August heatwave on camino

[U20C_Katherine]

I want to do a spontaneous camino yet again with arrival in 3-5 days (based on the flight price) to MADRID. I’m thinking of doing the primitive way or the winter way - I did the French in the past and I have about 2-3 weeks max to spend in Europe.

My question is how is everyone handling the weather? Is it as bad as they show on the news? I’m in good health and this would be my only free time to fly out to EUROPE this year… how’s everyone’s experience? Perhaps some trails are easier than others??

 

[trecile]

How about the Camino del Norte? A quick check of the 10 day weather forecast in San Sebastian doesn't look that bad. Or in Oviedo at the start of the Primitivo. The weather also looks nice in Porto if you want to walk the Portuguese way.

 

[dougfitz]

My question is how is everyone handling the weather? Is it as bad as they show on the news? I’m in good health and this would be my only free time to fly out to EUROPE this year… how’s everyone’s experience? Perhaps some trails are easier than others??

I'm not walking, but looking at the forecasts for the area around Madrid, I would definitely be avoiding the hot parts of the day, as well as taking other precautions against heat stress when maximum temperatures are going to be above 30degC. I also think the suggestion to think about one of the coastal routes is worth investigating.

 

[U20C_Katherine]

Decided on OVIEDO to SDC route and leaving on Monday with arrival in OVD on Wednesday.. hoping for the best…

 

[whiteblaze]

Happy trails

Drink plenty of water on your trip. Nothing worse than getting dehydrated.

 

[Jagdev D.]

Decided on OVIEDO to SDC route and leaving on Monday with arrival in OVD on Wednesday.. hoping for the best…

Good luck
Buen Camino .

 

[millie90210]

We’re on our second day on the Primitivo. So far the mornings have been great all the way to about 12pm We finished the Portuguese last week and had some really hot days walking on the road. So right now the forest trails on the Primitivo have been a real cool treat!

 

[MarkyD]

I want to do a spontaneous camino yet again with arrival in 3-5 days (based on the flight price) to MADRID. I’m thinking of doing the primitive way or the winter way - I did the French in the past and I have about 2-3 weeks max to spend in Europe.

My question is how is everyone handling the weather? Is it as bad as they show on the news? I’m in good health and this would be my only free time to fly out to EUROPE this year… how’s everyone’s experience? Perhaps some trails are easier than others??

I live in Madrid and the heat is severe at the moment. I'd say the NW of Spain would be better for walking, so the Invierno from Ponferrada would be my suggestion. You could also walk the extension from Santiago - Muxia - Finisterre if you've never done it before. I'm thinking of doing it myself, but I'm not sure when.

 

[wanderlustesq]

Decided on OVIEDO to SDC route and leaving on Monday with arrival in OVD on Wednesday.. hoping for the best…

I think you made a good choice. The Primitivo is lovely and a lot of it is shaded. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit on asphalt that is unshaded. I found a solar umbrella is a great add on and worth its 9 ounce weight!

May I suggest stopping in Palatino the first night rather than Grado? Great private albergue there called Villa Palatino!

 

[Trekker One]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Decided on OVIEDO to SDC route and leaving on Monday with arrival in OVD on Wednesday.. hoping for the best…

Just checking the 10 day weather forecast in Salas, which is day two for most people. Very pleasant…highs in the 70’s and low 80’s.
Good choice!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

Um, not really.

Fears of hottest year on record as global temperatures spike | Climate crisis | The Guardian

Early data shows June temperatures hitting record highs ahead of El Niño that experts say will have significant heating effect

amp.theguardian.com

 

[thefirststep]

Primitivo should be fine, you are up quite high, which is always cooler and the weather generally is very misty in the mornings.

 

[backpack45]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

!) Whether you want to call is summer or heatwave, they are both hotter and longer in duration than they previously were. 2) People coming from areas who are not used to such a climate, will not instantly be acclimated to the change. 3) People hiking long distances may not have the time available, or a place to take, the traditional siesta (and, yes, I am aware that not all Spanish go home for a siesta these days, but they often still take a time off.) IMO, asking about current weather conditions is a sensible precaution.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

There's been lots of news about heat waves in Spain recently, causing problems with temperatures in the 40s centigrade, or the low hundreds Fahrenheit. Also fires.

