Pyrenees in May

[Scully]

I have completed two Caminos both starting in Pamplona. This May I will have more time and able to start in SJPP on May 6th. I am wondering how much cold weather clothing to bring. I always bring a fleece and a raincoat. Could I double up on those or am I underestimating the weather in the Pyrenees in May? Might I need a coat also? I did decide to bring a light sleeping bag instead of my normal liner. I just wanted to ask those of you who have hiked it in May what experiences you have had with the weather during May. What did you bring and how did it work out for you? Thanks SO much for advice and wisdom!

 

[Rick M]

I have done this a few times in mid April. To be honest, the coldest weather I have encountered was always on the Meseta, not in the Pyrenees. That said, not to worry. The first few days were cool, but I was fine wearing my layers. In my case, a base layer, a polyester "sweater" really just a heavy-ish long sleeve shirt, a fleece hoodie, and my rain jacket. With those elements, I'm comfortable to below freezing, and it won't be that cold when you go. Don't take a "Coat". Keep your pack light, and think about wearing everything in your pack in layers to handle the coldest day you will encounter.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I agree with Rick. The Meseta seems more cold to me than the Pyrenees, especially in May.
If you wear a fleece and a raincoat, I suspect you'll be peeling those off after a few minutes walking.
As far as the sleeping bag, I always bring a down blanket since my "freezing" experience in June in Santo Domingo.

 

[Scully]

I have done this a few times in mid April. To be honest, the coldest weather I have encountered was always on the Meseta, not in the Pyrenees. That said, not to worry. The first few days were cool, but I was fine wearing my layers. In my case, a base layer, a polyester "sweater" really just a heavy-ish long sleeve shirt, a fleece hoodie, and my rain jacket. With those elements, I'm comfortable to below freezing, and it won't be that cold when you go. Don't take a "Coat". Keep your pack light, and think about wearing everything in your pack in layers to handle the coldest day you will encounter.

Thank you for the words of wisdom! I was hoping my layered approach would work. I am pretty minimalistic on the Camino so not having to worry about bringing a coat makes me happy!

I agree with Rick. The Meseta seems more cold to me than the Pyrenees, especially in May.
If you wear a fleece and a raincoat, I suspect you'll be peeling those off after a few minutes walking.
As far as the sleeping bag, I always bring a down blanket since my "freezing" experience in June in Santo Domingo.

perfect! Ty! This is the first time I am bringing a bag heavier than a liner. I have had many a chilly night on past Caminos where I pile on all my layers lol. Can’t wait to have a little more comfort this time around.

 

[Geodoc]

We crossed the Pyrenees in early May. Definitely layer (I had merino wool baselayer, a fleece shirt, and a raincoat - possibly another long-sleeve shirt, along with a wool skull cap, ball cap, glove liners, and fingerless gloves). The weather can be nice or crappy. For example, when we crossed from Valcarlos to Roncessvalles, we wound up wearing t-shirts and shorts. The next day, it snowed. Be prepared for spring weather.

 

[Scott Fraser]

I walked the Napoleon Route in sleet and light snow on May 1, 2018. Temperature was around 0 deg C all day and the wind was strong at times. Layers of things you would normally carry (eg, long sleeve tee and a fleece and a waterproof jacket / rain pants were adequate. Light weight wool gloves and waterproof mittens kept hands warm. Wool watch cap helped a lot. Trail was sloppy in places such that boots were better than low cut shoes. Next day and all others that followed were mostly pleasant. By the time you get to the Meseta the weather should be warmer.

Buen camino

 

[Pauline21Again]

I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You can bring some old sweatshirt or something that you are about to throw away at home and discard it in Pamplona instead.

 

[Ivan Shannon]

Scully, I am starting on 26th April, taking a light sleeping bag and looking to layers as protection from the cold.

 

[Scully]

We crossed the Pyrenees in early May. Definitely layer (I had merino wool baselayer, a fleece shirt, and a raincoat - possibly another long-sleeve shirt, along with a wool skull cap, ball cap, glove liners, and fingerless gloves). The weather can be nice or crappy. For example, when we crossed from Valcarlos to Roncessvalles, we wound up wearing t-shirts and shorts. The next day, it snowed. Be prepared for spring weather.

