Primitivo in Mid April

[scubajunky]

HI All,
I'm thinking of walking the Portugues to SDC then onto Muxia and then heading to do the Primitivo.
Would the Primitivo be doable in Early April and would it be a relatively social experience ?

 

[Bradypus]

I walked the Primitivo last year from 4th to 14th April. No problems with weather or snow on the higher hills. Did get quite cold going over the Hospitales route. Snow is still a real possibility though at that time of year. The albergues were quite busy for the first few days. That may have been because I began walking on the Easter weekend.

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

I will be on the primitivo April 18-25, 2016

 

[scubajunky]

So is the general consensus that it's quite risky to do the primitivo in April ? I seem to be getting that impression.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Best to check the weather when you are ready to leave Santiago/Muxia. Three years ago it was lovely in April and then turned colder in May so it is impossible to forecast the weather from 'home' and so far ahead.

 

[peregrina2000]

So is the general consensus that it's quite risky to do the primitivo in April ? I seem to be getting that impression.

I don't think it's that risky. Tia always seems to have a better idea about elevations and snow, but my impression is that the route rarely goes high enough to have a lot of snow left in April, except for the Puerto de Palo and the Hospitales route. And that route can be avoided by going through Pola de Allande. But I've only walked it in summer or fall, so I can't give you any first hand experiences. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Tia Valeria]

I don't think it's that risky. Tia always seems to have a better idea about elevations and snow, but my impression is that the route rarely goes high enough to have a lot of snow left in April, except for the Puerto de Palo and the Hospitales route. And that route can be avoided by going through Pola de Allande. But I've only walked it in summer or fall, so I can't give you any first hand experiences. Buen camino, Laurie

For the Primitivo I check the snow line given on the Aemet site for municipalities in Asturias for Grado, Grandas de Salime etc. The level given for snow is down to 'x' metres above sea level. The forecast is for 7 days ahead, so very useful for pilgrims, and gives rain/snow; temperature; wind etc too.
It covers all areas if you check the links and want to see weather for other parts of the Camino or Spain generally.