The best times of the year to do the French Way from Sarria

Choosing the right season: a key decision

Choosing when to do the French Way from Sarria is as important as preparing your luggage or planning the stages. This Galician section of the Camino de Santiago can be walked throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience. The weather, the influx of pilgrims, the light in the landscape and local life change with the seasons, creating unique versions of the same route.

If you are looking for good weather, fewer crowds or spectacular landscapes, here you will find a complete guide to deciding which is the best time of year to start your adventure from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

➤ Spring: the awakening of the Camino

Between March and June, the French Way from Sarria is covered in green and wildflowers. The Galician fields overflow with life, the days are longer and the temperatures mild (between 12 and 20 °C). It is the favourite season for many pilgrims, as it combines spectacular landscapes with pleasant weather for walking.

Spring is ideal for those seeking tranquillity without cold and to enjoy the most authentic Galicia. In addition, rural villages begin to fill with Jacobean atmosphere and the accommodations offer availability without overcrowding.

• ???? Advantages: mild weather, nature at its peak, less overcrowding.
• ⚠️ Drawbacks: occasional rain in March or April (bring a raincoat).
• ???? Ideal for: landscape lovers, photographers and pilgrims seeking calm.

➤ Summer: the Camino at its most vibrant

From June to August, the Camino lives its busiest season. The atmosphere is lively, the towns are full of pilgrims from all over the world and the days are long (up to 15 hours of daylight). Temperatures can exceed 25 °C, although Galicia remains cooler than other parts of Spain.

In summer, the French Way from Sarria becomes a social, vibrant and energetic experience. It is perfect for those who enjoy human contact, local events and the feeling of community.

• ☀️ Advantages: festive atmosphere, abundant light, good path conditions.
• ⚠️ Drawbacks: more pilgrims, higher prices and the need to book in advance.
• ???? Tip: start walking early (before 8 a.m.) to avoid the heat.

➤ Autumn: the golden Camino

From September to November, the French Way from Sarria shows one of its most beautiful faces. The Galician forests turn reddish and golden, the fields are covered with leaves and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. Temperatures range between 10 and 18 °C, ideal for walking without stress.

Autumn is the favourite season of those seeking a more reflective and peaceful experience. In addition, it coincides with the season of mushrooms, chestnuts and young wines, making Galician cuisine especially prominent.

• ???? Advantages: spectacular landscapes, mild weather, fewer crowds.
• ⚠️ Drawbacks: shorter days and the possibility of intermittent rain.
• ???? Ideal for: pilgrims seeking peace and connection with nature.

➤ Winter: the quietest Camino

Between December and February, the French Way from Sarria offers a completely different experience. It is the season with the fewest pilgrims and therefore the quietest. The cold is moderate (between 5 and 10 °C) and the days are shorter, but the landscapes wrapped in fog and the smell of fireplaces create a magical atmosphere.

Walking in winter requires a little more planning: some accommodations close temporarily and rain is more frequent. However, the silence, solitude and hospitality of Galicians make many pilgrims consider it an incomparable spiritual journey.

• ❄️ Advantages: absolute tranquillity, introspective atmosphere, low prices.
• ⚠️ Drawbacks: fewer hours of daylight, possible persistent rain or fog.
• ???? Tip: bring thermal clothing, waterproof boots and book accommodation in advance.

➤ The best months according to your travel style

Depending on what you are looking for, each season has its particular charm. Here is a quick guide:

Your goal Best time Enjoy nature Spring (April – June) Experience the pilgrim atmosphere Summer (July – August) Walk in peace Autumn (September – October) Do an introspective Camino Winter (December – February)

If you have flexibility, spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons: mild weather, spectacular landscapes and less accommodation saturation.

➤ Tips for planning your trip according to the season

• Book accommodation in advance in summer and Easter.
• Wear layered clothing: Galicia has changeable weather, even in summer.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving Sarria.
• Avoid excess weight in warm seasons and bring waterproof clothing in autumn and winter.
• Enjoy local festivals: summer abounds with pilgrimages and autumn with gastronomic fairs.

➤ In summary: each season has its own Camino

The French Way from Sarria is an experience that changes with the seasons. There is no universal “best moment”, but the one that best suits you: your pace, your expectations and your way of experiencing the journey.

Walking in spring is a visual gift, in summer a celebration, in autumn a reflection and in winter a silent prayer. In any of them, Galicia will welcome you with its landscape, its people and its magic.

Choose the time of year that best fits you and experience the French Way from Sarria as a unique journey, adapted to your pace and to the pulse of Galicia.