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May/June the days are getting longer (June 21 is the longest day of the year), the flowers are out, the fields are green. Sept/Oct the days are getting shorter the fields are done but the grapes are on the vines.
Pick the time of year that you prefer. The weather is similar in May and September, and then the weather is either getting warmer or colder the second month, depending on which time you choose.
I've walked both and I loved the long days of spring. If you go in May, try to avoid May 1st as it is a big holiday in Spain and the camino is very busy for that week.
It is good that you identified the 'hip' seasons as the best times to go on Camino. From June through the end of September, the Camino is more crowded, as the universities are out across Europe and mostly around the world. It is also when working folks have their holidays / vacations.
FYI, The arrivals of pilgrims at the Pilgrim Office follows a classic 'bell curve" distribution. The absolute peak is from the third week of July through mid-August. This encompasses the major religious feasts (and national holidays) of Santiago (25 July) and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15 August).
So, in both hip seasons, there are fewer pilgrims to compete for finite bed space. However, and as others have stated, there is more rain on the front-end (April - June). The June - September period is famously hot and drier. The weather is drier, but relatively more pleasant in September and October. But, DO remember that the rain in Spain falls mainly...on Galicia! Always be prepared.
I walk my Caminos in the April - May timeframe. This is because it is cooler (sometimes single digits in the morning), and there are lots of colorful flowers and new animals to be seen. Yes, it rains more, but that is a necessary thing to promote new growth. Conversely, in September, the crops are mostly harvested and the terrain is "browner." My choice is for cooler temperatures and more color.
Easter marks the 'official' start of the annual pilgrimage season. From Easter (Semana Santa / Holy Week) daily pilgrim arrivals at the Pilgrim Office begin an upward trajectory. What were dozens of people arriving daily in March, becomes several hundred daily by mid-April. By the end of June, the arrivals are up to 1,500 - 2,000 daily. This rate continues until mid-August. Then it starts to taper off again.
By the beginning of November, the season is essentially over. However, there are hardy folks who prefer the solitude of the Caminos during the colder, winter months.
So, for ease of finding a place to stay, walk in April - early June, or mid-September - early November. IMHO, the best weather for walking is at these same times.
Hope this helps.
Last May, it rained on 13 days. Last September it rained on two days. (Leon as a midpoint)The weather is similar in May and September
May/June the days are getting longer (June 21 is the longest day of the year), the flowers are out, the fields are green. Sept/Oct the days are getting shorter the fields are done but the grapes are on the vines.
Pick the time of year that you prefer. The weather is similar in May and September, and then the weather is either getting warmer or colder the second month, depending on which time you choose.
I've walked both and I loved the long days of spring. If you go in May, try to avoid May 1st as it is a big holiday in Spain and the camino is very busy for that week.
I brought CAPE Pack-It jacket and rain pants, plus a cheap clear plastic poncho. I love the CAPE rain gear. I would likely pack a slightly better poncho with a hood that can stay up in a stiff breeze. My AARN backpack has lined main sections.I am waking in early May of this year, May 8th or 9th, CF route.
What is my main goal for rain gear?
Thank you for any input.
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