Novice-Mid April Leon to Fisterra

Hi! Search the forum and you'll find lots of suggested packing lists. April weather is unpredictable. You'll be walking into the Atlantic weather, so be prepared for some rain. However you may be lucky and get some beautiful spring warmth! Mid April is a popular time for people starting in SJPP, but you'll probably be just ahead of the spring rush as you're starting in Leon. Good luck with your research and Buen Camino!

Hi Suresh,

So exciting that you are walking with your nephew! The time you are going is likely to be wet and still pretty cold in parts - but green and beautiful! Last year there was a good amount of rain in mid-to late April in the area, with temperatures from freezing to 20C.

First, what clothes to bring. It is essentially the same year round, with just some modifications based on how cold or hot it might be.

Here is a simple system which includes three layers of clothing:

1) a base layer (shirt and pants) which is your wicking layer (wicks away any sweat); for April to May you may want to go with Merino wool shirts which will keep you warm or cool as needed and will dry quickly on laundry day; you will need two sets of clothing, one to hike in and one to wear in the evenings.

2) a layer for warmth, which is your fleece, puff jacket, or soft shell jacket; April to May can still be cold, so you don't want to skimp on warmth!

3) a layer for waterproof; you can choose a poncho or a rain jacket/rain pants combo; if you go with the jacket and pants, you will need a rain cover for your backpack

Second, for that time of year I would seriously consider waterproof boots. Wet feet can easily lead to blisters, which are no fun at all!

Third, for sleeping, if you are staying in the albergues (hostels), you will need a sleeping bag or sleep sack. Most of the albergues have blankets, so you could get by with the sleep sack. But if you 'sleep cold', you may want to bring a sleeping bag.

For the rest of your gear, here is my take on What to Bring.

Buen Camino!

~ Nancy

Hi Suresh
My husband and I are returning to complete our Camino in April.
We will pick up the Way in Leon on 15th April so may meet up with you at some point.
Last year Walking from Pamplona I found the mornings very cold, even on sunny days it took until midday for the heat of the sun to have any benefit.
It was a beautiful time to walk with all the spring flowers, you will both have a wonderful experience.
Buen Camino

Suresh said:

Hello fellow pilgrims, me (40years) and my nephew (15years) are scheduled to walk from Leon to Santiago and end at Fisterra.
We plan to be at Leon Mid April and walk the next 20 days till Fisterra.
Need advice on what to expect regarding the weather and what are the bare necessities to carry during that time of the year.
We are from India and are a bit worried on getting the weather wrong and packing things that might not really be useful.
Appreciate everyones advice and thank you in advance!
buen camino

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Suresh:

You will have plenty of time with 20 days to walk Leon to Finisterre. As far as clothing, it varies person to person. Spring weather can be quite variable. There are many good packing lists in threads on this website. I recommend you review them and adjust based on your comfort level. You can always leave stuff behind or purchase in Spain. I would not walk at this time of year without rain gear or a sleeping bag.

I leave from Madrid on March 31st and may run into your Nephew and you.

Ultreya,
Joe