This seems to have been diminished a bit in the last few weeks but I am sure this I'm sure that's what the OP was referring to and seeking information from those on the ground.
Seemed Like a pretty reasonable ask to me.

A bit troll-like, and unnecessarily rude, your comment, IMO.

 

[MichelleO]

We've just moved on from 5 days in Madrid. The 42°C day we spent alternating between the shady trees and standing under the sprinklers in Parque del Retiro! All days were 39°C or hotter and with a minimum of around 23°C. Sí, hace mi muy calor.
We were active but we got really tired. Definitely stick to being in air-conditioning between 4 and 7 (max reached around 6pm in daylight savings).
I used an umbrella some days but the heat seemed to radiate up from the pavement.
Definitely go North!

 

[U20C_Katherine]

We've just moved on from 5 days in Madrid. The 42°C day we spent alternating between the shady trees and standing under the sprinklers in Parque del Retiro! All days were 39°C or hotter and with a minimum of around 23°C. Sí, hace mi muy calor.
We were active but we got really tired. Definitely stick to being in air-conditioning between 4 and 7 (max reached around 6pm in daylight savings).
I used an umbrella some days but the heat seemed to radiate up from the pavement.
Definitely go North!

Thank you so much! The news on tv sounds critical, so I wanted to get the real life perspective. The umbrella sounds like a good idea - I didn’t think of that…

Thank you to everyone who took their time to respond to my inquiry. Kindly appreciated

 

[kuhawkhead]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

*when every year wasn’t hotter than the one before. Climate change is here.

 

[thejoker]

I'm on the Frances now and have walked from St Jean to currently Ponferrada. Yes, it has been very hot and hotter than any of my past Summer Camino journeys. In fact, this Summer weather has surprised me much compared to previous Summers. it has been manageable because I have enjoyed air-con and private rooms. However, sadly I have come across a lot of people who gave in around the meseta because of intolerable dorm heat and not able to budget to a private with Air-con. Many more are managing on though. I would say, don't let it put you off, just budget for a private with the wonderful cool of air-con sometimes.

 

[peshe56]

Walked the Norte last month and was glorious!
Went up to Castro Urdailes last week and was lovely weather, so stay north!
Now in Madrid and frankly am a prisoner in my place until 8 or 9pm at night.

 

[MassNative]

'Heatwave?'...it"s actually something that once upon a time was called 'summer' and people took sensible precautions and didn't fret about it otherwise.

July was world’s hottest month on record, climate scientists confirm

Global average temperature exceeded previous record by substantial margin

www.theguardian.com

 

[Trekker One]

July was world’s hottest month on record, climate scientists confirm

Global average temperature exceeded previous record by substantial margin

www.theguardian.com

Yes we have had a few warm/ hot months in the last few years, but the earth has had hotter periods previously and way before our current level of population or industrialization. What has happened in the last couple of centuries is a mere blink of time. No reason for hysteria.

Study: Earth was warmer in Roman and Medieval times

www.ff.org

 

[dick bird]

I want to do a spontaneous camino yet again with arrival in 3-5 days (based on the flight price) to MADRID. I’m thinking of doing the primitive way or the winter way - I did the French in the past and I have about 2-3 weeks max to spend in Europe.

My question is how is everyone handling the weather? Is it as bad as they show on the news? I’m in good health and this would be my only free time to fly out to EUROPE this year… how’s everyone’s experience? Perhaps some trails are easier than others??

This is a tricky question as weather, by its very nature, will vary from day to day and place to place. even without taking into account the fact that temperatures have broken records over the last few years, August can be very hot in Spain. Please be sure you wear suitable clothing (especially headgear) and drink plenty to avoid dehydration. Heatstroke is not pleasant.

 

[dick bird]

Yes we have had a few warm/ hot months in the last few years, but the earth has had hotter periods previously and way before our current level of population or industrialization. What has happened in the last couple of centuries is a mere blink of time. No reason for hysteria.

