Best time to walk the Camino del Piamonte

For most walkers, starting the Camino del Piamonte (Chemin du Piémont Pyrénéen) in April to early May, or late August to mid October gives the best conditions. These windows dodge the hottest weeks on the plains near Narbonne and the wintry turns that can linger in the Pyrenean foothills, while still giving you long enough days to cover ground. Expect some showers at any time, but temperatures are friendlier and the air is clearer.

This route shifts from a Mediterranean feel in Languedoc to a cooler, more changeable climate as you approach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. That mix means varied skies and quick changes—pack layers and a decent rain shell, and you’ll be fine.

Spring window: April to early May

• April is a fine time to start. You’ll get a mix of sunny spells and showery days, with cool mornings and fresh afternoons. Wildflowers line the lanes, and the higher foothills have mostly shaken off winter, though a brisk day can still roll through.
• Early May feels warmer without the heavy midsummer heat. Showers and the odd thunderstorm can pop up, especially toward the west, but paths are lively, rivers are reasonable, and daylight is generous.

What it’s like underfoot: fields and forest tracks can be damp after rain, but you’ll mostly find good going. Pack a light layer and reliable rain gear.

Early autumn window: late August to mid October

• Late August and September bring easier temperatures after the peak heat. Expect a mix of blue-sky days and passing showers; nearer Narbonne, sudden downpours can happen, while the western end sees more frequent, shorter-lived rain.
• Early to mid October is often crisp and comfortable, with bright days and cooler nights. You can still meet unsettled spells, but the air is clearer, and the countryside is at its best.

What to watch for: brief stormy bursts—especially in Languedoc and the western foothills—can swell streams and make a day feel lively. Check the forecast and be flexible about stage length.

Less ideal times

High summer: June to mid August

Heat is the main issue, particularly in the lower, more open sections where shade and water can be sparse. Afternoon thunderstorms become more common as you move west. Early starts help, but it’s still a slog on exposed farm lanes.

Late autumn and winter: November to February

Frequent rain, short days, and occasional snow or ice in the higher foothills make this stretch harder work. You’ll find more grey, wet spells than crisp, clear ones, and some small services may be shut. It can be beautiful, but you need winter kit and a flexible plan.

Early spring: March

A changeable month. You can get bright, mild runs of weather, but cold snaps and wintry leftovers still visit the higher sections. Trails may be muddy, and wind and showers are common.

Bottom line

If you want comfortable walking and the best chance of steady progress, aim for April, early May, late August, September, or early to mid October. Bring a light warm layer, a decent shell, and be ready to shuffle a stage if a day of heavy showers sweeps through.

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 Narbonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.