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Crossing the PYRENEES
The Napoleon Rote from Saint Jean to Roncesvalles crosses the Collado de Lepoeder at just over 1400m (4500ft). The route is closed to walkers by law from 1st November to 31st March. Snow is possible well into Spring, and the temperature at the summit is likely to be at least 8C lower than that in Saint Jean Pied de Port. Take the advice of locals and the lower Valcarlos Route if you have any doubts about the weather! A mountain forecast for the summit of Urkulu, which is very close to the summit of the higher route, is available here.
Average Weather Conditions
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT
- January: 9°C (48°F)
- February: 10°C (50°F)
- March: 13°C (55°F)
- April: 15°C (59°F)
- May: 18°C (64°F)
- June: 21°C (70°F)
- July: 24°C (75°F)
- August: 24°C (75°F)
- September: 22°C (72°F)
- October: 17°C (63°F)
- November: 12°C (54°F)
- December: 9°C (48°F)
AVERAGE MINIMUM TEMPERATURES SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT
- January: 1°C (34°F)
- February: 1°C (34°F)
- March: 3°C (37°F)
- April: 5°C (41°F)
- May: 8°C (46°F)
- June: 11°C (52°F)
- July: 13°C (55°F)
- August: 13°C (55°F)
- September: 11°C (52°F)
- October: 8°C (46°F)
- November: 4°C (39°F)
- December: 2°C (36°F)
AVERAGE RAINFALL SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT
- January: 109 mm
- February: 89 mm
- March: 86 mm
- April: 102 mm
- May: 109 mm
- June: 103 mm
- July: 89 mm
- August: 101 mm
- September: 96 mm
- October: 114 mm
- November: 112 mm
- December: 115 mm
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES PAMPLONA
- January: 9°C (48°F)
- February: 11°C (52°F)
- March: 14°C (57°F)
- April: 16°C (61°F)
- May: 20°C (68°F)
- June: 25°C (77°F)
- July: 28°C (82°F)
- August: 29°C (84°F)
- September: 25°C (77°F)
- October: 19°C (66°F)
- November: 13°C (55°F)
- December: 10°C (50°F)
AVERAGE MINIMUM TEMPERATURES PAMPLONA
- January: 0°C (32°F)
- February: 1°C (34°F)
- March: 3°C (37°F)
- April: 5°C (41°F)
- May: 9°C (48°F)
- June: 13°C (55°F)
- July: 16°C (61°F)
- August: 16°C (61°F)
- September: 13°C (55°F)
- October: 8°C (46°F)
- November: 4°C (39°F)
- December: 1°C (34°F)
AVERAGE RAINFALL PAMPLONA
- January: 45 mm
- February: 39 mm
- March: 44 mm
- April: 53 mm
- May: 61 mm
- June: 55 mm
- July: 37 mm
- August: 49 mm
- September: 52 mm
- October: 59 mm
- November: 57 mm
- December: 52 mm
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES BURGOS
- January: 7.5°C (45.5°F)
- February: 9.1°C (48.4°F)
- March: 12.5°C (54.5°F)
- April: 14.9°C (58.8°F)
- May: 19.3°C (66.7°F)
- June: 23.1°C (73.6°F)
- July: 26.9°C (80.4°F)
- August: 27.0°C (80.6°F)
- September: 23.2°C (73.8°F)
- October: 17.4°C (63.3°F)
- November: 10.9°C (51.6°F)
- December: 7.9°C (46.2°F)
AVERAGE MINIMUM TEMPERATURES BURGOS
- January: 0.7°C (33.3°F)
- February: 1.5°C (34.7°F)
- March: 3.2°C (37.8°F)
- April: 5.0°C (41.0°F)
- May: 8.2°C (46.8°F)
- June: 11.6°C (52.9°F)
- July: 13.8°C (56.8°F)
- August: 13.6°C (56.5°F)
- September: 11.1°C (52.0°F)
- October: 7.6°C (45.7°F)
- November: 3.4°C (38.1°F)
- December: 1.2°C (34.2°F)
AVERAGE RAINFALL BURGOS
- January: 34.1 mm
- February: 29.3 mm
- March: 29.5 mm
- April: 49.4 mm
- May: 62.3 mm
- June: 42.9 mm
- July: 29.8 mm
- August: 28.4 mm
- September: 39.2 mm
- October: 52.7 mm
- November: 47.8 mm
- December: 39.2 mm
AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES LEÓN
- January: 7°C (45°F)
- February: 9°C (48°F)
- March: 12°C (54°F)
- April: 14°C (57°F)
- May: 19°C (66°F)
- June: 23°C (73°F)
- July: 26°C (79°F)
- August: 26°C (79°F)
- September: 22°C (72°F)
- October: 16°C (61°F)
- November: 11°C (52°F)
- December: 8°C (46°F)
AVERAGE MINIMUM TEMPERATURES LEÓN
- January: 0°C (32°F)
- February: 1°C (34°F)
- March: 2°C (36°F)
- April: 4°C (39°F)
- May: 7°C (45°F)
- June: 10°C (50°F)
- July: 12°C (54°F)
- August: 12°C (54°F)
- September: 10°C (50°F)
- October: 7°C (45°F)
- November: 3°C (37°F)
- December: 1°C (34°F)
AVERAGE RAINFALL LEÓN
- January: 47 mm
- February: 40 mm
- March: 37 mm
- April: 45 mm
- May: 53 mm
- June: 37 mm
- July: 24 mm
- August: 21 mm
- September: 37 mm
- October: 58 mm
- November: 58 mm
- December: 52 mm
Best Time to Walk the Camino Francés
The best time to walk the Camino Francés, also known as the French Way, largely depends on personal preferences and priorities, but there are some factors to consider:
Weather: Many pilgrims prefer to walk the Camino during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is milder and more conducive to walking long distances. During these months, temperatures are generally comfortable, and extreme heat or cold is less likely.
Crowds: The Camino Francés tends to be busiest during the summer months (July and August) when many people have time off for holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience and less crowded accommodations, consider walking during spring or autumn shoulder seasons.
Availability of Services: While the summer months may be more crowded, they also offer the advantage of more services being available along the route. Some smaller towns and accommodations may have limited services or even close during the offseason, so walking during the busier months ensures a broader range of options for food, lodging, and other amenities.
Scenery: The Camino Francés offers beautiful scenery year-round, but the landscapes can vary depending on the season. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers colourful foliage. Consider which type of scenery you prefer and plan your walk accordingly.
Ultimately, the best time to walk the Camino Francés is whenever suits your schedule and preferences. Some people enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere of walking during peak season, while others prefer the tranquillity and solitude of quieter months. It's your Camino. It's up to you.
Buen Camino!