When to start the Camino Portugués – Variante Espiritual

The ideal months to start the Camino Portugués – Variante Espiritual (Tui to Santiago de Compostela) are May to June, or late August to September. These windows usually bring comfortable walking temperatures, long daylight, lively but manageable pilgrim traffic, and reliable services (including the boat stage), without the heavier heat and crowding of midsummer or the frequent rain of winter.

Outside those months, July and early August can feel hot and busy; March–April are greener and quieter but more unsettled and wet, making stone paths slick; October stays pleasant but turns wetter with shorter days; and November–February are cool, rainy, and very quiet with reduced services. This is Atlantic Galicia—showers can pop up anytime—so pack light rain gear whatever your dates.

Best months at a glance

• May–June: Fresh, green, and great daylight. Expect a mix of sunny spells and passing showers.
• Late August–September: Heat eases, vineyards are buzzing with harvest, and weather stays mostly settled; brief storms can roll through.

Bring light rain gear in any season—this is Galicia.

May–June: Prime walking conditions

These months balance warmth with freshness. Forest tracks are lush, streams are lively, and the stone paths on the descent from Armenteira feel pleasant rather than baking. You’ll still see showers, but they tend to pass, and the long days give you flexibility to start later or stretch a stage if you’re feeling good.

• Pros: Comfortable temperatures, bright evenings, wide choice of open albergues and cafés, regular boat departures.
• Watch-outs: Sudden downpours and some muddy sections; slick granite when wet.

Late August–September: Warm, lively, and more stable

By late August the fiercest heat usually starts to back off, and September often strings together many fine walking days. Sea breezes along the ría help, villages are animated with harvest, and the boat stage typically runs on frequent schedules.

• Pros: Generally warm but manageable, festive feel around the vineyards, good services without peak crush.
• Watch-outs: Short, sharp storms can pop up; book popular stops and the boat if your dates are fixed.

July to mid‑August: Hot and busy

High summer can be hot and humid, especially on paved stretches and exposed bits near the coast. This is also peak holiday season, so beds fill early.

• If you choose this window: Start at first light, take long lunch breaks in the shade, carry extra water, and book ahead—especially around Pontevedra, Armenteira, and Vilanova de Arousa.

March–April: Springy but unsettled

Early spring brings longer days and blooming countryside, but the weather swings around. Showers are frequent, and the stone-and-woodland paths on the “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga” can be slick.

• Good for walkers who don’t mind rain and mud and want quieter trails.
• Expect cool mornings, changeable afternoons, and the need for reliable waterproofs. Around Easter, pilgrim numbers can spike.

October: A gentle slide into wetter weather

October still offers some lovely walking days, with milder afternoons and fewer crowds. As the month goes on, rain becomes more frequent and daylight shortens.

• Services remain open in many towns, but boat schedules may thin. Start earlier to make the most of daylight, and keep layers handy for cooler evenings.

November–February: Wet, cool, and quiet

Winter on this route is for hardy walkers who are comfortable with frequent rain, blustery spells, and short days. You’ll find real solitude, but also reduced services and occasional disruptions.

• Expect: Mud, slippery stone, chilly mornings, and fewer boat departures.
• Only advisable if you’re experienced, carry solid rain gear, and can be flexible with stages and accommodation.

A few practical notes

• Showers can arrive in any month—pack a light waterproof, pack cover, and quick‑dry layers.
• The boat stage up the Ría de Arousa is weather- and tide‑dependent; it runs most reliably in late spring through early autumn.
• Stone paths get slick when wet. Good tread (or trekking poles) makes the Armenteira descent more enjoyable.

In short: aim for May, June, late August, or September for the most comfortable mix of weather, daylight, and trail services on the Camino Portugués – Variante Espiritual from Tui to Santiago.

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 Tui to Santiago de Compostela, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.