Weather in early may

[batty]

I am starting my Camino frances from SJPD on the 10th of May . I am finalizing my clothes and shoes for the trip. I am looking for advice from anyone that walked during a similar time line. Did you take a jacket ? or just layers ?
What did you pack waterproof or non waterproof shoes ? Any advice would be appreciated this is my first camino. Thank you

 

[Anhalter]

Started twice around this date. I always pack to be OK in temps from 0°C upwards. Not that those temps are very likely, but i actually encountered single digits quite some mornings and once even a bit of snowfall. For rain i go with a minimal approach, light rain gear and non waterproof shoes.
But of course, most of my days were comfortably warm. Which wont help if you catch a cold on the single cold day.

 

[PawelB]

Hello, you can check historical weather here:

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

As far as equipment-you know what works best for you.....

 

[C clearly]

Did you take a jacket ? or just layers ?

A lightweight waterproof jacket (shell only; no lining) is always one of my layers, whenever and wherever I travel.

 

[nandogdc]

A lightweight waterproof jacket (shell only; no lining) is always one of my layers, whenever and wherever I travel.

What about a rain poncho? Would that be enough? What about a fleece or a poorer jacket, only one or take both?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've started from SJPP many times in May.
I've seen sun, clouds, rain, fog, 70kph winds, snow, and sleet.
That said, I've been fine with a lightweight puff jacket, layered clothing and a good hat.
Once I start walking I'm usually peeling off layers within 15 minutes.

I would definitely take my ALTUS poncho - I would bet you'll see rain!
It keeps me warm and even keeps my feet dry. (I'm 5'3 but buy the XL for the length)

 

[Scott Fraser]

I am starting my Camino frances from SJPD on the 10th of May . I am finalizing my clothes and shoes for the trip. I am looking for advice from anyone that walked during a similar time line. Did you take a jacket ? or just layers ?
What did you pack waterproof or non waterproof shoes ? Any advice would be appreciated this is my first camino. Thank you

I walked through snow and freezing rain at the top of the Napoleon Route on May 1st, 2018. Last year in early June I walked through a cold, driving rain (thunder storms) on the same stage. Really cold weather is unlikely, but it happens. It's best to be prepared. Layers of wool under a light weight waterproof jacket will work in most conditions in May. Start with a light weight long sleeve merino wool tee shirt or two. These will be useful later in the camino on their own - walking before sunup on cool mornings, or in keeping sun off your arms (yes, light weight merino wool is good in hot weather). Put a long sleeve shirt, fleece and/or a light pullover / sweater on top of the tee shirts, and then top it off with a waterproof, wind breaker. A light weight merino watch cap or buff that will cover your head and ears and a pair of wool glove liners should round out your cold weather insurance policy. Re footwear, you never know how much wet weather you'll have so it's best to have something to keep your feet as dry as possible. A pair of waterproof socks might be a good idea if your shoes aren't waterproof.

Buen Camino!

 

[batty]

I walked through snow and freezing rain at the top of the Napoleon Route on May 1st, 2018. Last year in early June I walked through a cold, driving rain (thunder storms) on the same stage. Really cold weather is unlikely, but it happens. It's best to be prepared. Layers of wool under a light weight waterproof jacket will work in most conditions in May. Start with a light weight long sleeve merino wool tee shirt or two. These will be useful later in the camino on their own - walking before sunup on cool mornings, or in keeping sun off your arms (yes, light weight merino wool is good in hot weather). Put a long sleeve shirt, fleece and/or a light pullover / sweater on top of the tee shirts, and then top it off with a waterproof, wind breaker. A light weight merino watch cap or buff that will cover your head and ears and a pair of wool glove liners should round out your cold weather insurance policy. Re footwear, you never know how much wet weather you'll have so it's best to have something to keep your feet as dry as possible. A pair of waterproof socks might be a good idea if your shoes aren't waterproof.

Buen Camino!

thank you for a very helpful reply

 

[rogersoncharles1951]

I am starting my Camino frances from SJPD on the 10th of May . I am finalizing my clothes and shoes for the trip. I am looking for advice from anyone that walked during a similar time line. Did you take a jacket ? or just layers ?
What did you pack waterproof or non waterproof shoes ? Any advice would be appreciated this is my first camino. Thank you

I was on Camino last year but cut short my trip on 20 th may after 10 days due to cold and rain consistently every day.came back in August when weather was much better.ive been doing Camino's for 15 years now many times starting May and all was good.so definitely take wet gear and warm clothing as well won't go amiss.im personally starting in Pamplona this year on 12 th May walking to Astorga this year

 

[JBerg]

you could check the ten day forecast which should give you a little help although not always accurate. then adjust your pack accordingly.

 

[lt56ny]

I've started from SJPP many times in May.
I've seen sun, clouds, rain, fog, 70kph winds, snow, and sleet.
That said, I've been fine with a lightweight puff jacket, layered clothing and a good hat.
Once I start walking I'm usually peeling off layers within 15 minutes.

I would definitely take my ALTUS poncho - I would bet you'll see rain!
It keeps me warm and even keeps my feet dry. (I'm 5'3 but buy the XL for the length)

I think you are 1000% correct about the Altus poncho. I do sweat alot in them but everything stays dry and sweat is the least of my worries. I walk later in the year and I now i only take on outer layer and a really, really light down jacket. I have realized that if I do get cold with just the one layer I can put on my Altus poncho to keep me warm.

 

[C clearly]

What about a rain poncho? Would that be enough? What about a fleece or a poorer jacket, only one or take both?

If you prefer a poncho, then that would be your rain protection. As to the fleece or other ("poorer"?) jacket, that depends on what all your various layers are. Fleeces come in different weights.

You need to be able to combine, layer by layer, a set that is good for a big range of weather and exertion.

 

[Sminn]

I walked from SJPdP on April 7 last year and the weather was magical. I think I wore a jacket around Burgos.

I have always worn waterproof shoes, same type and size for years upgrading every 500km or so. By the time I reached Pamplona, I ditched the tried and tested and went for more of a non waterproof runner and didn’t regret it. If you told me before the Camino that I would change like that I would have thought it crazy, but worked a treat.

My vote would be non water proof shoes and a lighter jacket.

 

[BetteHarris]

What about a rain poncho? Would that be enough? What about a fleece or a poorer jacket, only one or take both?

I learned that my waterproof rain jacket was really not waterproof. So in addition to my rain jacket I brought a cheap $10 plastic rain poncho that covered me and my backpack, and folds into a compact size. Buen Camino.

 

[Scott Fraser]

I learned that my waterproof rain jacket was really not waterproof. So in addition to my rain jacket I brought a cheap $10 plastic rain poncho.

The combination of the two should work. The only way to see if a jacket is rainproof is to wear it in a long shower.