Why Walk the Camino de Santiago in Autumn
Traditionally, the two best times of year to walk the Camino de Santiago are spring and autumn. However, many pilgrims can only start their journey to Santiago de Compostela during their holidays, especially in summer. In July and August, the atmosphere on the Camino is very special. In Galicia—or Spain in general—you can enjoy numerous festivals and events along the route.
But let’s get straight to the point. If you’ve made it this far, you’re one of the lucky people who can walk the Camino de Santiago in autumn. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Accommodations on the Camino de Santiago in Autumn
Unlike the busy summer months, when high tourist and pilgrim traffic can make central accommodations harder to find, lodging on the Camino de Santiago in autumn is generally easier to secure.
Still, we recommend booking your trip as early as possible to help secure the best accommodations and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago in Autumn
Although autumn sees fewer travelers than summer, the number of pilgrims remains significant. Many people choose to walk after the busy summer months, taking advantage of quieter paths during late-season vacations.
Autumn is especially popular among international pilgrims, while domestic travelers often prefer July and August due to work schedules.
This is a great opportunity to meet pilgrims from around the world, practice different languages, and enrich your Camino experience through new encounters.
During September and October, pilgrims can walk at a relaxed pace, avoiding the large summer crowds.
Weather on the Camino de Santiago in Autumn
Both in Galicia—the region where all Camino routes converge—as well as in the rest of Spain and northern Portugal, the weather in September and October can be unpredictable.
In recent years, however, temperatures during these months have generally been moderate and sometimes even quite warm, with little rainfall.
What is certain is that summers have become less extreme, and autumn now offers favorable weather for walking the Camino de Santiago.
Walking the typical Camino itinerary of around 20 km per day is undoubtedly more enjoyable in mild weather than under strong sun and high temperatures.
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From weather conditions to the change in clothing you should wear to face dropping temperatures, and even which Camino route is most recommended in autumn, the Galiwonders team has compiled the following tips for anyone planning to walk the Camino during the upcoming season.
Autumn usually brings rainfall and a general drop in temperatures. So make sure to prepare your waterproof poncho for walking the Camino in autumn.
Even if temperatures don’t drop dramatically, getting soaked in a sudden shower can make you feel the cold deep in your bones and make walking uncomfortable.
In specialized stores like Decathlon, you can find different options. We recommend trekking-specific ponchos, which are designed with a wide cut to also cover the backpack you carry on your shoulders. Why? Your belongings will stay protected throughout the stage, and you’ll appreciate arriving at your accommodation without having to dry your clothes that would otherwise smell damp.
Clothing and Accessories
Regardless of the season, at Galiwonders we always recommend dressing using the “layering method.” This way, whether it’s sunny or raining, you can adapt your clothing to the conditions and how you feel.
Fortunately, trekking gear has improved significantly in recent years. Our pilgrims now have access to technical fabrics that are lightweight yet very warm, taking up minimal space in your backpack (and not in your head!), while protecting you from varying weather conditions.
Some essentials you should carry in your backpack—if, for example, you were planning to complete the last 100 km of the Camino Francés in six stages—include:
For additional accessories, you might consider a thermal vest. They are comfortable, lightweight, and ideal for walking without being cumbersome, keeping you warm throughout your journey.
They are also perfect thanks to their multiple pockets, which can hold all your essentials: phone, wallet, and more.
It’s also a good idea to bring a synthetic, preferably waterproof hat, so your face stays dry while walking. Other items like waterproof gaiters to keep your socks dry or backpack covers are optional, but they can make your Camino experience much more comfortable. We recommend checking them out at your nearest trekking store.
Recommended Camino Routes for Autumn
Our answer is always the same: it depends on the pilgrim and their experience on the Camino. However, certain factors can make some routes a more comfortable experience.
In the past, churches and convents often served as refuges for exhausted pilgrims, but today this is less common. Now, bars and restaurants often provide a place to rest and shelter from the elements.
Keep in mind that seasonal businesses like food stalls, market stands, and temporary kiosks are less frequent in autumn, so careful planning is required.
Try to plan your stages with what you will carry in your backpack: enough water, snacks, and a more complete first aid kit are essential.
Regarding infrastructure, the clear winner is the Camino Francés: it passes through approximately 141 towns with services, which means there is, on average, at least one town with some facility—such as a bar or grocery store—every 5.6 km. This is important because in case of unexpected weather, these facilities can serve as a refuge.
The Camino Portugués, both its Coastal and traditional Inland routes, also has solid infrastructure and very good signage, making it easy to find places to rest and recharge along the way.
However, avoid lesser-known routes where tourism hasn’t significantly influenced local life. We do not recommend the Camino de Invierno, Primitivo, Norte, or the Vía de la Plata in autumn. If these are on your wish list, save them for spring or summer, when you can fully enjoy them once the high season begins again.
My Expectations and Pace on the Camino in Autumn
Walking the Camino in autumn follows a different rhythm, and you need to be patient with both the journey and yourself.
Basic factors, such as daylight hours, change during this season, which requires adapting to external conditions. In summer, we usually start early to avoid the heat of midday, but in autumn, we often do the opposite.
For safety, we avoid the darkest hours and make the most of daylight in the middle of the day. This also means adjusting your schedule and learning to go with the flow as conditions around you change.
The Camino in autumn is also less social. Summer is wonderful because pilgrims take advantage of their vacations, and the routes are busier. Autumn, however, is quieter. While some might be discouraged by the solitude, it offers unique advantages, making the journey more personal, reflective, and profoundly transformative. There is a special kind of resilience in someone who walks the Camino alone and handles every challenge with their own strength.
If you have doubts about this, we recommend reading another article we recently wrote about what it truly means to be prepared for the Camino de Santiago and the key things you should consider when embarking on this life-changing pilgrimage.
Brew your own cheese, enjoy a beer tasting… Discover the experiences available on each Camino and make your trip memorable.
2 Responses
I am planning to do the Camino Porto Coastal Route around October 12-26, 2026. I plan to make this journey a more personal and reflective pilgrimage. I would like more information and tips because this will be my first Camino.
Hi America, Thank you for reaching out! Here are some key tips for your Camino Portugués from Porto in October:
October can be mild and rainy; bring a lightweight rain jacket and comfortable shoes.Take moderate daily distances and book ahead, especially albergues, guesthouses, or small hotels. Keep your backpack light and bring essentials like water, first aid, and a power bank.For more detailed information and help planning the itinerary, please contact our sales team – they’ll be happy to assist you!