Walking the Camino de Santiago: When Is the Best Time to Go?

5 Key Takeaways

1. The Camino can be walked year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. There’s no single “best” time to walk—it depends on your personal preferences, though spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) generally offer the most balanced conditions.
2. Summer (June-August) is the busiest season, with nearly half of all pilgrims arriving during these months. This creates a vibrant social atmosphere but also means crowded accommodations and restaurants, potentially requiring advance bookings.
3. Weather considerations significantly impact the experience. Summer can be hot, winter cold and sometimes wet, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures. Your tolerance for different weather conditions should guide your timing decision.
4. Guided retreat options provide solutions to common Camino challenges by offering consistent accommodations, transportation support, and the ability to walk with just a day pack—particularly valuable during peak seasons or challenging weather conditions.
5. Personal factors should guide your timing choice, including your preference for solitude versus community, heat tolerance, budget considerations (shoulder seasons are often more affordable), and specific interests like spring wildflowers or fall harvests.

The ancient pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago has captured the hearts and ‘soles’ of travellers for centuries. This spiritual journey across Spain (and parts of France and Portugal) offers not just a physical challenge, but often a transformative experience that stays with pilgrims long after their boots have been hung up. But when is the ideal time to embark on this adventure? Let’s explore the seasons of the Camino and find the perfect time for your journey.

The Year-Round Appeal of the Camino

One of the most wonderful aspects of the Camino de Santiago is that it isn’t limited to a specific season. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-dappled paths in summer or crisp, quiet trails in winter, the Camino welcomes pilgrims throughout the year.

If you’re considering one of my Camino de Santiago walking retreats in southwest France, you truly can walk ANY time of the year. Guests have trekked these paths in the depths of December and January, the heat of July and August, the bloom of March and April, and the golden months of September and October. Regardless of when they went, these pilgrims consistently described their experience as unforgettable and life-changing.

Summer on the Camino: The Bustling Season

Summer represents peak season on the Camino, with statistics from the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela revealing some eye-opening numbers. In 2019 (before pandemic disruptions), a whopping 347,578 pilgrims completed their journey to Santiago. Nearly half of these travellers—47% to be exact—arrived during the summer months of June (14%), July (15%), and August (18%).

This popularity creates a vibrant, social atmosphere on the trail. You’ll never feel alone and will have ample opportunity to connect with fellow pilgrims from around the world. Many lasting friendships have formed between people who first met while sharing a meal or helping each other with blisters along the way.

The Summer Squeeze: Accommodations and Dining

The summer crowds do come with challenges, however. The most pressing concern is finding a place to sleep. If you arrive at your destination late in the afternoon without a reservation, you might face a difficult choice: continue walking to the next town (when your feet are already screaming for rest) or pay premium prices for whatever beds remain available.

Similarly, restaurants and cafés along the route often burst at the seams during peak months. You might find yourself waiting for a table, only to hear the dreaded “Désolé, the kitchen is closed” as the clock strikes 2:00 pm.

Maria’s Summer Camino: An Illustrative Tale

Maria had always dreamed of walking the Camino. After months of training and preparation, she set off in early August, excited to experience the legendary pilgrimage during what she thought would be perfect weather.

Her first few days were magical—the paths were alive with fellow pilgrims, conversations flowed easily in multiple languages, and the summer sun shone brilliantly on the landscape. Maria loved the festive atmosphere in the towns she passed through, many celebrating their summer festivals with music, dance, and local delicacies.

By day five, however, she began to understand the challenges of summer pilgrimages. After a particularly difficult section that took longer than expected, Maria arrived at a popular stopping point at 4:30 pm, only to find every albergue (pilgrim hostel) displaying the dreaded “completo” (full) sign.

Exhausted and with darkening skies threatening rain, she began to panic. A kind local pointed her toward a bench in the town square where she could rest while calling ahead to towns further along the route. Three calls and an unexpected taxi ride later, Maria finally found accommodation—15 kilometers beyond her planned stopping point and at twice her budgeted cost.