Wow, so all seasons within a few days I decided to bring exactly what you suggested plus I will add a buff too. Thank you for chiming in!

 

[Scully]

I walked the Napoleon Route in sleet and light snow on May 1, 2018. Temperature was around 0 deg C all day and the wind was strong at times. Layers of things you would normally carry (eg, long sleeve tee and a fleece and a waterproof jacket / rain pants were adequate. Light weight wool gloves and waterproof mittens kept hands warm. Wool watch cap helped a lot. Trail was sloppy in places such that boots were better than low cut shoes. Next day and all others that followed were mostly pleasant. By the time you get to the Meseta the weather should be warmer.

Buen camino

Thank you for the reminder! I need to buy waterproof mittens. My boots did not survive my second Camino so I tried switching to Hokas. I love the shoes but I am thinking about checking out their boots. Seems like they would help me more on uneven terrain and in mud

 

[CA_Pilgrim]

(I had merino wool baselayer, a fleece shirt, and a raincoat - possibly another long-sleeve shirt, along with a wool skull cap, ball cap, glove liners, and fingerless gloves

Except for the fingerless gloves, this is exactly what I plan to bring! Lots of layering possibilities to adjust to the weather.

I'll be a few days behind you, I depart SJPP May 10. Very interested in what others have to say on this topic. Like you, I'm bringing a light sleeping bag/liner rated down to 50 degrees F. My plan is to wear a Merino wool or silk long-sleeve base layer and bottom to bed for added warmth. Haven't decided yet between Merino or silk. I just ordered the Merino base layers. If it gets really cold, they can also be used on the trail. I did this a couple of times when I hiked the El Camino Real (California Mission Trail) in the winter.

 

[Scully]

Scully, I am starting on 26th April, taking a light sleeping bag and looking to layers as protection from the cold.

Nice! I’m excited to try out my lightweight sleeping bag. It will be a nice switch from my liner.

 

[lt56ny]

Thank you for the reminder! I need to buy waterproof mittens. My boots did not survive my second Camino so I tried switching to Hokas. I love the shoes but I am thinking about checking out their boots. Seems like they would help me more on uneven terrain and in mud

I have never walked in May so I can't say but I have had lots of experiences in different weather conditions. I personally would rather feel cold than hot. If you are cold in an albergue there is always something to wear. One night on the Norte in November, I only had a sleep sack and you could see your breath (ever so slightly in the albergue) I bundled up and slept fine I was on the Meseta in 3 years apart and the exact same time in October. In 2012 it was 90+ almost every day (other days 85+) without a cloud in the sky. In 2015 it never got above about 45 (This is all Fahrenheit readings not Celcius of course). It was below 40 in the mornings, rain usually hard all day and a high wind in my face to make sure i got the full force of the rain. Last December in early afternoon I walked from Finestere to the lighthouse in a t-shirt with my jacket tied to my waist. My point is, drumroll please,, who knows what will happen! And I guess my philosophy is I can always keep adding but I can only subtract so much.

 

[Scott Fraser]

I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.

Pauline, Don't bring anything other than a wool cap and perhaps some waterproof mittens for for cold weather. Most of the days will be temperate to warm weather. Some will be hot. Rain, wind and cold can happen but you can manage cold weather with layers. Also remember you will be walking and that alone generates a lot of body heat.

On rainy days - hot or cold-- you definitely need light weight rain- and wind-proof outerwear. IMO jackets are better than ponchos in wet and windy conditions you may encounter in late spring. After that it's all about layers.

I carry short and long sleeve shirts -- one light-weight fleece pull over, one long sleeve shirt with a collar (my "dress" shirt for restaurant dinners in cities) and one long sleeve merino wool tee shirt (Icebreaker 200 weight is good). Everything else is short short sleeve and light weight so it can be worn on hot days either with sleeves rolled up or down to keep the sun off.

