The Camino de Santiago is a path that refers to the Spanish pilgrimage routes, also known as pilgrimage roads, which lead to the sanctuary of the Apostle Santiago el Grande. This route is common for travelers who enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling, as well as those who take the path of spiritual growth and other additional religious reasons. While many times a year they are excellent for walking the Camino de Santiago, the best time to hike the route is during the summer, when the mountain passes are clear and the weather is less likely to interfere with your journey.
The route is also known as the Camino de Santiago and other similar variations, such as the Camino, Camino or Sendero de Santiago. There are also several references to the path known as the Route of Santiago de Compostela, as well as the Camino a Santiago. This was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in the Middle Ages with various routes beginning at various locations in France and Portugal.
How long does it take to complete the Camino de Santiago?
Doing the entire popular route of the Camino de Santiago, the French Way, will take an average of 30 to 35 days to complete. The timeline depends on how many kilometers you will walk, bike, or walk per day, and finishing the route within about a month means traveling 14-16 miles per day. This recommended route starts from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela.
High season on the Camino de Santiago
The decision on when to do the Camino de Santiago depends largely on the weather and the number of people traveling together. Some people want a private experience and others like crowds. Additional travelers can deal with temperatures like extreme cold or heat better than others.
The terrain varies a lot on the Camino de Santiago. Mountain passes are extremely dangerous in winter. It is not possible to do the trek in winter, but it is important that travelers heed the advice of other travelers and hostel staff before leaving each morning. It is also recommended that travelers follow the weather forecast, be prepared to take a safer route, and even abandon the trip altogether if necessary.
Visiting the Camino de Santiago during a Jacobin year
Travelers who have some flexibility in which year to do the Camino should consider waiting or avoiding the Jacobin years, or years in which the Day of Santiago (July 25) falls on a Sunday. It is known in Spanish as the Jacobean Holy Year, in Galician as the Xacobeo Holy Year, and sometimes it is known in English as the Jubilee Year, the Compostela Holy Year or simply the Holy Year.
The Jacobin years include:
- 2021
- 2027
- 2032w
For Catholics, visiting Santiago de Compostela in a Jacobin year is a very important event. If they meet all the necessary requirements, Catholics will receive a “plenary indulgence” when visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Puerta Santa (Holy Door) in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, normally closed, is open throughout the year.
In a Jacobean year, there will be a large number of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The numbers tripled in a Jacobin year, with a great rally around St. James’s Day in particular. This means that walking in late June and July will see an even more competitive battle for hostel beds than usual.
Spring
For March, the weather is cool but not unpleasant. Now there are more travelers on the route, so this is a very good time to walk. In April, the weather can be quite warm in some places. May can be very hot, although the climate varies more in northern Spain than in other parts of the country. The route gets quite crowded in May and some hostels can be full by the time travelers arrive.
Events to watch:
- Semana Santa, or Easter, is one of the most popular spring events you’ll find along the way. Seville and Malaga host the most elaborate celebrations.
- Portugal celebrates its Freedom Day, a national holiday, on April 25. It is the celebration of the country’s transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Summer
Traveling in summer on the Camino de Santiago is very different from doing it in winter. Many people fill the hostels during the summer, so travelers will have to leave very early in the morning to get a good hostel at night. Although weather conditions are unlikely to prohibit travelers from completing the Camino de Santiago, the host’s conditions can make the journey unpleasant or even unbearable. Travelers should drink plenty of water when traveling in summer.
Warm weather can be expected during June. Sometimes there is a slight drop in “traffic” in June compared to May, although even more people hike this month than in April. It is very hot in July and there are many other travelers on the way. Travelers should also keep in mind that July 25 is Saint James’s Day, a popular day for Catholics to finish the Camino. In the Jacobin years, travelers can expect large numbers of people walking in July. Meanwhile, August has conditions similar to July weather.
Events to watch:
- The famous bullfight in Pamplona takes place in early July. This iconic festival can be dangerous, if you choose to run with the bulls, but there are other events as well, such as parades and fireworks.
- Semana Grande takes place in mid-August in northern Spain. This giant festival is dedicated to the Virgin of Begoña, but it feels like a giant street party. If you want to experience Basque culture, this is how you do it.
Fall
September calls for cooler weather, but not much. There are still a lot of travelers at the moment. The weather is much nicer in October and the crowds die at this time. By November, it is quite cold in some parts of the hike, and very few people hike.
Events to watch:
- If you pass through Ponferrada in autumn, don’t miss the Encina Festival. This celebration, in honor of the Virgen de la Encina, patron saint of El Bierzo, generally begins on September 1 and lasts about 10 days.
Winter
Most of winter is not a good time to walk. December is very cold with the possibility of extreme weather. January is cold and wet and you will see few travelers. By February, the weather has generally improved a bit and you may see other travelers.
Events to watch:
- Although winter is not the ideal time on the Camino de Santiago, December 25 can be a holiday in many cities and small towns. If you are traveling on Christmas Day, be sure to check the hotel’s opening dates, as many small inns may close.
