Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

If you’d rather not hike in the beaming summer sun, spring in Galicia is ideal with daily highs averaging a manageable 14-16°C. There’s still a decent amount of rain but it starts to reduce as summer approaches, and it also makes everything more green and lush. The walking routes are quieter during this time, so if you’re looking for less traffic and good weather, this is your sweet spot.  

The summer brings reliably clear skies, warm temperatures and very little rain. This may be the hottest time of the year but Galicia remains fairly mild in the summer with average highs of 23°C and has occasional heatwaves in the low 30s. Pilgrims flock to the Camino this time of year, so if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers and have a more social experience, this is your best bet.  

Autumn temperatures average a pleasant 17-19°C in Galicia but it’s often a few degrees warmer at the beginning of the season as summer wraps up. Rainfall is low until mid-October when daily showers are a bit more common. The summer crowds start to dwindle, so if you want a more peaceful time than summer and don’t mind a little rain, this is a great time to walk.  

Winter in the Mediterranean isn’t so bad. The coldest months in Galicia are January and February with average daytime highs of 11-12°C and a fair amount of rainfall. November is the rainiest month, which adds a peaceful layer of ambience to the walk if you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Walking in the winter offers the most solitude compared to the rest of the year, so this is the best time to go if you want more alone time on the trails.