Weather in April?

[Dusty]

We are contemplating starting the Camino Frances in mid April of next year. Should we expect problems crossing the Pyrenees?

 

[Tincatinker]

What weather are you expecting back home around that time?

If you are contemplating taking the Route Napoleon in April 2020 it would be more than sensible to check in with the Pilgrims Office in StJdP in April 2020, particularly the night before you start. It might be fine & sunny, it might be lethal snow, rain or fog. If the route is closed then Valcarlos is a great alternative.

 

[Vacajoe]

Walked it this year in mid-April: had sun, rain, fog, and wind...ALL ON THE SAME DAY!!!!

No one can tell you the weather a year in advance, but if it’s bad there are options (Valcarlos route, taxi, wait it out...).

Basically, plan to walk it but be open to changing your plans at the last minute.

 

[JCLima]

A week ago it was 13°C and raining where I live; 4 days ago it was 34°C.

Weather changes A LOT and we need to be prepared for anything.

 

[Robo]

We are contemplating starting the Camino Frances in mid April of next year. Should we expect problems crossing the Pyrenees?

Yes. And maybe you won't have any

No one can predict what the weather in the mountains will be like, that far ahead.
A couple of days ahead........maybe.
You could have blue skies and sunshine, or driving snow and a white out........

Just be prepared to take the alternative route 'on the day'.

 

[Susan Peacock]

I have walked two spring Camino's starting on April 14 and both times this was the first day the Napoleon route was open, only to be re-closed a day(s) later. So it can be iffy. However, after a number of Camino's I can tell you that I love this time of year. Spring is beautiful and while you can expect some cold, I find it easier to walk in cold than hot. Just don't go with expectations and let the journey unfold as it does. If you can't cross the Pyrenees then it will give you something to look forward to on your next Camino.....its addicting. Someone told me that weather is the "art of the Camino." Expect different types of art.

 

[dougfitz]

Should we expect problems crossing the Pyrenees?

Yes, for all the reasons suggested already. But in expecting problems, you might want to be thinking about your options. You don't have to overthink this - there aren't that many!! But if you already have some strategies in mind and done a little thinking about how to make them work, you are much less likely to get flummoxed should problems arise.

Within the range of doing too little and too much planning, some sensible contingency plItanning seems useful to me. It's a bit like having your nation's embassy or consular office phone numbers already stored on your phone. You hope never to have to ring them, but should you need to, you don't want to be without them.

 

[carryoncouple]

We started in April and the mountain route was closed due to snow, so we began our trek in Pamplona. The plus is the scenery that time of year, and we lucked out and had very little rain all the way to Santiago. Cool mornings, warm (but not hot) afternoons, most days. But, each year can be so different. I hope it works well for you!