The best time to walk the Camino, month by month
Temperatures, rain, crowds and room availability on the Camino de Santiago from January to December.
Photo: José Antonio Gil Martínez, CC BY 2.0
Camino Primitivo
Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela · 14 stages · 313 km
About 22.4 km a day on average. It adds up to 7,500 m of ascent, with a highest point of 1,138 m. Data checked in .
The 14 stages of the Camino Primitivo
How we rate difficulty
- Easy Easy: short with little climbing.
- Moderate Moderate: about 20–28 km or with a real climb.
- Demanding Demanding: long or with a lot of climbing.
We add the km plus 1 km for every 50 m of ascent.
- 01 Oviedo Grado Moderate 26.3 km
↑380 ↓530 · 7 h - 02 Grado Salas Moderate 21.6 km
↑600 ↓450 · 6 h 15 min - 03 Salas Tineo Demanding 20.4 km
↑730 ↓310 · 6 h 15 min - 04 Tineo Pola de Allande Demanding 26.8 km
↑690 ↓830 · 7 h 45 min - 05 Pola de Allande Berducedo Moderate 17.7 km
↑800 ↓440 · 5 h 45 min - 06 Berducedo Grandas de Salime Demanding 20 km
↑740 ↓1080 · 6 h 15 min - 07 Grandas de Salime A FonsagradaGALICIA Demanding 25.6 km
↑800 ↓420 · 7 h 45 min - 08 A Fonsagrada O CádavoGALICIA Demanding 24.5 km
↑670 ↓900 · 7 h 15 min - 09 O Cádavo LugoGALICIA Demanding 29.8 km
↑440 ↓690 · 8 h - 10 Lugo San Romao da RetortaGALICIA Moderate 18.8 km
↑290 ↓180 · 5 h - 11 San Romao da Retorta MelideGALICIA Demanding 28.4 km
↑500 ↓620 · 7 h 45 min - 12 Melide ArzúaGALICIA Easy 14.5 km
↑270 ↓340 · 4 h - 13 Arzúa O PedrouzoGALICIA Moderate 18.4 km
↑260 ↓390 · 5 h - 14 O Pedrouzo Santiago de CompostelaGALICIA Moderate 20.2 km
↑330 ↓330 · 5 h 30 min
The Camino Primitivo is the oldest route: King Alfonso II followed it in the 9th century, from Oviedo to Santiago. Some 320 km in 14 mountain stages across Asturias and Galicia, joining the Francés at Melide.
Stages
14km
313highest point
1138mDistances and elevations calculated on the official route; they may vary slightly with your GPS.
Plan your days
Choose where you start and how many days you have. We split the stages for you.
Your plan
From the town you pick in “Plan your days” to Santiago.
When to go in 2027?
A special year to walk the Camino. With a little planning, any month works.
Our favourite windows: May–June and mid-September to October. Good weather and real Camino spirit.
January 2027
- Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Weather
- Cold and rainy, short days
The Holy Door has just opened and the trails are calm: ideal if you seek silence.
February 2027
- Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Weather
- Cold and rainy
Few pilgrims and a quiet welcome; pack good rain gear.
March 2027
- Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Weather
- Cool, first blossoms
Quiet most of the month; Holy Week brings a lively atmosphere.
April 2027
- Atmosphere
- Lively
- Weather
- Springlike, some showers
Spring wakes the Camino up; after Easter the buzz grows.
May 2027
Recommended- Atmosphere
- Very lively
- Weather
- Mild and green
Green fields and long days: one of the best months to walk.
June 2027
Recommended- Atmosphere
- Very lively
- Weather
- Mild, long days
Good weather and plenty of light: the Camino at its best.
July 2027
- Atmosphere
- Very lively
- Weather
- Hot on the Meseta, mild in Galicia
European Youth Pilgrimage (15–18 July) and the feast of St James: Santiago in full celebration.
August 2027
- Atmosphere
- Very lively
- Weather
- Hot; cool mornings in Galicia
Holiday month: great atmosphere; start early to beat the heat.
September 2027
Recommended- Atmosphere
- Very lively
- Weather
- Warm and settled
From mid-month, gentler heat and a wonderful atmosphere.
October 2027
Recommended- Atmosphere
- Lively
- Weather
- Mild and autumnal
Golden autumn, mild temperatures and a little less busy: a gem.
November 2027
- Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Weather
- Cool and rainy
An intimate Camino and autumn landscapes; some places close.
December 2027
- Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Weather
- Cold and rainy
Christmas in Santiago and the close of the Holy Year: a very special finale.
Key dates
- Holy Door open all year (from 31 December 2026)
- Holy Week: 21–28 March
- 25 July, a Sunday: Feast of St James
Atmosphere estimated month by month from the Pilgrim’s Office monthly figures; not official data.
Will I get the Compostela?
Pick where you start and we will tell you if you reach 100 km.
The official rule: at least 100 continuous km on foot to Santiago, with a dated stamp at the start and end of every stage.
When to go
May to October. In winter the Hospitales stage can bring fog or snow, and some mountain accommodation closes.
Getting to the start
Oviedo has trains and buses from Madrid and the Asturias airport about 45 minutes away. If you start in Lugo, there are buses from Santiago, A Coruña and Madrid.
The Hospitales route
The highest and loneliest stretch, with no services for about 20 km: set off early with water and food. In fog or strong wind, take the variant through Pola de Allande.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Primitivo take?
About 14 days from Oviedo to Santiago. From Lugo, 5.
Is it suitable without mountain experience?
Yes, if you are reasonably fit: the climbs are long but on clear, well-marked paths.
How much does it cost per day?
With a room of your own and the pilgrim menu, €60–90 per person.
How long is the Camino Primitivo?
313 km from Oviedo to Santiago, in 14 stages. It is the oldest Camino and the most mountainous, crossing the Hospitales route and A Fonsagrada. It joins the Francés at Melide. From Lugo, 100 km remain.
Related guides
Your Camino organized, nothing to worry about
Tell us your section and month; we handle the rest.
In the Community
Pilgrims getting ready for the Camino Primitivo: share your start date and walk in company.
Get the free Camino PDF guide
Stages, where to sleep and tips in your inbox, ready to read offline.
- Useful reminders before you leave
- Access to the pilgrim Community
A community that walks with respect: The Pilgrim’s Pact
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