Best time of year to walk the Camino Portugués de la Costa

The Camino Portugués de la Costa is a breathtaking pilgrimage route that traces the rugged coastline of Portugal and Galicia, offering stunning ocean views, charming fishing villages, and a rich cultural tapestry. This less-trodden path, an alternative to the inland Portuguese route, allows pilgrims to experience a unique blend of maritime scenery and historical landmarks. Choosing the best time to embark on this journey is crucial to ensure favorable weather conditions, making your experience as pleasant and memorable as possible.

In this guide, we will explore the optimal times of year to start your walk from three common starting points along the Camino Portugués de la Costa: Lisbon, Porto, and Vigo. By following our weather-based recommendations, you can maximize your chances of enjoying ideal hiking conditions.

Lisbon

Starting your Camino Portugués de la Costa from Lisboa allows you to experience a full spectrum of the route’s diversity, from urban landscapes to serene coastal paths. The best times to begin from Lisboa are late March to mid May, or late October to mid November:

• Late March to mid May: During these months, you can expect mild temperatures. The risk of extreme heat is minimal, and you will likely encounter fewer rainy days, making for comfortable and enjoyable walking conditions.
• Late October to mid November: This period offers cooler, but still pleasant temperatures. While the chance of rain increases slightly compared to the spring months, it remains manageable, ensuring that you can complete your pilgrimage without significant weather disruptions.

Porto

Starting your pilgrimage from Porto, a city renowned for its wine and vibrant culture, provides a more condensed journey with equally enchanting coastal scenery. The ideal times to start from Porto are May to June, or August to early September:

• May and June: These months offer the perfect balance of mild temperatures and low precipitation, making for pleasant hiking weather. The probability of encountering extremely hot days is low, ensuring a comfortable trek.
• August to early September: Although these months can be warmer, with average daily highs approaching the upper limit of 25°C (77°F), they still provide excellent conditions for walking. Rainfall remains minimal, allowing you to enjoy clear and sunny days along the coast.

Vigo

Vigo, the shortest starting point among the three, offers a more relaxed pace and is ideal for those looking for a shorter pilgrimage experience. The best times to start from Vigo are late June to early September:

• Late June to August: These summer months present the warmest temperatures. However, the coastal breezes help to moderate the heat, ensuring comfortable walking conditions. Rainfall is typically at its lowest, providing consistently sunny days.
• Early September: As summer transitions into autumn, early September continues to offer favorable weather. Temperatures remain warm, and the risk of heavy rainfall is still low, making it an excellent time to complete your pilgrimage.

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 Lisbon, Porto, or Vigo, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.