The seasons in Spain are divided into three-month segments, and are only a general guide about what is 'supposed to' happen with the weather! It should be noted that weather conditions in Spain are variable and walkers do not always experience the climate they were expecting. Always check the seasonal weather trends to get an idea what is happening in the year that you choose to go. In 2013, May was really quite cold at times and June only warmed up a little compared to other years.
The seasons are divided in the following way:
WINTER: December, January, February
SPRING: March, April, May
SUMMER: June, July, August
AUTUMN: September, October, November
WALKING THE CAMINO IN WINTER
Winter walking can be dangerous when there are freezing, icy conditions and when the mist and fog sets in. Where there is deep snow, finding way-markers can be tricky, and pilgrims can easily get lost if they do not know the route well. Getting lost in winter when there are hardly any pilgrims on the isolated roads, can be hazardous.
Most of the accommodations close down between November and March/April.
WALKING THE CAMINO IN SPRING
While March is still relatively cold, April and May tend to bring extremely unpredictable weather patterns. Temperatures vary greatly and it can rain for days on end, making the tracks muddy and difficult to walk through. Many pilgrims are starting to arrive from March onwards, though it doesn’t get too busy until around mid-May. With the rains and warmer temperatures comes the new life of spring, and the camino route is a vista of colour and beautiful smells. And with the birds in full song it is nothing less than heaven on earth. Some of the mountain passes still tend to be dangerously frozen over and pilgrims are advised not to take certain routes.
By April, most accommodations have opened up again after the winter break. It’s not difficult to get accommodation in April, but after that, in May and June, the camino walking does tend to become a race for a bed. The Way is very busy by this time
WALKING THE CAMINO IN SUMMER
June, July and August are peak walking months on the Camino de Santiago, and while temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels for hikers, the weather tends to be much more consistent. Pilgrims tend to sleep earlier at night and rise again in the pre-dawn hours to get a head-start on the heat of the day.
Summer in Spain brings many other tourists to certain towns along the camino routes, and so hotels, pensions and hostals can be in short supply. Busy with pilgrims, getting accommodation can sometimes be a challenge if you are not organized. Pilgrims tend to rise early to avoid too many hours in the direct sun. Other camino routes such as the Camino Portugues, the Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo and the Via de la Plata are less crowded than the popular Camino Frances, and so pilgrims tend to encounter less problems in getting a bed for the night in summer.
WALKING THE CAMINO IN AUTUMN
By September, the weather is still quite hot, but temperatures begin dropping as October approaches. Even in October, it is still relatively warm and the scenery beautiful. Leaves are changing colour, birds are flying southwards and the quiet sleep of winter is drawing in. This is reflected in the quiet of the camino roads, as people return home from their summer pilgrimages. At some of the higher altitudes, snow can fall as early as the end of October, so the pilgrim needs to be prepared for that. Regular rainfall starts up again by this time and this is an occasion for those pilgrims who love to walk as nature completes it cycle, and withdraws for the winter.
Pilgrims numbers have dropped considerably by October, and accommodations are relatively empty by then. Many lodgings close down in November and people still walking sometimes have difficulty finding somewhere to sleep.
Here we suggest you a good weather web on the Camino:
http://www.elcaminosantiago.com/Weather-Camino-Santiago.htm
¡BUEN CAMINO!