Best time of year to walk the Voie d'Arles / Via Tolosana

The Voie d'Arles, also known as the Via Tolosana, Arles Route, or the Chemin d'Arles, is a historic pilgrimage route that winds through the stunning landscapes of southern France, eventually connecting to the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Choosing the right time to embark on this journey is key to having an enjoyable and comfortable experience, as the weather greatly influences the walk.

The best times to begin your journey on the Voie d'Arles are late March to early May, or late August to September. These periods offer the most favorable balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and minimal extremes, creating ideal conditions for long-distance walking.

Spring (late March, April, early May)

Spring is a wonderful time to walk the Voie d'Arles, with its mild weather and vibrant natural scenery.

Temperature: Days are pleasantly warm without being overly hot, perfect for extended outdoor activity.
Precipitation: Rain is infrequent and generally light, making it unlikely to disrupt your plans.
Highlights: The countryside bursts into life with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting. Additionally, spring tends to be quieter, offering a more peaceful experience.

Late summer and early fall (late August, September)

Late summer into early fall is another excellent window for walking the route, combining comfortable conditions with the charm of seasonal transitions.

Temperature: The heat of summer begins to fade, making daytime walking more enjoyable, while cooler mornings and evenings add to the comfort.
Precipitation: Rainfall is limited during this time, reducing the likelihood of prolonged wet weather.
Highlights: As summer transitions to autumn, the landscapes of Provence and southern France take on warm, golden tones. Harvest season adds a unique vibrancy to the region, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for carrying a backpack and covering longer distances.

Why avoid mid-summer and deep winter?

Mid-summer (June, July, early August): The peak summer months can bring excessive heat, which may be uncomfortable and even risky for long-distance walking.
Deep winter (December through February): While the route remains walkable year-round, winter conditions can include colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which might not appeal to all hikers.

Whether you’re drawn to the fresh energy of spring or the rich hues of late summer and early fall, these optimal months provide the best conditions for a rewarding journey on the Voie d'Arles. With pleasant weather and stunning landscapes, this historic route offers an unforgettable adventure.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. For example, if you prefer walking in the cooler morning hours to avoid midday heat, you might prioritize dates with drier conditions. On the other hand, if you are more accustomed to colder climates, you may choose to avoid hotter periods - even if it means encountering more rain. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the Camino.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from Arles to Somport, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.

How to find the best time of year to walk the Voie d'Arles

Limit the Average Daily High to below 25°C/77°F.
This ensures you won’t be walking in overly hot weather.
Limit the Average Daily High to above 15°C/59°F.
Similarly, this ensures you won’t be walking in cold weather.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to below 35°C/95°F. (Advanced filters)
This might sound similar to the first step – but instead of looking at averages, it filters out extreme temperatures that don’t happen every year. In other words, you’re excluding those parts of the year when there might be a heat wave.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to above 5°C/41°F. (Advanced filters)
Like the previous step, this applies to extremes instead of averages – but this time you’re excluding cold snaps.
Limit the Historical Record Daily Precipitation to below 10mm/0.39in. (Advanced filters)
This step excludes those times of year which might have storms or intense showers.
Limit the Average Daily Precipitation as much as possible.
If the previous steps haven’t narrowed down the search to 20%, you can further limit the dates by finding the overall driest periods.

Feel free to use this guide as a starting point to find the time of year that best suits your personal needs and preferences. By tailoring the filters to your specific situation, you can discover the perfect time of year for your Camino.

Below is our weather search tool, with the filters already set up according to this process.