Should I Leave Aug 20 or Sept 15?

[trundle]

My plan was to leave Aug 20 but now I can get a ticket on a seat sale for $500 less ($1,300 vs $800) if I leave on Sept 15.

Assuming a 5 week trip, will the weather be much less enjoyable by the time I reach the end of my trip if I choose the later date? Checking weather data, it looks like I am entering more of a rainy season. Also, would I have to pack warmer clothes ? This is supposed to be all about the experiece and weather would be a huge factor for me.

I have until Tuesday, April 15 to buy the cheaper ticket.

 

[William Marques]

The weather should be more pleasant if you leave a month later. The refugios should be less crowded in September too.

You do have a slightly greater risk of wetter weather but this is cancelled by the avoidance of crowds and the heat of mid-summer. Galicia may be wet but then Galicia can be wet at any time of year. I do not think you need to take any different clothes than you would a month earlier.

If I were you I would save the money.

Buen Camino
William

 

[viajero]

Hi,
I just finished the Camino Frances starting in Roncesvalles (March 8- April 3). I would definitely recommend the later date. Of course you cannot guarantee good weather but I would gladly take some rain, snow (which you won't have) and clouds over the hot sun and the crowds. It was so fun when there were just 5 or 6 of us at an albergue. All of us who walked in March said nearly everyday that we could not imagine doing this in the summer when it was crowded and hot.

 

[kubapigora]

We are leaving SJPdP on 20th of august, but if we would still have a choice- we would go a month later (mainly because of the crowds). Weather should not be a problem for anyone- God loves us doing some crazy things for Him; I would go anytime if He'd tell me to.
Buen Camino!