Is Spain cold this Spring?

[aname4me]

I have been watching a Video Blog on YouTube....
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ysOpAERXmmYM3LGPCu9JA

Stephen Jones is walking the Camino de Frances right now (March 2018).

The latest Vlog is... Camino de Santiago 2018 Vlog - Day 28 - Ruitelán – Fonfría

O Cebreiro is covered with a foot of SNOW!

So the Question: Is this a cold Spring in Spain, or is this normal weather for mid-March?

I can remember, at several Albergues I stayed at, they would have a picture of their building snow covering, mounted on the wall..... like it was a rare thing.

 

[Prentiss Riddle]

I’m reading this book by a Spanish pilgrim, who refers to the month of March as winter, not spring.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35444608-the-great-westward-walk

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Well, Spring officially begins March 21/22.... so, how cold has it been for the last couple of days?

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Well, Spring officially begins March 21/22.... so, how cold has it been for the last couple of days?

Correction, Dave,

Spring began at 12:15 Eastern Time, March 20, 2018 in North America so it would have bee, I think, about 6:15 PM last Tuesday. Not raggling, just being accurate.

 

[Susan Peacock]

At the higher elevations I would say any weather is possible. I have posted this before, but this is May 12, 2016 at Cruz de Fero. a few days later we were in short sleeves picnicking.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Correction, Dave,

Spring began at 12:15 Eastern Time, March 20, 2018 in North America so it would have bee, I think, about 6:15 PM last Tuesday. Not raggling, just being accurate.

Absolutely correct... I can never keep track since the darn thing varies from year to year.

 

[GraemeHall]

At Longroño this morning it was 2°. I am in Nájera at the moment and it is 7°. The Weather Channel is carrying a warning for Nájera for tomorrow night for disruptions due to snow and ice.

 

[Heikki]

I’m on Norte right now (in Markina). Today it was about 5-10 celsius degrees, but it has been raining since noon. Locals say that it has been unusually cold. I really hope that rain will stop.

 

[tomnorth]

I have been watching a Video Blog on YouTube....
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ysOpAERXmmYM3LGPCu9JA

Stephen Jones is walking the Camino de Frances right now (March 2018).

The latest Vlog is... Camino de Santiago 2018 Vlog - Day 28 - Ruitelán – Fonfría

O Cebreiro is covered with a foot of SNOW!

So the Question: Is this a cold Spring in Spain, or is this normal weather for mid-March?

I can remember, at several Albergues I stayed at, they would have a picture of their building snow covering, mounted on the wall..... like it was a rare thing.

Thanks for posting this. I've been watching his vlogs. It is looking a bit like Minnesota in March over there this year. I'll be walking a year from now, so I may need to give some serious thought to my layers for warmth.

 

[Iriebabel]

I have been watching a Video Blog on YouTube....
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ysOpAERXmmYM3LGPCu9JA

Stephen Jones is walking the Camino de Frances right now (March 2018).

The latest Vlog is... Camino de Santiago 2018 Vlog - Day 28 - Ruitelán – Fonfría

O Cebreiro is covered with a foot of SNOW!

So the Question: Is this a cold Spring in Spain, or is this normal weather for mid-March?

I can remember, at several Albergues I stayed at, they would have a picture of their building snow covering, mounted on the wall..... like it was a rare thing.

I’ve been watching him too. Giving me a good idea what to expect next week

 

[Iriebabel]

I’m on Norte right now (in Markina). Today it was about 5-10 celsius degrees, but it has been raining since noon. Locals say that it has been unusually cold. I really hope that rain will stop.

I wish you warmth and dry soon buen Camino

 

[Iriebabel]

Correction, Dave,

Spring began at 12:15 Eastern Time, March 20, 2018 in North America so it would have bee, I think, about 6:15 PM last Tuesday. Not raggling, just being accurate.

I’m in west central florida ..my plants are confused. I’m confused... Yesterday 28F today 75F I’m ready for snow, sleet, rain...bring it on Camino lol
I’m sure i’ll Regret that statement

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I’m in west central florida ..my plants are confused. I’m confused... Yesterday 28F today 75F

If you are on the Atlantoic side, have you seen any icebergs floating by? LOL BTW, coming from Florida, you know that to warm up the area for all the tourists, you need to crank up the thermostat and open all doors and windows.....

 

[Iriebabel]

If you are on the Atlantoic side, have you seen any icebergs floating by? LOL BTW, coming from Florida, you know that to warm up the area for all the tourists, you need to crank up the thermostat and open all doors and windows.....

