Walking the Camino in summer: what to expect, how to prepare & essential tips for hot weather

If you are thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago in summer, you are probably imagining sunny days, beautiful landscapes, charming Spanish villages, and unforgettable sunrises.

And honestly? Summer on the Camino can be all of that.

But there is one important thing you need to prepare for: the heat.

Walking the Camino in July or August can be wonderful, but it can also be physically demanding. High temperatures affect your energy levels, hydration, pace, and overall comfort. The good news is that with the right preparation, walking the Camino in hot weather is absolutely manageable.

In this post, I’ll share what walking the Camino in summer is really like, the biggest challenges, and practical tips to help you stay safe and enjoy your pilgrimage.

Is summer a good time to walk the Camino?

Yes, summer is one of the most popular times to walk the Camino, especially routes like the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués.

Summer offers several advantages:

• long daylight hours

• warm, mostly stable weather

• more open albergues and services

• a lively social atmosphere

• more fellow pilgrims to meet

Because so many people choose summer, the Camino often feels energetic and social. It is easier to connect with other pilgrims, share meals, and build friendships along the way.

However, summer also brings one major challenge: extreme heat, especially in central and southern parts of Spain.

How hot does the Camino get in summer?

Depending on the route and region, daytime temperatures can easily reach:

• 30–35°C (86–95°F) on many days

• 35–40°C (95–104°F) during heat waves

Open stretches with little shade can feel even hotter.

The heat usually becomes most intense between 12 PM and 5 PM, which is why many experienced pilgrims avoid walking during these hours.

If you are walking routes like the Camino Francés through regions such as Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, or Galicia during a heat wave, the sun can feel relentless.

What is it like walking the Camino in hot weather?

The mornings can be magical. Walking before sunrise is one of the most beautiful parts of the summer Camino. The air feels cool, villages are quiet, and the trail feels peaceful. But by late morning, everything changes. The temperature rises quickly. Shade becomes harder to find. Even easy sections feel more difficult.

You may notice:

• faster fatigue

• heavier sweating

• slower walking pace

• reduced appetite

• headaches if hydration slips

This is completely normal.

The key is learning to adapt rather than fighting the conditions.

Best time to start walking each day

If you walk the Camino in summer, starting early makes a huge difference.

Many pilgrims begin walking between:

• 5:00–6:00 AM in very hot weather

• 6:00–7:00 AM on moderate summer days

Starting early helps you:

• enjoy cooler temperatures

• see the sunrise

• avoid peak heat

• reduce sun exposure

• arrive earlier for rest

Some pilgrims finish their entire walking day before noon. And honestly, after walking in the heat, I understand why. But if you feel spending half of the day without walking is a waste, than you could consider taking a break, siesta is not accidental in Spain. You can also find albergues with swimming pools and enjoy a book or a great chat with fellow pilgrims in the afternoon.

Essential tips for walking the Camino in summer

1. Carry more water than you think you need

Hydration is everything. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink. By then, you may already be dehydrated.

My recommendation:

• refill whenever possible

• carry extra water on long stretches

• drink regularly

• consider electrolytes

Water fountains and cafés become lifesavers in summer. You can also find some food trucks, I was always hunting for freshly sqeezed orange juice. The only thing I would avoid is alcohol and too much coffee, both can make you dehydrated faster. Save the coffee for the fresh mornings, and the beer and wine for dinner time.

2. Protect yourself from the sun

Sun protection is not optional.

Bring:

• hat or cap

• sunscreen (high SPF)

• sunglasses

• lightweight, light colour long sleeves or breathable clothing

• a small umbrella

Even if you normally tolerate sun well, hours of walking in direct exposure is very different, I learned that in the hard way after getting my ears sunburnt and having issues with it for a month. Light colour clothes reflect the sun better and if it's made of thin material can feel better than shorts and t-shirts.

3. Slow down

This was one of the hardest lessons for me. You may not walk as fast as you planned. And that is okay.

Summer heat naturally slows your body down. Trying to maintain your usual pace can drain you quickly. Listen to your body, take 5-10 minutes rests in the shade and don't forget to drink plenty of water.

4. Take midday breaks

One of the best summer strategies is avoiding the hottest part of the day.

Take longer breaks in:

• cafés

• bars

• shaded parks

• albergues

Even 20–30 minutes of rest can help enormously.

5. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion

Pay attention if you experience:

• dizziness

• nausea

• confusion

• chills

• weakness

• headache

These can be signs of heat exhaustion.

If this happens:

• stop walking

• move into shade

• cool down

• hydrate

• seek help if symptoms continue

Your safety matters more than finishing a planned stage.

What to pack for the Camino in summer

Here are a few items I would consider essential for hot-weather Camino walking:

Clothing

• breathable t-shirts

• lightweight hiking shorts or pants

• moisture-wicking socks (you can change them halfway or more if needed to avoid blisters)

• sun hat

Protection

• sunscreen

• sunglasses

• lip balm with SPF

• light scarf: this protects you from the sun and you can make it wet to keep you cool

Hydration

• water bottles or hydration bladder

• electrolyte tablets or powder

Comfort

• cooling towel

• blister care kit

• light sandals for evenings

• more socks to change during the day

Packing light is still important, but summer-specific items can make a big difference.

Pros and cons of walking the Camino in summer

Pros

• beautiful sunrises

• long daylight hours

• more social atmosphere

• many open services

• great for meeting other pilgrims

• picking fruits along the way

• lighter clothes and taking only a sleeping bag liner can make your backpack lighter

Cons

• extreme heat

• higher dehydration risk

• more crowded routes (a lot of people only get time off of work during summer months)

• harder midday walking (you can take a siesta)

• some stages feel much tougher, not just climbing a mountain, but the Meseta can also be challenging with less trees and shade

Would I recommend walking the Camino in summer?

Yes, but with realistic expectations. Walking the Camino in summer is beautiful, memorable, and rewarding, but it is not the easiest season. The heat adds a layer of challenge that should not be underestimated.

Still, some of the most unforgettable moments happen during summer: sunrise starts, quiet early mornings, shared pilgrim dinners, and the incredible feeling of reaching your destination after a long hot day.

Walking in summer taught me something important:

You cannot force the Camino.

You adapt to it.

You listen to your body, respect the conditions, and keep moving forward one step at a time.

And maybe that is one of the biggest lessons the Camino offers.

FAQ: Walking the Camino in Summer

• Is July too hot for the Camino? July can be very hot, especially on the Camino Francés. Early starts and good hydration are essential.

• Is August too crowded for the Camino? August is one of the busiest months, particularly because of European holiday season.

• What is the best Camino route for summer? Routes with coastal influence as Camino Portuguese coastal, or cooler temperatures, such as the Camino del Norte, may feel more comfortable in summer than inland routes.

• Is summer good for first-time pilgrims? Yes, if you prepare for the heat and plan your stages carefully.

• Which route is to be avoided in summer? Via de la Plata starting from Sevilla is recommended to avoid in the hot weather, because the first half of it goes through flat terrain with less shade and bigger distances (can be up to 38 kms), also temperetarues go up around 50°C (122°F), which can cause severe dehydration.

Hope these tips get you in the mood for your next adventure, and you found some useful information. If you still need more details or build up confidence and courage for the planning and start of your journey, don't hesitate to contact me or email me, I'm happy to help.

You can also find me on social media with more useful advice and travel pictures at @wander.with.dora name. Contact me for a free call on wanderwithdora@gmail.com 

Safe travels everyone. Buen camino!