July and August are the months when many pilgrims, taking advantage of the summer holidays, follow the yellow arrows towards Compostela. They’re also the hottest months. And although all routes of the Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way) can be walked in summer, not all of them suffer the high temperatures in the same way.
If summer is the only time you have available, choosing the right route can make all the difference in enjoying the Saint James Way as it deserves.
That’s why today we’re telling you which Caminos are more bearable in high temperatures, which ones you should avoid, and a few tricks for coping with any of them.
Why the heat feels so different depending on the route
The different routes of the Saint James Way are very long and cross such wide geographic areas that climate variations are only natural. Walking along the Cantabrian Sea is not the same as crossing the Castilian plateau without any shade. Three factors make the difference: proximity to the coast, which softens temperatures thanks to the Atlantic breeze; altitude and terrain, since mountain and forest areas offer shade for much of the day; and the length of the route, because fewer stages mean fewer days of accumulated heat exposure.
The coolest routes: the power of the Atlantic breeze
One very effective way to beat the heat on the Camino de Santiago is to walk beside the sea. Galicia’s coastal routes are, year after year, the most recommended for summer.
- Portuguese Coastal Way: runs right along the coastline, with the Atlantic breeze cooling the walk and several beaches for a dip at the end of the stage. It’s probably the most rewarding option in summer.
- Northern Way (Camino del Norte): follows the entire Cantabrian coast before heading into Galicia, keeping milder temperatures than inland routes for much of its length, with cliffs, riverside woodland and coastal villages.
- Spiritual Variant and Father Sarmiento Route: both move through the Rías Baixas, with stretches along the sea and the chance to stop at beaches such as Combarro, O Terrón or A Lanzada — ideal for cooling off mid-stage.
The English Way: the short option to escape the heat
If your goal is minimising days of heat exposure, the English Way (Camino Inglés) is one of your best bets: with just 5–6 stages from Ferrol or A Coruña, it lets you complete the pilgrimage in just over a week, greatly reducing the accumulated strain of the hottest days. Much of the route also runs through eucalyptus and oak woodland that offers shade.
Routes to avoid in midsummer: the Meseta and the Vía de la Plata
At the opposite extreme are the inland routes that cross vast plains with almost no shade. The stretch of the French Way (Camino Francés) that crosses the Meseta of Castilla y León, between Burgos and León, is among the toughest in summer: mile after mile of open fields where the sun beats down directly for much of the day.
It’s even harder if you walk the Vía de la Plata from its starting point in the south of the peninsula. This is the Jacobean route where extreme temperatures are most easily reached in July and August. If you have no choice but to walk it in those months, one alternative is to join the Vía de la Plata from Ourense, avoiding the toughest southern stretch.
Tips for coping with the heat on any Camino
Whichever route you choose, remember it’s summer, and heatwaves are becoming more common even in the north. So it’s always worth following a few tips:
- Start walking at dawn: getting ahead of the heat and reaching your destination by mid-morning is, by far, the most effective trick on any route.
- Lighten your backpack: with Rutas Meigas, luggage transfer for one bag is already included, and you can add more if you need to. But walk with a small daypack carrying only what’s essential for that stage.
- Choose stages with a river or beach: many stretches of the Camino, even inland ones, pass by swimming spots — check ahead of each stage and make the most of the stop.
- Stay hydrated constantly: don’t wait until you’re thirsty, and always carry sun protection and something to cover your head.
Frequently asked questions about walking the Camino de Santiago in the heat
Which is the best Camino de Santiago to walk in summer heat?
The Portuguese Coastal Way and the Northern Way are the most recommended in summer, since they run along the sea and benefit from the Atlantic breeze, which softens temperatures compared with inland routes.
Which Camino de Santiago should you avoid in midsummer because of the heat?
The Vía de la Plata between Seville and Galicia, and the stretch of the Camino Francés that crosses the Meseta of Castilla y León between Burgos and León, are the toughest in summer due to their long, shadeless plains and the extreme temperatures they can reach.
Is it better to walk the Camino de Santiago along the coast or inland in summer?
In summer, the coast is preferable. The Atlantic breeze softens temperatures and lets you cool off at beaches near the route, which isn’t always possible on inland Caminos.
What time is best to walk in summer to avoid the heat?
It’s best to start the stage at dawn and reach your destination by mid-morning, before temperatures peak between 1pm and 5pm.
Which Portuguese Way is better in summer, the Coastal or the Central route?
The Portuguese Coastal Way is more recommended in summer than the Central route, since it runs right along the coastline with sea breeze and beaches to swim at, while the Central route runs inland with fewer ways to cool off.
Is it advisable to walk the Northern Way in summer?
Yes. The Northern Way follows the Cantabrian coast and keeps milder temperatures than inland routes, with stretches of cliffs, forest and coastal villages to cool off in.
What short Camino can you walk in summer without suffering too much heat?
The English Way, with only 5–6 stages from Ferrol or A Coruña, is one of the best options for reducing days of heat exposure, and much of the route runs through shaded woodland.
The best Way to beat the heat
In the end, the best Camino in the heat is the one you prepare for best. Check whether there’s shade along the route, places to cool off or swim, and follow the tips above — which are really just a bit of “sentidiño” (Galician good sense) applied to the trail.
At Rutas Meigas we can help you plan your Camino de Santiago with the heat in mind, so summer becomes an ally rather than an obstacle on your pilgrimage.
Buen Camino!