Odds are the worst weather you will experience in May will be a few cold windy rainy days. On those days you can stay warm by wearing everything in your pack. Start a short sleeve tee shirt (or two) against the skin, then a long sleeve merino tee, then the long sleeve shirt, then your light fleece, then your rain shell. To keep your legs warm wear the convertible long pants under your rain pants. With gloves (wool glove liners are great) and a wool cap you're good to go on the coldest of days. If your hands get cold easily, bring a pair of light weight waterproof mittens to go over your gloves. (They weigh nothing - I've used them three or four times over 100+ days of Camino walking). And, lastly a buff will keep your neck and face warm if the weather is really nasty.

Bottom line is all of the items above are on the standard packing lists. You prepare for adverse weather by creative use of these limited resources. It's all part of the adventure!

 

[Pauline21Again]

Pauline, Don't bring anything other than a wool cap and perhaps some waterproof mittens for for cold weather. Most of the days will be temperate to warm weather. Some will be hot. Rain, wind and cold can happen but you can manage cold weather with layers. Also remember you will be walking and that alone generates a lot of body heat.

On rainy days - hot or cold-- you definitely need light weight rain- and wind-proof outerwear. IMO jackets are better than ponchos in wet and windy conditions you may encounter in late spring. After that it's all about layers.

I carry short and long sleeve shirts -- one light-weight fleece pull over, one long sleeve shirt with a collar (my "dress" shirt for restaurant dinners in cities) and one long sleeve merino wool tee shirt (Icebreaker 200 weight is good). Everything else is short short sleeve and light weight so it can be worn on hot days either with sleeves rolled up or down to keep the sun off.

Odds are the worst weather you will experience in May will be a few cold windy rainy days. On those days you can stay warm by wearing everything in your pack. Start a short sleeve tee shirt (or two) against the skin, then a long sleeve merino tee, then the long sleeve shirt, then your light fleece, then your rain shell. To keep your legs warm wear the convertible long pants under your rain pants. With gloves (wool glove liners are great) and a wool cap you're good to go on the coldest of days. If your hands get cold easily, bring a pair of light weight waterproof mittens to go over your gloves. (They weigh nothing - I've used them three or four times over 100+ days of Camino walking). And, lastly a buff will keep your neck and face warm if the weather is really nasty.

Bottom line is all of the items above are on the standard packing lists. You prepare for adverse weather by creative use of these limited resources. It's all part of the adventure!

Thanks, very comprehensive answer. Have my waterproofs sorted, so I'll rethink some of the longer sleeved stuff as I need to shed some weight in the pack.

 

[Former member 92300]

I crossed the Pyrenees on Jun 9/10 2021, and it was definitely cold enough at different points to require multiple layers of clothing. Depended on whether I was climbing or descending - and how much wind I was experiencing at the different elevations. Then it got really warm after that until Pamplona - where I foolishly mailed home some of my warm layers. After Pamplona it got cold and rainy... and remained cold all the way until my last day heading into Finisterre (sometime in mid-July). The mornings and evenings I was quite chilled and didn't have enough layers. I had a short sleeve shirt, with a long sleeve shirt, with a merino wool half-zip, a lightweight fleece (that I purchased after being so cold after sending my down puffy home), and my rain jacket and was often still cold. This year I am brining my down puffy instead of a fleece. And if I am still cold this year - I will buy another fleece (last year I could have used the fleece AND a puffy)

As for the hat - if you have a buff - you can use that as a hat. I didn't have cold weather gloves - I used sun protection gloves since I was more concerned about sunburns rather than cold hands when I packed. They worked fine enough to help keep my hands warm - and if they hadn't - I could have used my extra socks for additional hand warmth.

Anyhow - you might get a lot of nice warm weather - but I didn't last summer - and being cold is miserable for me.

 

[Priscilla NC]

I walked over the Pyrenees twice in mid-April. It was quite chlilly both times. Since most of the walk is uphill, I was plenty warm much of the time. I did stay at Orisson both times, and found it chilly there too, but was able to warm up with soup etc. I don't remember being cold at night even though a leisurely hot shower is not in the cards there (when I was there both times, shower was timed).

The second time I walked, it was snowy on the second day, quite windy and cold. Most of us were feeling frigid. But once we got to Roncesvalles, it was warmer.

