Middle or end Sept?

[ManchNic]

Hi,

My mum and I are planning to walk the last 100+km of the Camino Frances from Sarria in September this year. Due to other commitments and flight schedules we can either do 12th-19th Sept or 27th Sept-4th October. I am sure I am over-thinking it but I would be very grateful for any opinions on which dates might be best (mainly weather and accommodation wise).
We'd love to walk in sunshine but not scorching heat (I realise there is no guarantee any time of year but I would still very much value opinions on whether either of these weeks would be better than the other). Thank you so much!

 

[J Willhaus]

No way of knowing for sure, but do pack rain gear for this part of Spain no matter which you decide. It rains a lot, but it is a very green part of the country. (Even in early January there were flowers on some of the trees and shurbs.) I think it will be fairly busy either week you go. There are lots of places to stay on this stretch, but if you and your mother plan on private rooms or you are planning luggage transfer, you will want to look at making reservations.

Otherwise, just walk and I think you will be fine with albergues. There are lots of albergues in this stretch managed by the Galcian Government (Xunta) and they don't take reservations. They are very purpose built and I've found them clean and in good working order. Washers/dryers very inexpensive and usually nice lounges and dining rooms for sitting and chatting away from the bunk areas. Kitchens are lovely, but have no pots or pans or tableware so you will need to eat out unless you plan on microwave meals or your own cook and serviceware.

 

[Quahaug]

Prepare for rain just in case. I walked the last week in September and the first week in October last year and it was perfect weather. A week after I finished there were torrential rains and flooding for over weeks straight. So you never know. From a historian point septis always safer than October, but you never know.

 

[pkonopka]

Hi,

My mum and I are planning to walk the last 100+km of the Camino Frances from Sarria in September this year. Due to other commitments and flight schedules we can either do 12th-19th Sept or 27th Sept-4th October. I am sure I am over-thinking it but I would be very grateful for any opinions on which dates might be best (mainly weather and accommodation wise).
We'd love to walk in sunshine but not scorching heat (I realise there is no guarantee any time of year but I would still very much value opinions on whether either of these weeks would be better than the other). Thank you so much!

I walked the Frances from mid-September to mid-October (SJPDP to SDC). A great time of year - cool mornings and evenings (typically) and warm days. It is the shoulder season so there is weather variance and like other peregrinos stated - there can be rain. I was blessed with only 2 days of rain while walking for 31 days. But immediately after I finished it was 3 days of torrential downpour in SDC (so yes pack rain gear, pack cover, etc.). My study of timing led me to believe that many of the European universities/schools are back in session by mid-September - which seemed to prove out as the Way wasn't that busy (just enough for good company but not crowded). Pick a time, go, and enjoy! Buen Camino!

 

[Debora]

My vote is for Sept 12th - 19th - why you ask? Because it’s sooner! Buen Camino!

 

[williamlittig]

Hi,

My mum and I are planning to walk the last 100+km of the Camino Frances from Sarria in September this year. Due to other commitments and flight schedules we can either do 12th-19th Sept or 27th Sept-4th October. I am sure I am over-thinking it but I would be very grateful for any opinions on which dates might be best (mainly weather and accommodation wise).
We'd love to walk in sunshine but not scorching heat (I realise there is no guarantee any time of year but I would still very much value opinions on whether either of these weeks would be better than the other). Thank you so much!

September is my favorite month but note: it rains more as the month goes on. More pilgrims at the start of the month.

 

[SlowCamino2024]

Hi,

My mum and I are planning to walk the last 100+km of the Camino Frances from Sarria in September this year. Due to other commitments and flight schedules we can either do 12th-19th Sept or 27th Sept-4th October. I am sure I am over-thinking it but I would be very grateful for any opinions on which dates might be best (mainly weather and accommodation wise).
We'd love to walk in sunshine but not scorching heat (I realise there is no guarantee any time of year but I would still very much value opinions on whether either of these weeks would be better than the other). Thank you so much!

Hey Nic, You and mom planning to stay in albergues? I hope instead BnBs or other?

 

[krystianw]

Personally, I don't think this choice of dates will make much of a difference, they're just too close together. Just pick whatever's more convenient for you. But if you want to over-analyze the weather aspect, you can use CaminoWeather.

Historical data for Sept 12 - Sept 19
Historical data for Sept 27 - Oct 4

Basically, the first date range is 1C hotter, the second one gets you 15% more rain - ON AVERAGE. But if you look closer, then last year there was a heat wave Sept 29 - Oct 2, so going earlier would have actually been colder. It's just too close to call.

 

[ManchNic]

Thank you all for your replies.

Krystianw that information is really helpful as I do love a bit of over-analysis!

SlowCamino, we are not sure what type of accommodation to use yet, I think a private room would be nice but I don't want to miss out on the true camino experience. Lots to consider yet I guess but thank you all again for your help.