Best time of year to walk the Camino Ignaciano

The Camino Ignaciano, or The Ignatian Way, offers a rewarding journey through Spain’s stunning landscapes, tracing the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola from Loiola to Manresa. Choosing the right time of year is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable walk, and we believe the best times to begin this pilgrimage are late March to April, or September to early November.

Why these months are ideal

Spring (late March & April):

Spring provides mild, pleasant temperatures, making it an excellent time to walk the Ignatian Way. The season brings longer days and vibrant natural scenery, with blooming flowers and lush greenery adding to the beauty of the route. While occasional spring showers can occur, they are generally light and manageable, ensuring the overall experience remains enjoyable.

Autumn (September, October, early November):

Autumn is equally appealing, offering similar pleasant conditions as spring. The intense heat of summer has faded, leaving behind warm, comfortable days, particularly in September and early October. As the season progresses, the cooler evenings and occasional rain provide a refreshing balance, and the golden hues of autumn enhance the landscape, creating a picturesque setting for your journey.

Avoiding extreme weather

These months are chosen to avoid the challenges of walking in harsh weather conditions. They steer clear of the intense heatwaves of summer, as well as the colder, more unpredictable winter months. Rainfall and other extreme weather events are less common during these periods, giving you a more consistent and comfortable experience.

A balanced experience

Walking during these months ensures not only favorable weather but also a more peaceful and reflective atmosphere on the trail. You’ll encounter fewer crowds compared to peak summer months, allowing for a deeper connection with the route and its spiritual significance.

By starting in late March, April, September, October, or early November, you’re likely to enjoy the perfect balance of weather, tranquility, and natural beauty, ensuring a rewarding and memorable experience on the Ignatian Way.

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 trail.

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

How to find the best time of year to walk the Camino Ignaciano

  1. Limit the Average Daily High to below 25°C/77°F.

    This ensures you won’t be walking in overly hot weather.

  2. Limit the Average Daily High to above 15°C/59°F.

    Similarly, this ensures you won’t be walking in cold weather.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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 hike.

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

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