Walking the Camino de Santiago in Winter

Winter may not be the season that immediately jumps to mind when you think about walking holidays, but walking the Camino in winter can be incredible! You might even decide it’s your favourite season!

Why should I walk the Camino in Winter?

“Can you walk the Camino in winter?” – it’s a common question, and the answer is YES! In fact, doing the Camino in winter has a lot of advantages.

The Camino is quieter in winter

The busy season starts in May and ends in October, so it’s a lot less crowded as soon as November rolls around. This means more peace, quieter paths, and an experience closer to the original pilgrimage. And since soul-searching is such an important part of any pilgrimage, a little isolation can go a long way!

Less waiting

Fewer guests at accommodation and restaurants mean more time devoted to you. If you are ending your walk in Santiago de Compostella, you’ll also avoid the lines to get that final stamp in your pilgrim’s passport, which can be around an hour in peak season.

Note: Catholics take Christmas very seriously and some accommodation will close between 24 December and 7 January. If you are booking through us we will make sure that you are in accommodation that will look after you whenever you choose to walk.

It’s cooler in Winter

If you don’t handle heat well then you might struggle with the Spanish heat in summer. You won’t have this issue in winter, and it’s easy enough to put on layers if you need to.

Having enough layers is very important for walking the Camino in winter because of colds and flu on the Camino!

What is the weather like on the Camino in winter?

Naturally, many pilgrims first concern when considering the Camino in winter is the weather. This really depends on the route you decide to take, which stages you walk, and when in winter you go.

It is worth noting that over the last few years the Camino season has lengthened and September is now the most popular month for many travellers! October is also still excellent weather for walking because you can always add more layers to stay warm.

Yes, it can be cold, especially at high altitudes and further north. November is usually the rainiest month, and you might see some snow overnight.

Have a look at the average weather that we would expect on our most popular winter routes below, and check out our weather map for average temperatures.

Which Camino routes are good in winter?

Certain routes along the Way are more popular than others during the winter months. This is for a variety of reasons, including weather and elevation.

Here are our most booked winter routes –

Camino Frances

Temperatures along the Camino Frances start to cool off in autumn. Starting out at around 23 ºC or 73 ºF in September, it drops to 18 ºC or 64 ºF in October, and then 13 ºC or 55 ºF in November.

Chances of rain increase along the route, too. In Sarria and other areas in Galicia, you may see more rainy days than sunny. This is quite typical throughout northern Spain in winter, and temperatures averaging around 9 ºC or 48 ºF aren’t uncommon.

If you are walking the Camino Frances in the coldest part of winter you might want to consider the Camino de Invierno alternative route to avoid the higher peaks. The Winter Way and is a great way to see this historic route from a different angle.

Camino de Invierno

The Camino de Invierno or ‘Winter Way,’ offers a unique spiritual journey steeped in solitude. It passes through all four provinces of Galicia. Starting from Ponferrada which is just outside Galicia the route quickly enters the province of Ourense where it follows the Sil River.

The weather in December from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino de Invierno is usually mild and can change often. As you get to Las Médulas and O Barco de Valdeorras, the weather is similar, but rain might get heavier and it may also freeze lightly.

In A Rúa de Valdeorras, you could see more snow along with sun and clouds. Rain is a bit more common here, but the temperature stays roughly the same.

What should I wear for the Camino in winter?

Quality beats quantity when it comes to the Camino. You won’t need a lot of clothes, but the ones you take should be top-notch.

Base Layers: Layers are extremely important at this time of year. Synthetic or merino wool is anti-bacterial and keeps moisture away from the skin. Fabric weaving and thickness vary so choose based on the temperatures you expect to encounter.

Fleece: Synthetic materials can act as great insulation to keep the body warm, while still allowing moisture to evaporate. You probably have a fleece already, but make sure it’s synthetic since not only will cotton or wool get and stay damp longer, but the wind will be cutting right through them.

T-Shirt: Again, opt for synthetic tees to keep as warm and dry as possible. These can act as a light extra layer over a base layer, and are also helpful for identifying team or group members travelling together.

Jacket: A warm down or synthetic jacket is essential. They can be pricey, but this is what will keep you warm if the temperatures get close to freezing. Ask outdoor clothing store about the best options.

Rainproof: Your best bet includes Gore-Tex and Paramo, but other similar fabrics are easy to pick up. Gore-Tex could well be the most famous brand on the Camino as it is well known for its waterproofing. Paramo is a newer fabric that imitates animal fur to keep water away from the body. Ask in store for the best option for you. Thin plastic ponchos should stay at home, they won’t keep you dry and become an awful mess.

Trousers: Consider convertible trousers or softshell trousers for your day-to-day. Think about the temperatures you are likely to encounter and the wind on your chosen route.

Waterproof Trousers: Wet trousers are never pleasant, so having waterproofs where rain is expected is a good idea. You can pick up basic ones at any good outdoor clothing shop.

Hat: Keep those ears warm! You can lose a lot of heat through your head so always have a warm hat with you.

Gloves: Like your ears, your fingers can get cold quickly, so make sure you have decent gloves. You probably don’t need waterproof ones, but water-resistant can be a slice of luxury.

Sunglasses: To prevent sun and snow glare. You’ll want sunblock too, even if it doesn’t feel like you’ll need it.

Socks: Last but certainly not least, socks. Our suggestion would be to bring a synthetic or merino wool sock as they don’t store moisture. Cotton should be avoided at all costs. There are loads of different types, including 1000 mile and double layer socks, so it’s worth trialling some during your training.

Walk the Camino this Winter

Walking the Camino in winter definitely adds a few things to think about, so booking your journey through a Camino provider like Follow the Camino is a great way to keep things simple. We will ensure that you have a warm private room each night and detailed route notes including information specific to winter walking. We can also provide hot meals, airport transfers, and much more.

Travel worry-free this winter with Follow the Camino. Contact us to start planning!