Study: Earth was warmer in Roman and Medieval times

www.ff.org

Moderator´s note: This is not a very helpful post. What the climate may or may not have been in Roman times is of no relevance to someone walking the camino now. They need to know that it will be hot (more so in the south, of course) and that they need to be aware of this. Warning someone against the dangers of walking in Spain in high summer is not hysteria.

 

[Pathfinder075]

*when every year wasn’t hotter than the one before. Climate change is here.

And yet it rains constantly in the UK this summer. Give me some of that European heat. At least they can't complain about lack of water in the reservoirs.

Still I'll be out on my camino in a couple of weeks and can enjoy the warmth for a bit.

 

[cruiser75]

Decided on OVIEDO to SDC route and leaving on Monday with arrival in OVD on Wednesday.. hoping for the best…

buen camino, i'll be starting that same route the first week of September.

 

[Paticonga]

My husband and I are right now in SJPD. We got here yesterday hoping to enjoy the town for a few days before starting our Camino. We are from South Florida and followed the weather in all the towns and cities along El Camino Frances for the past 3 months and it was supposed to be nice and cool up here in SJPD. Surprise: It’s not. It’s very hot. Our hostess told us that since this past Monday, they’ve been having a heat wave and will continue. I brought with me a few long sleeve tops and a fleece light jacket for the cool mornings and evenings for those days of supposedly cool weather and I already know i’m not gonna need them. So be prepared for the heat, it’s not pleasant. Do yourself a favor and avoid any warm clothing. I’m not even sure if my husband and I will be able to take the heat day after day. We did trained in Weston, FL under horrible hot and humid weather but were hoping for something better here. Not sure we will find the weather we were hoping for and anticipated on weather apps. So as everyone has advised , bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. By the way, SJPD is an adorable town with a lot of charm and beautiful arquitectura, highly recommended for 2 days before the start of El Camino Frances.

 

[C clearly]

I already know i’m not gonna need them. So be prepared for the heat, it’s not pleasant. Do yourself a favor and avoid any warm clothing.

Not so fast! You have 4 or 5 weeks and 800 km to go, and the weather can (and likely WILL) change. You should have several light layers that can be combined for warmth when necessary - a long-sleeved sun protection shirt with a light merino long-sleeved layer under it, and a rain jacket over, can be adequate in cool weather and the separate layers will be useful at other times. Don't leave them all at home just because it is hot today.

Buen Camino!

 

[CarrieJL]

I think you made a good choice. The Primitivo is lovely and a lot of it is shaded. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit on asphalt that is unshaded. I found a solar umbrella is a great add on and worth its 9 ounce weight!

May I suggest stopping in Palatino the first night rather than Grado? Great private albergue there called Villa Palatino!

Where do you find a 9 ounce solar umbrella?

 

[trecile]

There are a number of sellers of lightweight solar umbrellas.

I owned this one from Euroschirm (who makes the umbrellas sold by Gossamer Gear and other ultralight backpacking companies). It weighs 6.72 ounces.

Light Trek Ultra

Weighing only 6.72 oz, this umbrella is unbeatable. 6 special ribs made of aluminum and real carbon reduce the weight down to an absolute minimum Featherweight but extremely stable frame made of aluminum and real carbon. All frame parts are highly flexible and corrosion resistant 3-section...

euroschirmusa.com

Unfortunately, I never was able to rig it up so that it was really stable and easy to deploy to use handsfree, and then one of the ribs broke in the wind.

I have used the Handsfree Telescope model on most of my Caminos. It is heavier, but has a larger canopy, and feels very secure when it's attached to my backpack. It has blown inside out numerous times, but I have always been able to put it back in place with no damage.

Telescope Handsfree

The handsfree trekking umbrella can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on all kinds of backpacks. The handsfree trekking umbrella can be easily attached on the shoulder straps and hip belt on all kinds of backpacks. The umbrella can be extended in two stages and includes 2...

euroschirmusa.com

 

[Paticonga]

Thank you so much for reminding me that the weather can change any minute. You are absolutely right about that and we all should be prepared for it.