The next day, determined to avoid a repeat situation, Maria began walking at 5:00 am with her headlamp cutting through the darkness. She wasn’t alone—dozens of other pilgrims had adopted the same strategy, creating an unexpected but magical experience of walking beneath the stars and witnessing the sunrise together.

By mid-morning, Maria had learned another summer pilgrim lesson. Stopping at a charming café around 1:30 pm, she was informed there would be at least an hour wait for a table. With her stomach growling and feet aching, she wished she had packed lunch as more experienced pilgrims had done.

That evening, Maria met Elena, a Camino veteran who was walking her fifth route. Over shared wine and tapas, Elena shared her wisdom: “The Camino in summer is beautiful, but crowded. Next time, come in May or late September—you’ll still have good weather, but you’ll also have space to breathe and truly connect with the path.”

Maria finished her Camino and treasured the experience, but when she returned three years later to walk a different route, she chose October—and found herself agreeing with Elena’s advice completely.

The Sweet Spots: Spring and Fall

Weather-wise, the ideal times to walk the Camino are during late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). During these shoulder seasons, you’ll enjoy:

• Mild, comfortable temperatures ideal for walking
• Less crowded paths and accommodations
• Flowering landscapes in spring or harvest-rich scenery in fall
• More availability in restaurants and cafés
• Often better rates for accommodations

These months offer the perfect balance: good weather without extreme heat, enough fellow pilgrims to create community without overwhelming facilities, and nature at some of its most beautiful moments.

Winter Walking: A Different Kind of Magic

Can you walk the Camino during the winter holidays? Absolutely—especially if you’re looking at sections like Eauze to Manciet on the French Camino. Special short-break Camino retreats operate annually during this season, often attracting solo travellers seeking to escape holiday commercialism and do something meaningful instead.

Winter walking offers unique charms:

• Peaceful, nearly empty paths
• A more contemplative experience
• Cozy evenings by the fire after a day’s journey
• Clear, crisp air (when it’s not raining)
• A genuine sense of accomplishment

The trade-off, of course, is weather. Winter pilgrims must be prepared for cold, sometimes very cold, conditions. Rain and occasional snow are possibilities, particularly in mountainous sections. Fewer establishments remain open, requiring more careful planning.

The Benefits of Esprit Meraki Retreats

For those concerned about logistical challenges, my 5 or 7-day retreats offer solutions to many common Camino concerns, regardless of season:

• You sleep in the same comfortable bed each night
• No need to carry heavy backpacks—just daily essentials
• Transportation provided to and from each day’s section
• Hot showers and comfortable rest await after each day’s walk
• Opportunity for massage and proper recovery
• Expert guidance on how far to walk based on weather conditions

These arrangements are particularly valuable during peak summer months (avoiding accommodation scrambles) and winter (when comfort becomes essential after cold-weather walking).

Choosing Your Perfect Camino Season

When deciding on your ideal Camino season, consider:

1. Your heat tolerance: If you wilt in hot weather, avoid July and August
2. Your social preferences: Want maximum interaction? Summer is best. Seeking solitude? Consider winter
3. Your budget: Shoulder seasons typically offer better value
4. Your time constraints: School holidays might dictate summer travel for families
5. Your accommodation style: If you prefer certainty and comfort, consider guided options or book well ahead
6. Special interests: Spring offers wildflowers, fall provides harvest festivals, winter features Christmas markets

Preparation Tips for Any Season

Regardless of when you walk:

• Break in your shoes thoroughly before departing
• Train for the distances you’ll cover daily
• Consider the “pack sandwich” strategy: prepare lunch during breakfast to enjoy whenever and wherever you choose
• Research typical weather for your chosen time and pack accordingly
• Book accommodations ahead during busy periods
• Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in summer

Frequently Asked Questions About the Camino de Santiago

1. How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?

This depends entirely on which route you choose and how much of it you plan to walk! The most popular route, the Camino Francés (French Way), stretches about 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago. Walking the entire route typically takes 30-35 days, averaging 20-25 kilometers daily.

