When to go?

[rpeterson]

I have the chance in 2010 to travel the whole walk (St Frances) My concern is when to go, as I'm told huge numbers are expected in 2010. My initial plans are for the period between Mid July and the end of September.
Any thoughts?

[Betty]

Hi, my name is Betty. I too planning my walk in 2010. I am planning to do El Camino Frances. As I read this website, I concluded that towards the end of August to end of September will be best for me. Not too hot, not too cold. I will be coming from USA where summer is at is end around that time. Good luck with your plans. This forus has tons of great information. I love it!

[Jaola]

I've been researching the best times to go, the times you have both suggested will be very popular times meaning nearing the end it will be harder to find room at a place to stay; considering it's a holy year so there will be a massive influx. I'm going May-June 2010, still good weather and not quite as many people =)

[Covey]

Some useful information on Holy Years.

http://www.csj.org.uk/compostela.htm

A Holy Year is one where the Day of St James ie: 25th July falls on a Sunday and the last one was 2004.

I would think that June/July leading up to 25th July in Santiago will be packed out along the Camino Frances, and even outside these peak months it will be busier than usual as the Plenary Indulgence can be obtained throughout the Holy Year.

[Dan Elliott]

my first camino was Feb March 2006 and it was wonderful except for the mud (and the unrelenting rain in Galicia). The next year I did Le Puy to Santiago April and May. Then I started out with 1 week of cold and snow flurries but the rest was incredible. The Meseta in May is gloriously beautiful--green and full of flowers. The weather is mild, the alburgues not too crowded. I cannot imagine going in summer unless I walked at night. Even the extra month I had in Spain in '07 (June) was incredibly hot. But then MOST of the people walk in the summer, so it is far from impossible. Those of you who have the time should consider walking more in France--a different experience: all the churches and chapels are open, the people are wonderful, the gites are beautiful (more expensive but you can get a reservation) and some of the most amazing walking trails.

[upsetkl0wn]

It would be cool to plan to arrive in Santiago on July 25th. I have the privilege to walk in 2010, I am very excited. Or you could just walk whenever you feel like its a good time.

[Covey]

The following is a rough indication of the increase in numbers arriving at Santiago from all the pilgrim routes and collecting their Compostella in a Holy Year, compared with the year before.

1998 30,126 1999 (Holy Year) 154,613

2003 74,614 2004 (Holy Year) 179,944

2009 118,000 (est) 2010 (Holy Year) 250,000 (Spanish Gov est)

As you can see, in previous Holy Years (when 25th July is a Sunday) the numbers arriving at Santiago increased by some 100,000 pilgrims.

I should imagine that in Santiago on 25th July 2010 it will be standing room only!!

Have fun

[Leslie]

Covey, thanks for the numbers - I hope you don't mind me putting these stats on the blog.

And yes I was in Santiago in Aug 2004 and it was very busy - then again when I walked in 2005 it was pretty much the same along the way, but less busy in Santiago.

I really want to go back - but I don't seem to be able to manage to take that amount of time out now. I would liked to have walked this year again but my other half has decided that we will get married in Sep this year. I met her on the Camino Frances in 05 - so you could say the Camino has really changed my life.

[upsetkl0wn]

Thats cool that you met your fiance on the Camino. I walked the Camino Frances in the summer of 2005, it didn't really get busy until Galicia. But even then I always found a room. My companions and I are planning to bring a tent just incase we can't find a room.

[peacefulsoul]

Hi there. I have just returned from walking the Camino. I would suggest May as the best time to walk as it is not too hot yet. Next year is a year I would not choose to walk though as the forecasts are that there will be much over crowding as it is a holy year. I had trouble finding a place in the refuges in the larger more popular towns this year, so I would imagine that it would be even more difficult next year. If you decide to walk next year, you may have to resort to other accomodation instead of the albergues. They are building some new albergues in some of the towns to cater for what they are expecting next year. One in particular is in Roncesvalles. I had a wonderful experience and wish for you to have a wonderful time. Buon Camino!

[Pierotti77]

Has anyone hiked the Camino Frances in October? Is this considered an alright time to hike or is the weather no good at this time of year?

[Matty]

Has anyone hiked the Camino Frances in October? Is this considered an alright time to hike or is the weather no good at this time of year?

Hiya, I walked part of the camino frances in October 2007. The whether was fantastic, around 20 degrees. You never know though in Galicia it can rain at any time, but it will sitll be warm at that time of year. I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Buen Camino