Weather

[Lynnem]

My husband and I are planning to walk from Le Puy to Pamplona in August this year. My French friend was saying last night that it is the worst time because the weather is so hot then. We walked the Camino Frances in September 2014 but didn't walk to Finisterre. We would like to add this on to our walk this year and thought that if we left it too late to start it would be too cold in Finisterre. My husband had a stroke in 2012 so we only walk around 15kms each day. My husband is very keen to walk the whole 800 klms. So estimate that it will take us about 55days. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Bradypus]

It is almost impossible for someone to say what a stranger will find "too cold". I am Scottish and find cold more comfortable than heat. I walked to Muxia and Finisterre in November and spent much of my time walking in shirt-sleeves. But a great deal depends on weather on the day. Galicia is notoriously unpredictable. This weather statistics site will give you average temperatures for Finisterre for various times of year. It may help you decide if the time of year you are planning fits in your own comfort zone.

https://weatherspark.com/y/32073/Average-Weather-in-Fisterra-Spain-Year-Round

 

[Kitsambler]

My husband and I are planning to walk from Le Puy to Pamplona in August this year. My French friend was saying last night that it is the worst time because the weather is so hot then.

Your French friend is correct. August is so hot, the French do not walk. So many gites are not open. Grandma and Grandpa are enjoying the grandkids. Weather will be more amenable in September.

 

[NavyBlue]

August is so hot, the French do not walk. So many gites are not open. Grandma and Grandpa are enjoying the grandkids. Weather will be more amenable in September.

A bit overstated here, Kitsambler. Yes, August is hot. But the gites are open (not found one closed in August in the MMDD ). And the French do walk, even if August is not the busiest month in the year. I walked twice the Le Puy in August, and was very far from being alone ! Most gites I saw were really busy.

 

[Deleted member 397]

France is not the sahara. I've walked in summer several times...in july i was lucky as 2 weeks before there was torrential rain and cold spells...what do you prefer cold and wet or warm and sunny?

 

[ranthr]

My first GR 65 started from Le Puy 15.08.09. Nice weather until I reached St. Jean Pied du Port when it started raining.
Cannot remember it was too hot. Blackberries along the route and the paths were dry and easywalking. Lots of people.
My next start from Le Puy was in the beginning of May 2013. Very wet and muddy paths, took the road some places. Cold,wet weather, never regretted bringing a goretex jacket.
If I go again, I will choose August/September