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Latest you would depart from SJPDP in the fall

O

oldhat

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Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (May-June 2016)
Hi, I originally though I was going to retire in mid 2020, but I'm considering pulling the trigger sooner. Now I'm wondering, what would be the consensus on how late in the year one ought to depart on the Camino Frances? I understand that it's possible to walk through the winter months but it sounds like many services and accommodations would be unavailable after Nov. and the weather on some parts of the path can get nasty.

If I do decide to go, I'd like to give my employer ample notice, say a month, and a few more weeks of extra training wouldn't hurt. I'd also like to take my time and be able spend a few days in Madrid on either end. So right now I'm thinking--start in mid Sept., finish by end of October. Sound feasible?
 
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Given that September is now almost peak season, early October should be OK. You can still use the Napoleon Track via Orisson if desired.
Given Spain's use of European Summer time (one hour ahead of London or UTC) the sun rises from Astorga westward will be 8.00 am or later, but the sunset times are also later so you can adjust your walking schedule.
 
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I walked through November 2010 the weather was perfect( for me). I have started from Leon in early January, and Cacabelos on the 23rd December, the people who I met both times who started way back said the weather had been perfect for them all through the Camino, you can't predict it, just be prepared for whatever could happen. It's not the end of the world if it does get nasty for a few days, I know people who have been holed up in Foncebaddon and they had a great time.
Accommodation is more scarce but not as difficult as people might imagine, a website is usually linked on here to open albergues in winter but there are others who are open who don't get a mention for whatever reason.

There are some very good blogs on walking in winter on this forum, i was motivated to walk at this time by one such blog.

Buen Camino
 
I started early October in 2018 and we had very cold weather from about the end of October. Sleet and snow in Galicia. Arrived Santiago about 10 November. Miserable. Also, many albergues closed from last week in October so planning becomes more challenging. On the plus side, moderate numbers walking. Some only walk part way so it varies while others skip the Meseta.
Hope the weather is better for you.
Happymark
 
Your planned times seems right to me.
I walked in September and arrived at Compostela mid-October. It was generally fine, moderately cold, with occasional rains. I liked very much the season and it was not very crowded after Sarria.
But weather got impossible in O Cebreiro, with rain and strong gusts of wind, and after a couple of hours I decided to be wise and get a bed in the nearest village. The hospitalero told me it was not typical weather, but that it comes sometimes in the heights. So, be aware, and be prepared to call it a day when necessary.
 
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mid September can be a lovely time to walk. Not too hot and not yet cold. Having said that, my September start was beginning of second week and starting from Pamplona not St Jean. Biggest problem was every morning was darker than the one before and as I like to start at 7 at the latest so that I can stop around 1 or 2pm, a head torch was an absolute necessity. If you dont mind walking in the dark go for it. I am a slow walker so it was mid October when I was ready to fly home. I recall sitting at an open air performance in shirt sleeves and it only got slightly chilly about 10pm. If I could, I would be walking at same time but this year, unfortunately not
 
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