Since this is only 2 days of your walk and you already have layers, I would just add wooly head covering and gloves.

Buen Camino!!

 

[dougfitz]

Since this is only 2 days of your walk and you already have layers, I would just add wooly head covering and gloves.

Could I double up on those or am I underestimating the weather in the Pyrenees in May?

@Scully, I am with @Priscilla NC on this, as well as others. When I crossed from SJPP in late March, 2010, I had to remove the thermal layers I thought I needed. I was sweating profusely I was that warm, much more than I would usually when walking. Finding a place to do that was interesting!

Since then, I have never doubled up with heavier weight or additional layering items. I find that if I can create four layers - base, middle, warm and wet/wind resistant - that is normally enough. My 'evening dress' clothes are the same as my base and mid-layer walking clothes, so it would be possible to add another base or mid-layer if it got very cold. This has only happened to me once in all my pilgrimages, and not in the Pyrenees.

 

[Mark H]

I’m starting 16th May from SJJP
Icebreaker 200 base layer, Rab mid layer, Rab lightweight down jacket, Rab Gortex shell jacket
Also will pack 2 Bamboo T shirts, Buff, Hat, Sealskin Gloves, lightweight travel shirt & ex military Gortex lightweight over trousers
Sea to Summit Thermal liner

 

[FourSeasons]

@Scully On April 16, 2016, my second time going over these Pyrenees. It was chilly and oh so windy I thought I was going to take flight. There was snow at the top. Here’s a look at how I used my buff hold on to your hats. Also, a video at the top. Be ready for the unexpected.

View attachment IMG_1873.MOV

I used a lightweight down vest under my wind/rain jacket on those chilly mornings. Oh and that lightweight sleeping bag is like a cocoon on those chilly Spring nights.
Buen Camino

 

[SuziK]

I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.

I'm also starting out May 1! I've done my packing list zillion times trying to decide on layers, etc.

 

[WalkingJane]

I am interested in this subject as well as I am leaving 1 May. How much warmer does it get from there to mid June as you progress along the St Frances, as I can't decide what ratio of cloths to bring for sun/rain/wind etc.

I was reminded that May 1 is a holiday in Europe by arriving in Bayonne that day and having an "interesting" time getting to SJPDP. You can probably get more solid information about just what will be closed/have a different schedule by checking online.

 

[Pauline21Again]

I was reminded that May 1 is a holiday in Europe by arriving in Bayonne that day and having an "interesting" time getting to SJPDP. You can probably get more solid information about just what will be closed/have a different schedule by checking online.

Thank you. I am actually arriving late on 29th April and will buy any provisions and go to the office on 30th. Only thing to do on 1st is walk to Auberge Borda and Laurant is expecting us. Still probably useful for others arriving on 1st.

 

[Pauline21Again]

Thank you. I am actually arriving late on 29th April and will buy any provisions and go to the office on 30th. Only thing to do on 1st is walk to Auberge Borda and Laurant is expecting us. Still probably useful for others arriving on 1st.

Oh just to add that the 1st is a Sunday, and so the public holiday would be more likely to be on Monday 2nd.

 

[Scully]

@Scully On April 16, 2016, my second time going over these Pyrenees. It was chilly and oh so windy I thought I was going to take flight. There was snow at the top. Here’s a look at how I used my buff hold on to your hats. Also, a video at the top. Be ready for the unexpected.
View attachment 121075
View attachment 121076

I used a lightweight down vest under my wind/rain jacket on those chilly mornings. Oh and that lightweight sleeping bag is like a cocoon on those chilly Spring nights.
Buen Camino

Wow! That wind is wild!!!

 

[J Willhaus]

You can bring some old sweatshirt or something that you are about to throw away at home and discard it in Pamplona instead.

Don't throw it away! Put it in the donation box at an albergue. I guarantee someone else will snap it up!

 

[Scully]

Don't throw it away! Put it in the donation box at an albergue. I guarantee someone else will snap it up!

Always! I love the donation boxes along the way. I have given and taken many useful items during my other Caminos…one time one of my Camino family found a chocolate bar!!