Edit: Gulf Side north of Tampa

Hahah. You know I think I saw an iceberg and a few polar bears
We had a hard frost few weeks back low 20s Poor plants were hit very hard looking like sticks but starting to come back now. “ And we heard grumblings all through the land ...I didn’t know florida gets this cold ..where is my fur”

 

[Oppis]

One day to Salamanca, terrible storm called Hugo today, 90km/h. And only +1 degree. Hard to keep standing on the road. And the wind was blowing all thru your head, but we all could do the 28kmtrs. No damage to anybody.
TV reporting killed for falling trees. Is it normal???

 

[Iriebabel]

One day to Salamanca, terrible storm called Hugo today, 90km/h. And only +1 degree. Hard to keep standing on the road. And the wind was blowing all thru your head, but we all could do the 28kmtrs. No damage to anybody.
TV reporting killed for falling trees. Is it normal???

Stay safe ...you are my hero today !

 

[tomnorth]

Thanks for posting this. I've been watching his vlogs. It is looking a bit like Minnesota in March over there this year. I'll be walking a year from now, so I may need to give some serious thought to my layers for warmth.

REI has 50% off right now on the REI Activator SI Jacket. It's $74 now, regularly $149. I don't have a good, light-weight insulated jacket (Minnesota winters aren't great for light-weight jackets), so I decided to pick this one up. It's actually lighter than the North Face biking jacket I was planning to bring.

 

[Iriebabel]

REI has 50% off right now on the REI Activator SI Jacket. It's $74 now, regularly $149. I don't have a good, light-weight insulated jacket (Minnesota winters aren't great for light-weight jackets), so I decided to pick this one up. It's actually lighter than the North Face biking jacket I was planning to bring.

Great price! I have a Northface rain/wind jacket.
Watching Stephen’s Day 30 on You tube

 

[surya8]

Yes, this year spring is colder and later then normal, it's all over Europe anyway, not only in Spain. But what is normal now with the climate change anyway? A lot of heavy rain this winter and spring, also unusual, but probably due to the fact that last year was very dry and there were a lot of forest fires. Nature ties to balance itself, and the earth needs rain badly. So take the rain gear and some warm layers with you this spring, especially if you pass through the mountains.

 

[mousehog]

Yes, this year spring is colder and later then normal, it's all over Europe anyway, not only in Spain. But what is normal now with the climate change anyway? A lot of heavy rain this winter and spring, also unusual, but probably due to the fact that last year was very dry and there were a lot of forest fires. Nature ties to balance itself, and the earth needs rain badly. So take the rain gear and some warm layers with you this spring, especially if you pass through the mountains.

Australia gets enough rain in some parts at some times, too much rain in some parts at some times and not enough rain in some parts at some times. Records back to 1890’s show the fluctuation in rain. Nothing new.

 

[mousehog]

At Longroño this morning it was 2°. I am in Nájera at the moment and it is 7°. The Weather Channel is carrying a warning for Nájera for tomorrow night for disruptions due to snow and ice.

We are at Najera now and the temperature is dropping. Heading for Santo Domingo de la something tomorrow.

 

[Martyduc]

Also very cold on the Camino Mozarabe... Small flakes of snow while walking to Alquife yesterday

 

[Pelegrin]

There is a saying "Cuando Marzo mayea, Mayo marcea" that means When in March wheather is like in May, in May weather will be like in March.
And this has been more or less true for the last years with warm temperatures in March and relatevely cold in May, but this year is different, we have had a very unusual cold and rainy March. So probably May will be a wonderful spring month

 

[Ste From Dublin]

Hi guys,

Thanks to those of you who watched my Vlogs. I know I'm Irish and used to cold-ish weather but there is nothing to worry about. ! warm fleece/jacket and you guys will be fine. Remember, even on the coldest days you are walking and will sweat. I found it a really great time to go as there was a few challenges but most of the time it felt like I had the Camino all to myself.

While vlogs/forums etc are useful dont treat them as Gospel. You will be fine and will find your own way!

Buen Camino

Stephen Jones

 

[Steffi16]

So probably May will be a wonderful spring month

I hope so Pelegrin - we're Burgos to Leon on 14th May so spring instead of snow would be wonderful! Take care out there lovely people and Buen Camino

 

[John Hawke]

Start in St Jean in two weeks hoping for the Napoleon rt. and good weather.
Loved Stephen Jones vlogs, still coming by the way!
The Camino provides and "the dude abides"!

 

[donalomahony]

@Ste From Dublin Followed all your vlogs great job on a late winter / early Spring Camino

In relation to the OP Northern Europe is having a late Spring. A good rain jacket and lots of layers will do but as Stephen says you are walking and will warm up.

I found it was necessary (for me) to put on something warm and dry once I stopped, say for lunch. I cooled down quickly on the earlier season Camino’s.

 

[mousehog]

I am now in Portomarín. Weather has warmed the last 2 days. Have ditched the thermals, the beanie, gloves and jacket. Yass!!