WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE.

The Camino de Santiago consists of many different routes but most of them are in the north of Spain and this means that the weather is pretty much the same. However, the weather conditions always depend on the season you choose to walk the Way. In fact, even if winters are not too hard, we can find some exception in particular places, like in O Cebreiro, (which can’t be crossed in the colder months for the snow) on the French Way. In general, Spain is known for its good weather and pilgrims can count with many hours of sun during the year.

Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to predict with certainty what temperatures you can find along the Way, especially after the unexpected climate changes that we have seen in these last years. However, it can be said that the temperatures start to increase from the end of April and weather conditions get better, until the second half of September. In spring you could find some good temperatures but also some more frequent rains, so it could be more risky to choose this period of the year for undertaking the camino.

Below you can find the average temperatures in the different seasons in the north of Spain. Please consider that there are years where extreme temperatures can be experienced.

The French Way.
Statistically in summer and early autumn there are less possibilities of rain along the French Way. However, take into account that at any moment you may encounter a summer storm. In spring there is a great possibility of having rain every day. For this reason it’s highly recommended to bring a raincoat and waterproof clothes and shoes for the Camino. In this particular route, the temperature will vary depending on the season, since it can go from 35° in summer to 0° in winter. The most recommended months if you want to avoid the rain, and enjoy soft temperatures, are May, June or September.

The Northern Way.
Being closer to the coast, the Northern Way allows pleasant and fresh climates. In spring and autumn rain is inevitable. It is considered a fairly thin rain but it can become your worst enemy. As for the temperature you can find it between 25° – 30° in summer and between 7° – 14° in winter, which is why the ideal months for this route are June and July with less probability of rain.

The Primitive Way.
It is one of the most mountainous caminos and that is why it gives specific characteristics in its climate as it becomes rough and more if you want to do it in winter. On the Primitive Way rain will be guaranteed in the spring season and autumn, while there will be hot temperatures during summers. Since this is one the less busy caminos, you can enjoy a quiet route even in the warmest seasons.

The Portuguese Coastal Way.
Also the Portuguese Coastal Way gets influenced by the ocean. In this case walking in warmer periods of the year allows you to stop for a bath along the route and refresh after the walk. Careful with the temperature of the sea though, this is not the Mediterranean sea!

The Via de la Plata.
If you choose to walk the Via de la Plata, try to avoid summer months in some regions like Andalucía and Extremadura since this is the hottest part of Spain and you can reach more than 40º in cities like Sevilla.

Santiago de Compostela.
Being located geographically to 260 meters of the level of the sea, it presents an oceanic climate with flexible temperatures throughout the year. These temperatures can be around 15° in winter, and from 18º to 26° in summer. The rains in Santiago de Compostela are abundant throughout the year but are concentrated mostly in the winter season.

In general, the weather in Galicia region is quite unpredictable. You should expect anything because the forecast changes continuously for the geographical location of this region. However, for some pilgrims having some cloudy and slightly rainy days can be considered a real gift because this cool down the temperatures during their hike. But if you decide to walk the Way of Saint James, just come with the correct clothes and you will enjoy the Camino whatever weather you might find.

An article by galiwonders.com
And remember, whatever path you may choose  in the Camino, you can always rely on  HOSTAL GAU TXORI: comfortable accommodation, nice and traditional food and wonderful natural landscapes as you pass by Zubiri.