Snow at Roncesvalles

[bkkboy]

In which month would I be likely to see snow walking from SJPP to Roncesvalles? Not walk in it, just see snow on the mountains. Would there be any in April or early May?

 

[Robo]

As you would be walking in the mountains, if there was show on the mountains, you be walking in it. I have walked that route twice in last week of April, and there was a bit of snow left.

 

[Tincatinker]

In which month would I be likely to see snow walking from SJPP to Roncesvalles? Not walk in it, just see snow on the mountains. Would there be any in April or early May?

In late April early May you will most likely see snow on the Picos de Europa and the Cordillera Cantabrica. Both to the north of the Camino Frances. And perhaps around O Cebreiro. If there is snow on the ground between St Jean and Roncesvalles take the Valcarlos route

 

[Becky 59]

Depends on weather patterns. One year there was a late dusting on the Pyrenees visible from Roncesvalles on May 10!

 

[natcire]

May 1, 2018 it rained, snowed and hailed all the way from Orisson to almost Roncesvalles. I should add that the next day my second Camino family encountered sunshine and warmth. Shall we say the weather at the pass is pretty unpredictable?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Well there was quite a bit of snow in April 2012

 

[Kathar1na]

In which month would I be likely to see snow walking from SJPP to Roncesvalles? Not walk in it, just see snow on the mountains. Would there be any in April or early May?

Your chances of seeing snow covered mountain tops between SJPP and Roncesvalles in April and early May are not particularly high. There is a site with a webcam nearby where you can see the weather on every day in April and May for the last three years. The webcam is at level 1000 m and you can see the top of nearby Pic d’Orhy which is 2000 m. The majority of days are snow free.

While you walk you will never be above 1500 metres and you can only see the nearest tops which are not much higher. If they are covered with snow your path is likely to be covered with snow, too.

When the view is clear there is one point between SJPP and Roncesvalles near the statue of the Virgin Mary where you can see the higher Pyrenees further away to the east and they are snow capped. Always a majestic and beautiful sight. You have a second chance for a good view later on the way to Zubiri - but you have to turn around and look back and again only when it is not raining, not foggy and there are no low clouds. Best of luck and Buen Camino.

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[Kathar1na]

View attachment 159341

I‘ve noticed in other photos, too, that the snow appears to slide off these roofs very quickly at Roncesvalles. I guess that they are built that way on purpose?

 

[Kathar1na]

The webcam is at level 1000 m and you can see the top of nearby Pic d’Orhy which is 2000 m. The majority of days are snow free.

Just for fun, the view from the Iraty chalets on the 12th of April in 2023, 2022 and 2021. The webcam is about 20 km to the east of the Camino trail from SJPP to Roncesvalles. The Pic d’Orhy is on the right but the top is actually covered by either fog or clouds on all three occasions.

 

[Jarrad]

I hiked the Napoleon route from Orisson to Roncevalles on May 9, 2014 and there was still some snow in the mountains, especially near the top. No, there was no snow on the road. A hospitalero at Roncesvalles told me that they had a wet snow toward the end of April that year that caused a lot of blistering and other foot problems for pilgrims.

In my opinion, that section has some of the most beautiful scenery on the Camino. Be sure to look back towards SJPdP on the way up. Stop for lunch after you walk over the crest so you can enjoy the view and think about what the next 30 days or so will bring.

 

[JesperK]

In which month would I be likely to see snow walking from SJPP to Roncesvalles? Not walk in it, just see snow on the mountains. Would there be any in April or early May?

As others have said - it varies. In a year I never forget, (I walked twice that year) 7.April 2016 I started in Sjpdp. The day before it was sunny and fairly warm, but the next morning it was cold, wet and the napoleon was closed. Walked in cold rain, which changed into warm & sunny and then suddenly into a ferocious snowstorm. Me and a french guy changed into everything we had, gloves, facemask, poncho and rain pants. It was a massive feat of endurance the last hour coming into Roncevalles and Burguete during a snowstorm. So you never know. The next morning I woke up in Burguete to 40cm of snow outside.