A detailed guide to hiking conditions from March through May, covering weather patterns, crowd levels, albergue availability, and what to pack for the unpredict
So you're thinking about walking the Camino in spring 2026. Smart choice, honestly. I've completed over a dozen Caminos now, and spring remains my favourite season for the walk—though "favourite" comes with asterisks, caveats, and at least one story about hypothermia in Galicia. Let me break down what you're actually getting into, month by month.
The good news? You'll practically have the trail to yourself. Albergue availability isn't even a consideration—you'll often be one of five or six pilgrims in a 50-bed hostel. It's wonderfully intimate (and occasionally lonely, if I'm being honest). The hospitaleros have time to actually talk with you, share stories, maybe pour you an extra glass of wine.
Temperatures typically range from 3-15°C, but the Meseta can drop below freezing at night whilst Galicia stays damp enough to make your bones ache. My suggestion is to carry a proper rain jacket rather than a poncho—the wind will turn any poncho into a useless sail.
Crowd levels pick up, particularly after Easter. You'll start encountering more pilgrims, which means more camaraderie but also your first taste of the "where will I sleep tonight" anxiety. Not critical yet, but it's worth starting your day reasonably early.
I'd pack a lightweight down jacket for April mornings and evenings, plus that rain gear I mentioned. And broken-in waterproof boots. Emphasis on broken-in. I once watched a German accountant limp into Burgos with blisters the size of communion wafers because he'd bought new boots three days before departing.
Weather stabilises considerably. Expect 15-25°C in most sections, though the Cruz de Ferro can still surprise you with cold mornings. Sunscreen becomes essential (I've been lobster-red more times than I'd like to admit), and a good sun hat moves from optional to mandatory.
My strong recommendation for May: book your first night's accommodation in advance, especially in popular starting points like Sarria or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. And start walking by 7am to secure beds along the way.
- Base layers that wick moisture
- Insulating mid-layer
- Waterproof outer shell
- Quick-dry hiking trousers (not jeans, please)
- One set of evening clothes for feeling human again
And pack half what you think you need. Then remove another item. Your knees will thank me later.
If you're still uncertain about timing or want personalised advice for your specific situation, you can plan your Camino with more detailed questions. Or ask about packing lists for spring walking.
Buen Camino. And seriously, break in those boots.
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Try asking My Camino Guide:
- What are the best albergues on the Camino Francés in spring?
- How do I prepare physically for walking 25km per day?
- What happens if all the albergues are full?
March: The Wild Card
March on the Camino is basically nature's way of testing your commitment. I've experienced glorious sunshine one year and sideways sleet the next. Go in knowing that March means layers. Lots of them.The good news? You'll practically have the trail to yourself. Albergue availability isn't even a consideration—you'll often be one of five or six pilgrims in a 50-bed hostel. It's wonderfully intimate (and occasionally lonely, if I'm being honest). The hospitaleros have time to actually talk with you, share stories, maybe pour you an extra glass of wine.
Temperatures typically range from 3-15°C, but the Meseta can drop below freezing at night whilst Galicia stays damp enough to make your bones ache. My suggestion is to carry a proper rain jacket rather than a poncho—the wind will turn any poncho into a useless sail.
April: The Sweet Spot (Usually)
April is when spring actually feels like spring. Wildflowers start appearing along the trail, the days lengthen noticeably, and—here's the honest bit—you might still get completely drenched. Galician weather doesn't care about your calendar.Crowd levels pick up, particularly after Easter. You'll start encountering more pilgrims, which means more camaraderie but also your first taste of the "where will I sleep tonight" anxiety. Not critical yet, but it's worth starting your day reasonably early.
I'd pack a lightweight down jacket for April mornings and evenings, plus that rain gear I mentioned. And broken-in waterproof boots. Emphasis on broken-in. I once watched a German accountant limp into Burgos with blisters the size of communion wafers because he'd bought new boots three days before departing.
May: When Everyone Shows Up
By May, the Camino transforms. Suddenly there are queues for showers, competitions for beds, and that peaceful morning walk becomes a procession. Don't let this discourage you—the energy is genuinely wonderful, and you'll make friends faster than you can remember names.Weather stabilises considerably. Expect 15-25°C in most sections, though the Cruz de Ferro can still surprise you with cold mornings. Sunscreen becomes essential (I've been lobster-red more times than I'd like to admit), and a good sun hat moves from optional to mandatory.
My strong recommendation for May: book your first night's accommodation in advance, especially in popular starting points like Sarria or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. And start walking by 7am to secure beds along the way.
What to Pack Regardless of Month
The layering principle isn't negotiable. You need:- Base layers that wick moisture
- Insulating mid-layer
- Waterproof outer shell
- Quick-dry hiking trousers (not jeans, please)
- One set of evening clothes for feeling human again
And pack half what you think you need. Then remove another item. Your knees will thank me later.
If you're still uncertain about timing or want personalised advice for your specific situation, you can plan your Camino with more detailed questions. Or ask about packing lists for spring walking.
Final Thoughts
Spring 2026 will offer you something beautiful and probably frustrating in equal measure. The rain will test you, the crowds will surprise you, and somewhere around week two, you'll wonder why anyone does this voluntarily. But then you'll crest a hill at sunrise, alone with your thoughts whilst the mist burns off the valleys below, and you'll understand completely.Buen Camino. And seriously, break in those boots.
---
Try asking My Camino Guide:
- What are the best albergues on the Camino Francés in spring?
- How do I prepare physically for walking 25km per day?
- What happens if all the albergues are full?
