr/2009/10/walking-in-winter.html?m=1

Twice during winter caminos I have sat out true blizzards; in Villafranca Montes de Oca, February 25, 26, 2006 and Foncebadón, March 5,6, 2009. Even late November 2012 the climb up to O Cebreiro was packed with snow. You can see the snow and read my blog accounts of these three memorable storms here. http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/memories.html
Luckily open albergues offered welcoming shelter, heat and companionship.

Most of us who walk in late autumn and winter wear and carry lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking. Each pilgrim develops a favorite combo. Scan the Forum's Equipment topic http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/equipment-questions.30/
to see a multitude of varied approaches. Here's mine
http://mermore.blogspot.fr/p/kit-and-tips.html

Remember winter is a great time to walk, but you must be PREPARED!

Happy planning, stay safe and Buen camino!

 

[PattyKoed]

Thank you.

 

[aname4me]

This fellow walked the Camino in Feb/March 2018 and posted it all on YouTube...

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheJball123/videos?view=0&shelf_id=1&sort=dd

He hit snow on most of the high elevations.

Day 28 was a Snow Storm
Day 29 ended in a T-Shirt

 

[PattyKoed]

Thank you very much!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

What can I expect in terms of weather, accommodation availability, and other pilgrims?

Until March, don't expect any other pilgrims! You will have to call ahead in France to find open accommodations. I did Via Tolosana, Camino Aragones, and Camino Frances this last January and February, and met no pilgrims until after Sarria! There will be snow in all the high places. However, the solitude is great (though you indicated in another post that you were concerned about being alone).