However, many pilgrims walk shorter sections or choose other routes like the Portuguese Way or the Northern Way. Some complete their Camino in stages over several years. The minimum distance required to receive a Compostela (certificate of completion) is 100 kilometers on foot or 200 kilometers by bicycle.

2. Do I need to be religious to walk the Camino?

Absolutely not! While the Camino originated as a Catholic pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle Saint James, today it welcomes people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation at all. According to statistics from the Pilgrim’s Office, pilgrims walk for religious, spiritual, cultural, sport, and many other personal reasons.

The beauty of the Camino is that it meets you where you are. Whether you’re seeking religious deepening, spiritual growth, physical challenge, cultural immersion, or simply time to reflect on life transitions, the Camino provides a supportive environment for your personal journey.

3. How physically fit do I need to be to walk the Camino?

People of all fitness levels and ages complete the Camino each year! That said, preparing physically will make your experience more enjoyable. The most important preparation is breaking in your footwear and training with some longer walks (ideally with your backpack) before departure.

The Camino’s terrain varies by route and section, but most paths involve a mix of gentle hills, some steeper climbs, and varying surfaces from pavement to dirt paths. Most people find that their fitness improves significantly during the first week of walking.

If you have health concerns, consider starting with a shorter route or section, walking fewer kilometers daily, or choosing a guided option where transportation support is available if needed.

4. What should I pack for the Camino?

The experienced pilgrim’s mantra is “pack light, then remove half!” Your backpack ideally shouldn’t exceed 10% of your body weight. Essentials include:

• 2-3 sets of quick-dry clothing (you’ll wash clothes regularly)
• Quality, broken-in walking shoes or boots
• Lightweight rain gear (regardless of season)
• Basic first aid supplies, especially blister prevention and treatment
• Refillable water bottle
• Pilgrim credential (passport) for collecting stamps
• Small toiletries
• Sleep sheet if staying in albergues
• Phone and charger
• Sunscreen and hat in summer; warm layers in winter

Many pilgrims send unnecessary items home after the first few days, so don’t stress about forgetting something—most supplies can be purchased along the way.

5. Is it safe to walk the Camino as a solo traveller?

The Camino is generally considered very safe, and thousands of solo travellers (including many women) walk it each year without incident. The path is well-marked, passes through populated areas regularly, and has a strong community of fellow pilgrims and locals who look out for one another.

During peak seasons, you’re rarely truly alone on the path. In winter or on less-travelled routes, you might have more solitary stretches but will still encounter others at accommodations.

Basic safety precautions apply as they would anywhere: be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, secure your valuables, and let someone know your general itinerary. Many solo travelers report that the Camino helped them discover new confidence and self-reliance while providing plenty of opportunities for community when desired.

The Camino’s Timeless Gift

Whether you walk under summer sun, autumn leaves, winter skies, or spring blossoms, the Camino offers its gifts to all who journey its ancient paths. Every season brings its challenges and its unique beauty.

The greatest gift of the Camino isn’t perfect weather or ideal conditions—it’s the journey itself. The path has a way of giving each pilgrim exactly what they need, often in unexpected ways. Summer crowds might lead to lifelong friendships, winter challenges might build inner strength, spring flowers might heal a grieving heart, and autumn harvests might inspire new beginnings.

Perhaps the true answer to “When is the best time to walk the Camino?” is simply this: The best time is when you feel called to walk. The Camino will be waiting, ready to unfold its mysteries in whatever season you arrive.

Whether you join the summer throngs sharing stories over communal dinners, walk quiet autumn paths through vineyards heavy with grapes, brave winter winds for moments of perfect solitude, or wander spring trails lined with wildflowers, your Camino will be uniquely yours—a journey that transcends the calendar and touches something timeless within.

Buen Camino, whenever you choose to begin.