Starting April

[etienne]

Hi Guys
I am planning on starting from St Jean round about 22nd April. Where can I find out more about the likely weather at that time? Should I take a heavy warm waterproof jacket for rainy days or rather a lighter waterproof jacket? I am really not sure about what to take regarding clothes either... what sort of temperatures can I expect?
Thanks very much... this is really a very last minute decision
Etienne

[grayland]

It is really impossible to predict the weather day to day in the SJPP to Pamplona area or for that matter the rest of the Camino. On two March-April Caminos I took minimal clothes to minimize pack weight. I took only a windbreaker waterproof (sealed seams). I took a short sleeve and a long sleeve tech tee shirt and a fleece 3/4 zipper type pullover shirt. Even in March this gave me plenty of warmth after walking a bit in the cold mornings. Layering is simple that way.
A poncho and a pack cover is important.
In 2009 we saw no rain that warranted a poncho until Sarria. In 2010 the rain was serious much of the time and the poncho was a life saver. Many people had the very light plastic pull over ponchos that were turned to shreds by the wind. Every year will be different and impossible to predict. Keep it as light and simple as possible.