Walking in October - does it differ much from May / June?

[SudoCaminoDan]

Hi,

We walked the Camino de Santiago for the first time in May & June this year, and absolutely loved it.

We plan on walking the first week again in October (with a view to going back later next year to continue from wherever we stop), but obviously the weather in October in unlikely to be as nice as in May / June.

Has anyone walked in early October who can shed any light on if it's going to be massively colder, wetter, or more slippery when compared to May / June - especially over the Pyrenees and down into Zubiri on those razor-sharp rocks?

We took ponchos with us in May & June and had to use them 3 times in the entire 800km journey... so had a great time with the weather! We're hoping for the same in October, but guessing we might not be as lucky.

 

[dreaming]

Last year I walked CF in October. 2 weeks of hot weather over 30 most days followed by 2 weeks of solid rain.

 

[davejsy]

I concur with @dreaming as I walked at the same time. First half of October was very hot. But, of course the weather has been very hot and miss this year so it would be impossible to say really. It was snowing over 2000m near Leon last week as an example, which wouldn't be odd in times past.

 

[J Willhaus]

My husband found that the weather changed quite a lot from the first to the last part of October in 2021 He went from shirts and t-shirt to needing to buy a jacket and wearing all his clothes later in the month.

 

[MARSKA]

Last year I walked CF in October. 2 weeks of hot weather over 30 most days followed by 2 weeks of solid rain.

Dreaming - we must have walked the same dates!!!!! I, too, experienced 2 weeks of very, very hot weather and 2 solid weeks of rain. I started in SJPDP on 9/21/23 and arrived SDC on 10/30/23

 

[MARSKA]

Dan --- take heart--- I was told the weather I experienced fall of 2023 was very unusual, so take my bad weather Camino with a grain of salt. I agree with J Willhaus - the weather is likely to change significantly between 10/1 and 11/1. I'd prepare for very warm days early in Oct. and much cooler (even cold) days later in the month.

 

[trecile]

In the Spring the days are getting longer, while in the Autumn they are getting shorter.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Instead of green newly planted corn fields in Spring there are brown fields being harvested in the fall. Fewer wildflowers in the fall.

 

[henrythedog]

The rocks are not razor sharp. No need for hyperbole. It’ll not be massively different.

There’s a greater chance of rain and it’ll be a little cooler than in May and June.

If you’re from London it’ll be warmer and dryer than at home.

 

[kaney55]

Hi,

We walked the Camino de Santiago for the first time in May & June this year, and absolutely loved it.

We plan on walking the first week again in October (with a view to going back later next year to continue from wherever we stop), but obviously the weather in October in unlikely to be as nice as in May / June.

Has anyone walked in early October who can shed any light on if it's going to be massively colder, wetter, or more slippery when compared to May / June - especially over the Pyrenees and down into Zubiri on those razor-sharp rocks?

We took ponchos with us in May & June and had to use them 3 times in the entire 800km journey... so had a great time with the weather! We're hoping for the same in October, but guessing we might not be as lucky.

I walked from 16th October for 7 days and rained every day. It wasn't cold and as soon as i bought a poncho everything was great I even walked in sandals was quite refreshing actually. I kept reminding my self that the pilgrims before us most probably didn't have much in the way of waterproof clothing and most probably hungry most of the way so thanks to god for keeping me blessed throughout my walk.

 

[@Ditts]

Did it from SJPDP 2023 in late April may and warm the whole way except for about 4 days. Did the primitivo April may 2024 and had snow and sleet by the end.
I’m going the Frances again at the beginning of October so was pondering the same question. As people say , I think it might be cool by the end of the month but I’m going expecting more rain and cold than last year. Might see you somewhere along the way Buen Camino

 

[mattythedog]

Hi,

We walked the Camino de Santiago for the first time in May & June this year, and absolutely loved it.

We plan on walking the first week again in October (with a view to going back later next year to continue from wherever we stop), but obviously the weather in October in unlikely to be as nice as in May / June.

Has anyone walked in early October who can shed any light on if it's going to be massively colder, wetter, or more slippery when compared to May / June - especially over the Pyrenees and down into Zubiri on those razor-sharp rocks?

We took ponchos with us in May & June and had to use them 3 times in the entire 800km journey... so had a great time with the weather! We're hoping for the same in October, but guessing we might not be as lucky.

I have done both seasons several times. Weather risk is equal. Only difference is daylight is much shorter in October

 

[SudoCaminoDan]

If you’re from London it’ll be warmer and dryer than at home.

Perfect, I'll remember to pack the sunblock then .

 

[Jarrad]

More fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy in the fall. If walking in September, you may get to see the wine grapes harvested. Ah, the aroma ...

 

[asl]

Last year I walked CF in October. 2 weeks of hot weather over 30 most days followed by 2 weeks of solid rain.

I remember that rain, too well.

Also, days are shorter. Sun generally doesn’t come up until close to 9am. We used headlamps on most Oct mornings.

 

[KYBirdman]

We walked the last week in September and finished the last week of October. We had only 1 day of rain and it was a bit cool that day but a jacket was good enough. I hiked in a skirt the entire time. I had a pair of long pants for the evening. We started usually around 6 am and never needed gloves. We are planning to go again at that time of year.

 

[Ste66]

I walked from Carrion de los condes to Ponferrada last year starting on the 26th of October finishing on the 3rd of November and we had rain and wind most days culminating in snow at Cruz de Fero, other years at the same time of year I've walked in temperatures of mid 20s celsius but it's all part of the adventure.

 

[Sirage]

More fresh fruits ... to enjoy in the fall. ... in September, .... the wine grapes harvested.

Although last year's wine grapes will be much better.