There is no perfect time for the Portuguese Camino: summer is dry but busy, spring and autumn bring more rain and fewer people, and winter is very rainy with many private albergues closed. This official data helps you choose.
Pilgrims per month
| Month | Central Route | Coastal Route |
|---|---|---|
| Mar | 2.971 | 2.185 |
| Apr | 11.505 | 8.658 |
| May | 14.784 | 15.200 |
| Jun | 12.667 | 12.183 |
| Jul | 12.494 | 9.604 |
| Aug | 14.582 | 11.129 |
| Sep | 15.661 | 16.043 |
| Oct | 11.478 | 11.454 |
| Nov | 2.108 | 1.455 |
Compostelas issued in 2025 by month of arrival in Santiago (Pilgrim’s Office). Very few arrive from December to February: about 2,500 on the Central Route and 1,600 on the Coastal Route over the three months. September was the busiest month on both variants, followed by May.
The weather in Santiago de Compostela
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11,2 °C | 4,1 °C | 15,2 |
| Feb | 12,5 °C | 4,1 °C | 12,6 |
| Mar | 15,0 °C | 5,4 °C | 12,8 |
| Apr | 16,1 °C | 6,2 °C | 14,4 |
| May | 18,6 °C | 8,5 °C | 12,7 |
| Jun | 22,2 °C | 11,3 °C | 7,6 |
| Jul | 24,3 °C | 13,0 °C | 5,7 |
| Aug | 24,7 °C | 13,3 °C | 5,5 |
| Sep | 22,8 °C | 11,9 °C | 8,4 |
| Oct | 18,1 °C | 9,5 °C | 14,0 |
| Nov | 14,1 °C | 6,7 °C | 14,9 |
| Dec | 11,9 °C | 5,0 °C | 15,9 |
AEMET normals (Santiago airport, 1981–2010); days with at least 1 mm of rain. In Porto it rains less in summer (about 3 days a month in July and August, according to IPMA) and temperatures are a little milder all year round.
When to go
- May, June and September: good weather and long days, but these are the months with the most pilgrims; book the private albergues.
- July and August: the driest and hottest months, with beaches full of tourists on the Coastal Route.
- April and October: fewer people and pleasant temperatures, with more rainy days.
- From November to March: very rainy; many private albergues close, although most public ones open all year round.
- 2027 is a Holy Year, because 25 July falls on a Sunday: more pilgrims than usual are expected all year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for the Portuguese Camino?
May, June and September combine good weather and long days, but they are the busiest. April and October are quieter, with a little more rain.
Does it rain a lot on the Portuguese Camino?
In winter it does: in Santiago it rains about 15 days a month from November to January. In July and August, about 5 or 6.
When is the next Holy Year?
In 2027, because 25 July, Saint James’s Day, falls on a Sunday.