Walking from SJPP - Weather in May vs June?

[Maxsmom]

Hello all, I'm planning to walk my first Camino in 2025 and am looking for advice re weather when crossing the mountains from SJPP. I'll be 71, going solo, and will be doing about 2 weeks, figuring about 12 km on average each day. Any advice re what weather to expect in May or June when climbing the Pyrenees? thanks!

 

[Bill905]

Can't give you any advice about weather ... that's much too far away. Rather, IMHO, you would be well served to plan and pack layers to accommodate hot weather, cold weather, dry weather, and wet weather, and any combination of those.

 

[trecile]

I think that you have a better chance of good weather in June, but there's no guarantee!
I've crossed from SJPdP twice in mid May, and had cold foggy weather on the 11th and 12th of May, and cold rain with thunder storms another year on the 14th and 15th of May. My track record for May crossings is not good!

 

[Ianinam]

The weather is totally impredictable in the mountains. Be prepared for everything, from cold weather (even some snow) to hot weather.

 

[Tincatinker]

you'll not be climbing the Pyrenees, you'll be crossing some of the Western Pyrenean foothills. However it is still hill country, the weather can change in a day, even an hour, from summer to winter. I agree with @trecile that the odds are better (maybe the gods are kinder) in June but predicting weather? Check the forecast in the week before your venture. If it looks dodgy go via Valcarlos.

 

[trecile]

Whenever you go, look into reserving a bed at either Orisson or Borda to split up the first stage.

Refuge Orisson

www.refuge-orisson.com

Auberge Borda | Authentic Hostel Accommodations

Experience the charm and comfort of Auberge Borda, an authentic hostel located on the GR 65 trail in Saint-Michel, FR. Enjoy stunning views and a cozy atmosphere.

www.aubergeborda.com

Both usually open their bookings for the following year around November.

 

[Americanperegrino]

I know ya didn't ask this, but: Plan to stay at the last Albergue before you start into the forest ...make reservations. Leave St J early am like 4-5am. Go slow. Rest up at the Albergue overnite and again leave early am 4-5am. Weather varies greatly, however, you imo picked a great time to begin. Bring gear for both heat, cold and rain. Once you reach St J IF its gonna be hot and dry for the next 2 days, forward your gear to Rocesvalles, IF its gonna be light rain and cold...etc. Its easy to forward your gear. IF its gonna be howling wind, rain, and generally bad weather...forward yourself to Roncesvalles.

BTW, NO one is alone on the Way. You will in short order be adopted, and adopt a Trail Family. Trust me on this.

 

[Maxsmom]

Great tips- thanks so much!

 

[KFH]

One fun way to get real time weather reports from the past is to read through some "LIVE from the Camino" threads.

Click here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search-forums/pilgrims-walking-now-live-from-the-camino.307/

Then look at sub-headers of:

Camino FRANCES

Then read through any thread for what that person had to say about those first days -- or any days for that matter. Not just weather of course but just about anything. You will learn a lot just going though those.


-------------------------------------------------
You can do the same thing through here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/camino-frances-most-popular-route.12/

then look for the yellow boxes which say "LIVE from the Camino" -- But there are a jillion threads to look through because that is EVERY Frances thread.

You can do the same thing for any route.

 

[Maxsmom]

you'll not be climbing the Pyrenees, you'll be crossing some of the Western Pyrenean foothills. However it is still hill country, the weather can change in a day, even an hour, from summer to winter. I agree with @trecile that the odds are better (maybe the gods are kinder) in June but predicting weather? Check the forecast in the week before your venture. If it looks dodgy go via Valcarlos.

thanks for clarification about foothills vs mountains- helps to clarify the trek. I will be prepared but crossing fingers for good weather.Perhaps I have good karma- did 10 days of walking in England with no rain last fall...

 

[Maxsmom]

One fun way to get real time weather reports from the past is to read through some "LIVE from the Camino" threads.

Click here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search-forums/pilgrims-walking-now-live-from-the-camino.307/

Then look at sub-headers of:

Camino FRANCES

Then read through any thread for what that person had to say about those first days -- or any days for that matter. Not just weather of course but just about anything. You will learn a lot just going though those.


-------------------------------------------------
You can do the same thing through here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/camino-frances-most-popular-route.12/

then look for the yellow boxes which say "LIVE from the Camino" -- But there are a jillion threads to look through because that is EVERY Frances thread.

You can do the same thing for any route.

great idea, will do this!

 

[trecile]

I know ya didn't ask this, but: Plan to stay at the last Albergue before you start into the forest

Which albergue and which forest are you referring to?

 

[Americanperegrino]

Auberge Borda | Albergue de Peregrinos en Auberge Borda | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Auberge Borda, en Auberge Borda: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

The Forest past here.

 

[cfromhk]

May is colder than june?

 

[trecile]

May is colder than june?

Usually it is. This site should be helpful:

Camino de Santiago - forecast and historical weather

Get a personal daily weather forecast for the Camino de Santiago for the exact dates you're planning to go. Or browse to pick the best time of year.

caminoweather.com

 

[DoughnutANZ]

May is often wetter than June.

But if you leave St. Jean mid May and walk the Camino Frances then by the time you reach Astorga it is peak Strawberry season and so you can buy very nice, very cheap strawberries in the supermarket and smother them with the famous Astorga chocolate (or not).