Doing the Camino de Santiago in August

The reasons for you to do the Camino de Santiago in August

The Camino de Santiago attracts thousands of walkers and cyclists every year who decide to undertake a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Summer, especially during the months of August and September, is one of the best times to do the Camino de Santiago in August or September.

Temperatures are moderate in September, not so much in August that you have to be cautious of the sunniest hours, the scenery is beautiful, the hostels are at full capacity and the influx of pilgrims is not as much as in summer. In this post we tell you the advantages of doing the Camino de Santiago in August or September and some keys to enjoy it to the fullest.

1. Ideal climate

August offers almost perfect weather for walking the Camino de Santiago. Temperatures are moderate, ranging between 20 degrees Celsius minimum and 25 degrees Celsius maximum, in September the minimum would be 18 degrees Celsius and maximum 23 degrees Celsius, which makes the temperature if you walk early in the morning cooler. In addition, the likelihood of rain is lower than in spring, ensuring drier and sunnier days.

2. Nature in all its splendour

Nature along the Camino is at its best throughout the summer. The fields are full of flowers, the forests are green and lush, and the landscapes are simply breathtaking. It is the time of year when the fauna and flora are most active, offering pilgrims a special connection with the natural environment.

3. Influx of pilgrims

Although the Camino is popular all year round, the summer months are the busiest. The large number of people also facilitates interaction with other pilgrims, fostering a more intimate and friendly atmosphere.

4. Longer working hours

Long summer days allow you to make the most of each day's walk. With more daylight hours, you can start early and finish late, giving you more time to explore the towns and cities along the way. This not only gives you flexibility in your itinerary, but also allows you to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

5. Lighter backpacks

The warmer temperatures also make it easier to carry a lighter backpack, so you can do without warm clothes and walking like this with backpacks lighter. Pack your backpack with breathable T-shirts, some shorts or detachable trousers, flip-flops and even a swimming costume, in case you feel like cooling off in the river or in a bathing area in the town where you are.
Don't forget to bring a mackintosh. It's an unstable time of year weather-wise, so it could rain at any time. That's why a rain jacket should always be in your backpack - it's light and space-saving, and can save you from a rainstorm when you get caught in the rain.

6. Events and festivities

The summer months are filled with local events and festivities in many of the towns and villages along the Camino. From patron saint festivals to local markets and cultural festivals, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the area. These events offer a unique insight into local life and make your experience even more enriching.

7. Physical and mental preparation

If you have prepared yourself physically to do the Camino de SantiagoYou will enjoy the pilgrimage very much. As we said before, go "cheerful" the first hours of the day because you will be grateful for it when you have walked kilometres. Everyone has their own pace, the Camino is experiential, but if you walk at a good pace the first few hours will be more bearable.

Conclusions

Doing the Camino de Santiago in summer is an exceptional option for those seeking a unique and memorable pilgrimage experience. With favourable weather, vibrant nature, an influx of pilgrims, longer days, cultural events and ideal physical preparation, August offers the perfect setting to embark on this unique adventure. See the weather in Santiago de Compostela to better plan your trip. So, if you are thinking about when to do the Camino, these months should be at the top of your list.