Choosing the right time to hike Camino Frances is always a compromise between ideal weather and the number of people per square meter. The 800-kilometer route crosses different climate zones, so you can be both freezing and sweating few days later. I was doing my Camino in May- beginning of June, and I wore my winter jacket and rain jacket in the Pyrenees, and a week later I was chilling in the sun by the pool in my swimsuit.
So, let’s talk about the pros and cons of each season:
1. 🌸 Spring (April – May) – The Perfect Balance
Many experienced pilgrims consider May the best month for the Camino.
Pros: Blooming, incredibly green nature (especially in Navarre and Galicia). Comfortable walking temperatures (around 15–22°C). All seasonal albergues are opened, and there’s a general sense of excitement and inspiration at the start of the season.
Cons: Changeable weather, frequent rain in Galicia. Nights in the mountains and on the Meseta are still very cold (sometimes down to 0–5°C), requiring warm clothes and a sleeping bag. The number of pilgrims increases significantly in May
2. ☀️ Summer (June – August) – Vacation and Heat Season
This is the peak period for the route.
Pros: Stable weather, minimal rainfall, long daylight hours (you can leave at 5 a.m. and complete the stage before the heat sets in). All infrastructure is operational, including summer terraces and pools in the albergues.
Cons: Extreme heat on the Meseta (in July and August, temperatures in Castile regularly exceed 35–40°C in the shade, which is nowhere to be found).
”Race for a bed”: Due to the extreme amount of pilgrims (especially Spanish students and families in August), municipal albergues fill up instantly. Pilgrims have to wake up before dawn and practically run to the next stop to secure a bed, which greatly spoils the atmosphere of the spiritual journey.
3. 🍂 Autumn (September – October)
September shares with May the title of the “golden time” to walk Camino.
Pros: The summer heat does not bother you any longer, but the earth and air are still warm. September marks the beginning of the Rioja grape harvest – a stunning exprience. The atmosphere becomes calmer. The most beautiful autumn landscapes you can find in the forests of Galicia in October.
Cons: From October onwards, daylight hours noticeably decrease. Starting in mid-October, many private hostels and cafes begin to close for the winter. Galicia traditionally experiences prolonged autumn rains at the end of October.
4. ❄️ Winter (November – March) – Extreme Solitude
This is a time for those seeking complete solitude or a profound challenge.
Pros: Absolute silence. You might not meet anyone else on Camino for an entire day. Locals treat winter pilgrims like heroes. There are no problems finding accommodations (though there are only few options available).
Cons: Harsh conditions. The passes in the Pyrenees and the Leon mountains (near the Iron Cross and O Cebreiro) are covered in deep snow, and blizzards in these areas are very common. Up to 80-90% of albergues are closed, requiring careful planning of overnight stays, either in municipal albergues, which are open year-round, or in hotels. Heavy, warm clothing adds weight to your backpack.
Closure of the Pyrenees (Route Napoleon)
The first stage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Roncesvalles (Spain) through the Pyrenees can be completed via two routes: the Route Napoleon (high altitude, across the ridge) and the Route de Valcarlos (low altitude, along the road).
Period of closure: The Route Napoleon is completely closed from November 1st to March 31st by the decision of local government, taken solely for the safety of pilgrims. In winter, the weather in the Pyrenees can change in a matter of minutes: winds, dense fog (visibility drops to zero), sleet, and icy trails. In previous years, dozens of pilgrims, underestimating the mountains, were lost on the route or suffered severe frostbite. The closure is an administrative law. Regardless of the actual weather (even if the sun is shining in January), access to the upper trail is officially prohibited. Violators who choose to bypass the signs are fined by Navarrese police, and if a rescue operation is necessary, pilgrims are billed for the entire helicopter call and rescue work (thousands of euros). In winter, all pilgrims are required to use the safe lower route through Valcarlos.
So, when is the best time to go?
If you’re looking to enjoy atmosphere, socializing, and good weather at its most (and aren’t strictly tied to summer vacations), choose May or September.
If you’re worried about availability of Albergues but want warmer weather: choose the first half of June or early October.