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Weather condition Camino Frances

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Ewlodarz

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
May 10, 2023
Hello Everybody! I'm preparinf for my first Camino starting in SJPDP opn May 9th. Unfortunately the forcast isn't that optimistic. Should I do my first part to Roncesvalles in spite of rain? Does anybody have any experience to share? Thank you in advance! Bueno Camino!
Ewa
 
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Maybe check with the pilgrim office for their advice when you arrive? Looks to be a little rainy all week. You can buy a good rain poncho in SJPDI if you don't have one already.
 
Most of us have experience walking in the rain on many stages. It is always the same - wet.

Heavy overcast and rain will mean you don't get the best views from the Napoleon, so you might consider the Valcarlos route. Rain will mean that you start your first day with rain - you might consider this to be a satisfying baptism that is part of your journey, or you might consider it to be a miserable day that you prefer to avoid by taking other transport. It is up to you!
 
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There's no day that you can start that you can be guaranteed good weather for your Camino.

Here's the forecast for the high point on the Napoleon Route:

14 Day Weather Collado de Bentarte - meteoblue

The professional 14-day weather trend for Collado de Bentarte. Showing the uncertainty and reliability of the weather forecast.
www.meteoblue.com
 
Hola @Ewlodarz So a big welcome to our Camino Forum. You will find lost of good information here and possibly make some good on line friends/amigo (or amigas).
Now for the serious stuff. The weather on the Napoleon section of the Camino Frances (St Jean to Roncesvalles) can be very changeable, but don't let this put you off,. The small French town of St Jean is a great place to start your camino adventure. If it pans out that the weather forecast is correct (rain/snow/strong winds etc), then there is a plan B - via Valcarlos. This is what I had to do on my camino in May 2017. The first leg to Valcarlos wasn't too bad and the albergue was clean and comfortable (with small lockers beside your bed). The second day does involve a near 600 metre climb to Alto Don Simon. From there its down hill to Roncesvalles.
If I can offer another small piece of advice, be prepared to change your plans. Buen Camino.
 
Definitely come prepared for rain but you probably don't need to worry about it too much. My husband and I have walked various caminos and what we have found is that usually when rain is forecast, even with high percentages, the rain is just off and on and usually light. The worst part is having to put on and off the rain gear. (You can be pretty sure that as soon as you stop and put on your raincoat the rain will stop.) We've had just a handful of days over all the caminos where it rained hard all day. And it seems most of the rain is at night when we are snug in our beds.

Oh gosh just realized I should add that we have not walked over the Pyrenees (yet) so what I say may not apply to that part of the walk. Definitely listen to the people that have done that.
 
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Thank you so much for your comment and advice. I just realized that I didn’t mention the most important thing which is safety. I’ve heard that the first part is the most challenging and the rain can make it worse. I don’t mind walking in the rain (already well equiped but mountains can be tricky.
 
Thank you so much for your reply, my concern is safety in Pyrenees especially the first part of Camino from SJPDP to Roncesvalles that in many opinions is most challenging.
 
Ewlodarz said:
Thank you so much for your reply, my concern is safety in Pyrenees especially the first part of Camino from SJPDP to Roncesvalles that in many opinions is most challenging.
Click to expand...
Yes, I understand it's important to be especially cautious for that section.
 
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Saint Mike II you made my day! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and valuable advices I’m so grateful that I’m meeting so many beautiful and supportive people before my journey even started (May 9th) It is a very special first Camino for me cause I will be celebrating my birthday somewhere on the way… very special birthday. Camino walk is my own present, the one that I was thinking of, since the release of “The Way” movie in 2010. I will consider Valcarlos if the weather changes. Once again Thank you!
 
We will be behind you by a day. Buy a poncho (you will likely need it in Galicia) and make sure to check with the pilgrim’s office for their advice on the weather over the summit. I don’t think lightning is in the forecast, but that’s important to look out for, as well. Buen Camino!
 
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Thank you so much Kasee! I’m feeling much better just to know that there’re supportive people like you on Camino! I was going to change my route starting in Burgos but I’ve heard that SJPDP is a must. I hope that we will meet somewhere on the Camino Bueno Camino to you too!
 
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Not really a must. Its a hype by people who think that the Camino "starts" there. Burgos is a very nice town. You may want to allow yourself a day to acclimate a see the cathedral and some of the other sights before setting off.
 
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