May or September 2012?

[Ria Mattheus]

Hi, We, 2 Females from South Africa plan to do the Camino next year again! We did the Camino Frances in 2007 and it was such a experience - so we are going back! We are not sure which Camino to do, but are looking at the Camino de Norte perhaps? But now we have a bit of a problem - what time of the year will be the best? We know that June, July and August is VERY busy and hot and that accom at the albergues can be a problem. Now which month will be the best? May or September? Is it raining more in the month of May than in September? And Temp wise? Is it still cold in May? We had absolutely wonderful weather in Sept 2007. Only one day of rain and the temperatures were great!
I will be glad to hear from the "fundies" of the Camino!
Regards
Ria

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Hi Ria.

I have walked the Camino Francés in both May and September.

In both months I encountered rain, sun, cold, heat and about the same numbers of pilgrims.

It's down to the geography, the elevation, the terrain. I have noticed that there is evidence that climate change is hitting the Camino. Early October of this year was reported to be very warm. I walked Sarria to SdC last December and as well as heavy rain I also experienced two days of very warm weather. One local said it was March weather.

The CSJ in London recommends September as the best time to walk, though I think May is lovely.

Toss a coin?

I cannot speak for the Norte because I have ony undertaken the last 113km on it and that was late September. It was in Galicia so very wet on a couple of days and with warm days the rest of the time.

Perhaps others will be more definiate but I would say either would be fine along the Frances and the Inglés.

Other routes, especially from Portugal, Seville or Madrid will require people who have walked those Caminos to give you an informed opinion.

 

[Ria Mattheus]

Hi thanks for the reply!
Yes maybe we must toss a coin! Other pelgrims can maybe tell us about the weather on the other routes?

 

[jennysa]

Hi, We, 2 Females from South Africa plan to do the Camino next year again! We did the Camino Frances in 2007 and it was such a experience - so we are going back! We are not sure which Camino to do, but are looking at the Camino de Norte perhaps? But now we have a bit of a problem - what time of the year will be the best? We know that June, July and August is VERY busy and hot and that accom at the albergues can be a problem. Now which month will be the best? May or September? Is it raining more in the month of May than in September? And Temp wise? Is it still cold in May? We had absolutely wonderful weather in Sept 2007. Only one day of rain and the temperatures were great!
I will be glad to hear from the "fundies" of the Camino!
Regards
Ria

Hi fellow South Africans - I walked the CF in May this year and found it very crowded, especially the first 100 kms from Roncesvalles and the last 100 km from Sarria. There was always the stress of whether there would be accommodation at the albergue and I was sorry that I had not started earlier in April. However, it is a beautiful time of the year with the spring flowers and I only had 1 day of intermittent rain. I am planning to walk in September next year, but haven't finally decided on which route.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

September this year was very busy. It is more likely to be dry in September than in May.