What to expect weather and crowd wise on Portuguese coastal route in early January?

[kuhawkhead]

Will be doing hopefully my first of many Camino journeys leaving out of Porto December 29. From what I can tell, highs in 50’s to 60’s F and possibly some but not a lot of moisture with no snow along the coast.

Anyone done this route around this time, considering weather is always different from year to year?

 

[Luka]

I walked from A Guarda (border Portugal/Spain) to Santiago from Dec 23 till Dec 31, 2023. It was very quiet until the route merged with the Portugués Central in Redondela. From Redondela on I guess there were about 20 to 40 pilgrims on the road (but that was of course during Christmas holidays).

I had been lucky with the weather, only one full day of rain and some drizzle. Temperatures are mild for winter, snow is exceptional. I checked beforehand where I could stay and was happy I did, as a lot is closed.

 

[surya8]

Will be doing hopefully my first of many Camino journeys leaving out of Porto December 29. From what I can tell, highs in 50’s to 60’s F and possibly some but not a lot of moisture with no snow along the coast.

Anyone done this route around this time, considering weather is always different from year to year?

We walked the coastal camino from Porto in mid Jan, was great! Weather was mild and pleasant to walk, ranging between +2+5C in the morning to +8+14C during the day. plenty of sunshine as well as some rains - the closer to Santiago the more persistant - poncho is a must, rain pants could be helpful there as well. No snow along this route ever, the only snow you could see in Portugal is up in the mountains on the border with Spain where popular caminos don't go. The municipal alberugues were open and had heating but you need to check private ones if they close over the holidays or low season. Here is my winter blog from there, the pics need no translation Bom Camino! https://anna-camino.livejournal.com/5457.html