when to do the camino

T

trapper

New Member

Time of past OR future Camino

plan to walk in March/April 2014... either frech or northern route

• Oct 25, 2013

• #1

I am hopefully getting time off from work to walk the camino and i am hoping to do the french way. Is late March ok weather wise. I want to start form SJPP but if the mountains are too wet then i will start from Pampolar. many thanks

 

M

MendiWalker

Guest

• Oct 25, 2013

• #2

Welcome to the forum Trapper

Wish you luck on your Camino.
You´ll find lots of useful info here on the forum.

Buen Camino!

 

Al the optimist

Veteran Member

• Oct 25, 2013

• #3

When? There is only one answer. ASAP!

 

lukedarracott

Travel writer, walker, photographer, film maker.

Time of past OR future Camino

Santander to Irun (2013)
St Jean - Santiago - (2013)
Santiago - Finisterre/Muxia (2013)

• Oct 25, 2013

• #4

Al has a good point. Do it when you can! Late march won't be toooooo bad. But you'll likely be hit by some sporadic bad weather. Even in late April and early may I was getting hail and there was snow in the hills. The besets can be harsh. Personally this makes it more enjoyable. Holidays aside I can't understand the desire to do it in the summer.
I would say just go when you can or when you're ready.

 

M

MendiWalker

Guest

• Oct 25, 2013

• #5

I totally agree - ASAP, when you can and above all when one is ready. Perhaps someone else could add a few more.

Buen Camino!

 

K

karenfromcali

Guest

• Oct 25, 2013

• #6

Hi Trapper. Welcome to the forum. I am starting from SJPdP a couple of weeks before you and have had several warnings regarding the weather. The main thing I have been told is to prepare your gear well for the weather and heed the warnings of the locals. Here is a link that may be helpful http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/walking-in-winter.16636/
Buen Camino

 

SYates

Camino Fossil AD 1999, now living in Santiago de C

Time of past OR future Camino

First: Camino Francés 1999
...
Last: Santiago - Muxia 2019

Now: http://egeria.house/

• Oct 25, 2013

• #7

trapper said:

I am hopefully getting time off from work to walk the camino and i am hoping to do the french way. Is late March ok weather wise. I want to start form SJPP but if the mountains are too wet then i will start from Pampolar. many thanks

Click to expand...

Hi Trapper,
Yes, you can have snow and ugly weather in the Pyrenees, but the pilgrims office in SJPdP will advice you which route to take the next day. Otherwise late March can be rainy / coolish with even some snow in the mountains but also lovely warm spring weather during the day - but no warranty for either of that ;-)
How much time do you have (in total walking days)? That also determines your starting point.
Buen Camino, SY

 

jpflavin1

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino 2024 unknown starting 4/1 from somewhere.

• Oct 25, 2013

• #8

trapper said:

I am hopefully getting time off from work to walk the camino and i am hoping to do the french way. Is late March ok weather wise. I want to start form SJPP but if the mountains are too wet then i will start from Pampolar. many thanks

Click to expand...

Trapper:

In 2010 and 2011, I left SJPdP on March 23rd. Both times the weather was cold but very little snow up on the mountain. Last year there was heavy snow through April. The best you can do is check this forum in the weeks leading up to your departure. Listen to the folks at the Albergue and take the Valcarlos route vs. Napoleon if suggested. You can also start in Pamplona.

Ultreya,
Joe