When to goSeasons, crowds and weather
- May–June and September–October are the most popular windows: mild weather, though they're also busy. In 2025, May and August were among the busiest months for arrivals in Santiago (santiago.es statistics).
- July–August: hot on the Meseta and the Vía de la Plata, and the last 100 km are crowded with Spanish holidaymakers.
- November–March: quiet and beautiful, but many albergues close, days are short and rain is constant in Galicia. The Napoleon route over the Pyrenees is closed in winter; use Valcarlos.
- 2027 Holy Year: expect record numbers all year, peaking around 25 July (feast of St James).
⚠ Seasonal albergue closures change every year. Check Gronze for the places on your route.
Sources
santiago.es pilgrim statistics · Gronze · Confraternity of St James
Last verified: October 15, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change: confirm with the official source before you go.