September / October 2009

Hello Jaquie, Last year we walked from Roncevalles starting on 16th Sept and arrived in Santiago on 23rd October. For me, it was perfect walking weather. Not too hot and not too cold. We had a couple of very hot days, a couple of very heavy storms - which means thick mud afterwards and on our final days, we had a lot of rain. We have also walked the Francés in May/June, starting cool and finishing hot. For walking, I prefer the Autumn, because I don't like to walk under a hot sun! That's my personal opinion. There were a few days last October when I could have done with a pair of gloves early in the morning and one night that I could have done with two extra blankets on top of my sleeping bag. However, not every year is a copy on the year before, so it's very hard to generalize.Anne

I walked from SJPP starting September 3rd and ended up in Santiago around October 3rd of last year. The weather was delightful. Often warm during the day but only a few days of really hot weather. Sunny, clear days but at least seven days of pouring rain--toward the end of September. As the month progressed, the mornings got cooler and cooler--often needed a fleece--"could see my breath" cold. But the days were nice. Weather on the meseta was overcast, coolish and very windy. I cannot imagine doing that walk during the heat and intense sun of summer. Buen Camino!

I walked from SJPdP to Santiago, 2 days behind Portia1 (05Sep-05Oct) and couldn't agree more about the weather being delightful. The first few days were quite hot (35+C) but then as time wore on, the weather balanced out and it was mid 20s. I loved the weather. There were a few rainy days in the mix and towards the end, a more constant rain (to torrential rain the second last day). I was on the meseta on during one of the heavier rains and the track was beyond muddy. It was like 1 step forward and slipping 2 steps back and then of course, the weight of my boots with all that mud! And I wouldn't change any of it for anything!
I am hoping to go back this year but I only have 10 days this time but it will be in September again.
Buen Camino and enjoy it when ever you end up going.
Bill