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What to expect on the Meseta in May?

Mendo girl

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Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2022 and 2023
Hi good folks of the Way,

I will begin my walk from Burgos in late April (last year I walked at the end of May). What is the weather like on the Meseta during late April and early May? I am just trying to gauge how leaving earlier will affect my clothing and rain gear choices.

Buen Camino everyone!
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
You should take several layers of light clothing. What would you wear on a hot day, perhaps including long sleeves for sun protection? Then what layer would you add if it is only 10C in the morning and you know it will warm up to 30 later? What if it starts to rain? Finally, have an outfit for hot nights plus whatever would be needed for a cold one.
 
I left Burgos on April 9 this year and arrived in Astorga April 24. Early on there were some chilly mornings with frost but by 10 am it was sunny t-shirt weather. Later on a cold front brought snow to the nearby hills, some rain and wind. And mud. Some albergues had heat on at night, some did not but it would have been welcome. Overall, though, a delightful time to walk the Meseta. Buen Camino
 
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What to expect? Sun and rain. Pack lightly for all eventualities. I prefer a poncho to a rain jacket/ pants myself. Make the effort to start walking early each day as the sunrises can be spectacular.
The meseta is a unique experience. Long distances where you walk horizon to horizon.
I have a British friend that walks the meseta almost every year as he finds it a very contemplative time for him. He has probably walked this section alone 10 or more times.
 
Thanks for your advice!!
 
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Thank you! Sounds lovely!
 
Thank you!! Excited to get going!
 
The magical Meseta.
 
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I had snow in 2018 in April which was a change as I had only seen the Meseta in 30 plus. Just have layers and a poncho.
 
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I walked the Meseta the first week of May 2019 and this year. Most early mornings were 40-42 degrees F. Small amounts of drizzle rarely. By noon, weather was temperate, 60-70F. Still had a couple of small showers. I was beyond Leon in the second week of May when the weather broke, and early morning temps rose about 10F. I have met other pilgrims who were rained on nearly every day in May. Weather can vary greatly year to year. I take the exact same gear April to October. Base weight about 10 lbs. Extra large Frogtoggs raincoat fits over me and pack, and weighs about 6 ounces. Rain skirt weighs 2 ounces. Cheap down jacket weights about 9 ounces. Ball cap. One pair trail runners on my feet. That is all of my outer wear. I walk briskly and generate plenty of heat. If you get cold easily, get a higher quality down coat, wool hat, gloves, maybe light rain pants.
 
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback. We do need to be ready for varied conditions. This year I started in late May and never saw a drop of rain, until we went up to Bilbao, that is!
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
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Yes, expect the unexpected in May. On May 13, 2018, when we left Burgos it was cloudy and very chilly. It even threatened to rain with a few big rain drops but it didn't rain. A couple hours later, it was sunny and got very hot all the way to Astorga. It got cooler and rained a few days going to Santiago. Then it was overcast and cold rain all the way to Finisterre.
 
Thanks for your feedback. I will expect the unexpected for sure. Not hard to do these days, since we all live with so many dramatic weather shifts.
 
Awesome that you are doing the Meseta, Mendo girl! IMHO, too many people turn up their noses at this stretch of the Camino thinking it too boring. I bridged April/May when I did it in 2017. Alone with my thoughts, the Meseta coaxes deep introspection no matter the weather which can run from capricious to sublime. I'm looking forward to having this experience again. I miss the Meseta.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
My own experience during May 2013 was that of cold, damp weather. And consequently that of ankle-deep mud...

But it was considered the most inclement Spring in years, so it was an exception, I expect.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your message.
 
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I walked the Mesetarhisyear 11 to 22 of may from Burgos to Leon
Perfect Weather , slightly chilla mornings and 22/25 dégrées during thé day !
Wild Flowers and wheat Green fields agitated by thé Wind!! A delight Especially a round Castrojeriz, Boadilla del Camino, Alto de Mostaeles!… oh and storks n’estima in every Bell toser of thé villages !!
Enjoy !
 
Thanks for your feedback!
 
I agree with C clearly, layers to add and to remove. we encountered a heat wave so bad this year in May that had us walking early so we could get kms in by by 1pm. Athough we are from San Francisco so we do not live in heat that much.
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
wanderingvirg said:
I agree with C clearly, layers to add and to remove. we encountered a heat wave so bad this year in May that had us walking early so we could get kms in by by 1pm. Athough we are from San Francisco so we do not live in heat that much.
Click to expand...
Oh, I thought that heat wave started in June (when I left last year). Hey, you are in SF, I am up north in Mendocino. Let me know if there is a group of camino folks in the Bay area, would be fun to meet up.
 
My Mezeta start in ´14 from Burgos was 2 dgr C in the morning, 24 at noon and littel or no rain before O´Cebreiro.
Wearing shorts, got sunburned backs of the calves!! as you go due west...
And yes, had sleeping bag, sometimes chill in dorms...
Enjoy...
 
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Don't expect anything, you will be perpetually disappointed. Limit the over-thinking.

Pack the basics, have an idea of an approximate schedule.

The Camino usually provides, a path of discovery, except for @OzAnnie this year, and a few others.
 
Personally I've never found the section of the Camino Frances known as the meseta (basically just rolling hills and farmlands) to be anything really different than the rest of the Frances so I have never taken any special gear or precautions to walk it and did so with no problem five different times. If it has different weather patterns I never noticed it. If was hotter or colder than the other parts I never noticed it. Never found it to be any more mysterious, mystical or spiritual. Never found it to be more boring or more exciting. Did find it to be flatter. I suppose to some that's some kind of big deal, but to me it was just a terrain feature found anywhere in the world.
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
April is a shoulder month where you can get warm weather, rainy weather and some quite cold days.
 
Reply by ChatGPT:
The Meseta is a high plateau in central Spain that can be quite hot in May. Expect temperatures to be in the mid to high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (25 to 30 degrees Celsius) during the day, and to drop to the mid to low 50s Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) at night. There will be plenty of sunshine and dry weather, but it is always a good idea to carry water and sun protection as the sun is strong on the plateau. The walking conditions will be good, but it can be dusty, so it is best to wear closed-toe shoes.
The Meseta is a beautiful place to walk, with rolling hills and expansive views, but it can also be quite remote, so it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for the conditions.
You can also check the weather forecast for the specific area you will be walking to for the most accurate information.
 
I live right in the middle of the Meseta. Every May is different. This one was dry, so there are fewer wild flowers than usual, but still plenty... and no mud bogs.
The only extreme weather we get in May is the occasional "gullywasher" thunderstorm.
Your mileage may vary.
 
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