When it is not busy and the weather is decent

[Deleted member 3000]

With the November statistics available, I think the answer is to leave at the end of October if crowds bother you. You will be able to experience the "primary" camino without any bed race (not that it should be a worry anytime during the year). There will be some other pilgrims, 40 to 100 per day, and some albergues will be closing on October 31, but all pressure on finding accommodations will be gone.

The weather will be turning cooler, and there may be days of rain or cold, but generally, the weather will be quite acceptable if you have gloves, a poncho, and layers of clothes.

You will arrive in Santiago at the end of November with fewer than 100 pilgrims per day. About 25% of the pilgrims will have started at O Cebreiro or later, so the Camino Frances will be even less crowded until that final stretch.

You can have it all: companions, leisure, good weather, generally open accommodations, few snorers, empty dormitories, short days, and stages that can end at destinations that might be really crowded in the spring or summer.

 

[tipperary]

Hi all
Totally agree. Any leaving SJPDP Mid Oct this year would have crossed with 100 on the first day . This would as a result of scattering give about 30 pilgrims staying in the Logrono Albergue 8 days later. There will be still some snorers!. No rain fell during walking hours in that period and gloves were not worn. The situation is generally the same late March even though it may be cooler.
All Municipal albergues in Galicia are heated in winter. Autumn and Spring is the way to go.
Justin

 

[viajero]

I started from Roncesvalles in early March (3rd or 4th) in 2008. I like cooler weather and thought the weather was pleasant for walking. There were a couple of cold/snowy days but generally it was pleasant. I had very little rain as well and thought it was a great time to walk.