When to Walk the Camino: Choosing the Best Time for Your Journey

My Experience & Recommendation

I walked the Camino in September 2022, completing the full 776km in 31 days from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.

What the weather was actually like:

September gave me mostly great weather, but it wasn't perfect sunshine every day - and that's the reality of the Camino.

What I experienced:

• Warm days perfect for walking (around 25-31°C)

• As I got closer to Galicia, temperatures dropped slightly but not much

• Cool mornings - needed a light layer to start the day

• Some rainy days, especially in Galicia

• Beautiful clear skies across the Meseta

• Occasional afternoon showers (but nothing that stopped me)

The truth: September isn't guaranteed perfect weather, but it gave me ideal walking conditions - warm but not the brutal 35-40°C heat that summer walkers face on the Meseta.

If I were to walk again, I'd choose:

Summer (June-July)

Even though September was perfect, I'd love to experience the Camino in summer next time:

• Long daylight hours - more time to walk and explore

• The vibrant energy of peak pilgrim season

• Warm evenings in the plazas

• Summer festivals in the towns

• Yes, it's hotter and more crowded - but that's part of the summer Camino experience

My advice: September was brilliant for a first-time walker, but every season offers something different.