 

[trecile]

My husband and I are right now in SJPD. We got here yesterday hoping to enjoy the town for a few days before starting our Camino. We are from South Florida and followed the weather in all the towns and cities along El Camino Frances for the past 3 months and it was supposed to be nice and cool up here in SJPD. Surprise: It’s not. It’s very hot. Our hostess told us that since this past Monday, they’ve been having a heat wave and will continue. I brought with me a few long sleeve tops and a fleece light jacket for the cool mornings and evenings for those days of supposedly cool weather and I already know i’m not gonna need them. So be prepared for the heat, it’s not pleasant. Do yourself a favor and avoid any warm clothing. I’m not even sure if my husband and I will be able to take the heat day after day. We did trained in Weston, FL under horrible hot and humid weather but were hoping for something better here. Not sure we will find the weather we were hoping for and anticipated on weather apps. So as everyone has advised , bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. By the way, SJPD is an adorable town with a lot of charm and beautiful arquitectura, highly recommended for 2 days before the start of El Camino Frances.

Regardless of whey you go you need to have layers that will work for warm to cold weather. It can still be very hot in the afternoons in September and October.

 

[MichelleO]

We are in Zubiri right now and we get up and start walking around 6am on these very hot days.
After checking into our Albergue, the very next stop was the river! I jumped in clothes and all - I showered and washed my clothes all at the same time! What a relief that cold water was.
In saying that, I think there are 3 more days in the high 30s and then cooler weather arrives. Low twenties and maybe some rain. Yes!
Hang in there it will get cooler.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Just checking the 10 day weather forecast in Salas, which is day two for most people. Very pleasant…highs in the 70’s and low 80’s.

With great respect @Richmond Gardner , and trying to avoid the moderators' eagle eye:

I know not how to understand your post.

As this is an international forum and as the focus of the forum is walks in Spain, that references to temperature (as I think is what the numbers are suggesting) should be in terms used in Spain (and in most other countries in Europe and by contributors from around the world).

A way forward, of course, is to use all the standard temperature scales, complete with signifying letter. For example nnC / nnF etc.

A recent post by @trecile (you will have to search it out yourself) will round out the point.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)

 

[Richmond Gardner]

Understanding is a fairly easy math conversion. I understand that Celsius is the rule and have no problem with that…

 

[Bradypus]

Not so fast! You have 4 or 5 weeks and 800 km to go, and the weather can (and likely WILL) change.

I plan to be in SJPDP in just over a week's time. Just looked at a weather forecast. Predicting 39C or 40C maximum on Wednesday and Thursday this week. But damp and only 22C maximum on the day I arrive. That's a probable 18 degree difference in temperature in the same place just three days apart. So imagine what the variation could be over the course of a month and a number of ascents and descents.

 

[dick bird]

With great respect @Richmond Gardner , and trying to avoid the moderators' eagle eye:

I know not how to understand your post.

As this is an international forum and as the focus of the forum is walks in Spain, that references to temperature (as I think is what the numbers are suggesting) should be in terms used in Spain (and in most other countries in Europe and by contributors from around the world).

A way forward, of course, is to use all the standard temperature scales, complete with signifying letter. For example nnC / nnF etc.

A recent post by @trecile (you will have to search it out yourself) will round out the point.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)

It is quite easy to convert Celsius to Farenheit or Farenheit to Celsius. You can just Google it. This can be doe by either the poster or anyone who reads the post. Having said that, Celsius is standard in Spain and France, not to mention Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. 70F = 21.1C and 80F = 26C

 

[AlwynWellington]

It is quite easy to convert Celsius to Farenheit or Farenheit to Celsius.

Easy it might be, for some.
And if that is all you want to do each day, then (I suggest with great respect and humility) fill your boots.

On the other hand, the forum is not a place for conversions (of temperature, distance or souls).

As I understand it, the forum is for helping us all plan, enjoy and report on walking towards Compostela.

My understanding, @dick bird, is your exhortation is aimed at residents of those few countries that do not have the lingua franca of temperature and distance as used in Spain, for them to make conversions at home so their writings can make sense to all readers on this forum.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong)