Should we go in November or wait for another time?

[cmajestro]

My husband and I have the opportunity to take a two week vacation starting in mid-Nov this year, which I understand may not be when first-timers should try a Camino trip. We are in excellent health and exercise regularly, but we haven't backpacked in about ten years. Would you recommend we go for it or wait for an opportunity when the weather is better? We want to enjoy the trip!

Cindy in WV

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Albergues begin closing at the end of October, so the issue is more stopping points than weather. I have been walking well into November and found the weather quite nice, if sometimes chilly. Hotels and hostales are open, so if you are planning on using them, plan ahead. The crowds will be small.

 

[viajero]

I walked in March which might be comparable to November weatherwise. I'd do it. In fact, I'd prefer November to a more crowded month.

 

[robertt]

I only go in cooler, less crowded times, so I'm biased.

Also, you'll be finishing in Galicia, which is maritime and low elevation. I'd say...all good!

Just stay dry.

Let's us know how it goes.

Rob

 

[mspath]

My husband and I have the opportunity to take a two week vacation starting in mid-Nov this year, which I understand may not be when first-timers should try a Camino trip. We are in excellent health and exercise regularly, but we haven't backpacked in about ten years. Would you recommend we go for it or wait for an opportunity when the weather is better? We want to enjoy the trip!

Cindy in WV

Albergues begin closing at the end of October, so the issue is more stopping points than weather. I have been walking well into November and found the weather quite nice, if sometimes chilly. Hotels and hostales are open, so if you are planning on using them, plan ahead. The crowds will be small.

As Falcon says many albergues close in October but the hospitaleros usually know which is open next along the way. Heat and or blankets generally can be found.

I usually walk in autumn and winter. The weather then can be beautiful but also very varied. Evenings will be chilly or cold. Hence you need to adapt you kit accordingly. In the mountains there may be snow or freezing rain. Be prepared!

Without the great crowds of summer your reception in many places often will be more personal.
Whatever the season following this ages old route is a special experience.

Buen Camino!

Margaret

 

[RENSHAW]

It will be nice and Quiet on the Camino. You must be prepared for cold weather although it does warm up during the day - ideal walking weather. In the last 10 years there has been a boom in private Albergues and hostals of which many are open all year round and are geared up for chilly nights. You may end up paying a little more but with you two sharing , that should help bring down the cost.
Starting at Roncesvalles or Pamplona , heading towards Burgos may be good start - you can allways return another year to walk from Burgos to Santiago - personaly , I find the first half of the Camino Frances more scenic than the second. :arrow:

 

[mmm042]

I'm not sure which Camino route you intend to walk, but I'd say go for it! I walked in mid-November from Sevilla to Merida (Via de la Plata), and it was generally lovely. Yes, we had some rain, but it always stopped by noon and then we finished the day with lots of sun. Crowds were small, and the innkeepers loved to see us and chat, as someone else mentioned. And there were no issues with heat or water, as you'd start off in weather that was a bit chilly, then warm up but never get that hot.

Melanie

 

[Sedona2012]

My husband and I have the opportunity to take a two week vacation starting in mid-Nov this year, which I understand may not be when first-timers should try a Camino trip. We are in excellent health and exercise regularly, but we haven't backpacked in about ten years. Would you recommend we go for it or wait for an opportunity when the weather is better? We want to enjoy the trip!

Cindy in WV

Albergues begin closing at the end of October, so the issue is more stopping points than weather. I have been walking well into November and found the weather quite nice, if sometimes chilly. Hotels and hostales are open, so if you are planning on using them, plan ahead. The crowds will be small.

As Falcon says many albergues close in October but the hospitaleros usually know which is open next along the way. Heat and or blankets generally can be found.

I usually walk in autumn and winter. The weather then can be beautiful but also very varied. Evenings will be chilly or cold. Hence you need to adapt you kit accordingly. In the mountains there may be snow or freezing rain. Be prepared!

Without the great crowds of summer your reception in many places often will be more personal.
Whatever the season following this ages old route is a special experience.

Buen Camino!

Margaret

I will be walking the Camino at least until October 23rd perhaps a week longer and planned on staying in Albergues. Will most Albergues be open until end of October?

 

[annakappa]

In 2009 we arrived in Santiago on 23rd October. We only found 2 albergues closed, both in Galicia. One was the municipal in Melide, which had closed early due to restorations, preparing for the 2010 Holy Year. It was a beautiful time to walk, the crowds had gone, but there were still plenty of pilgrims around. Anne

 

[Sedona2012]

In 2009 we arrived in Santiago on 23rd October. We only found 2 albergues closed, both in Galicia.


Thank you, I know I keep repeating myself but the more I read and get the reassurances from you and others the more I feel prepared and capible to walk the Camino.