The Camino de Santiago in July: Heat, Crowds and Practical Tips
In brief
Walking the Camino de Santiago in July is well worth it if you plan your stages around the heat and book accommodation on the busiest stretches.
Walking the Camino de Santiago in July is well worth it if you plan your stages around the heat and book accommodation on the busiest stretches. The atmosphere is sociable and it is easy to meet people, but you will also face high temperatures and greater demand for albergue beds, especially from Sarria onwards.
What is the weather like on the Camino de Santiago in July?
Check AEMET forecasts and warnings for each day. The Meseta can be very hot, but Galicia and the coast can also have heat episodes. Decide by the forecast and available shade, rather than a route-wide average temperature.
If you have not chosen your itinerary yet, compare the options on the map of routes, stages and albergues. The Northern Way has more moderate temperatures than the Meseta, although it is still a challenging route and should not be chosen for the weather alone.
What time should you start walking in July?
Walk during cooler hours when there is enough daylight to follow the route safely. Shorten the stage if the forecast prevents avoiding the heat; an early start does not make a long day safe.
To plan realistic days, find out how long it takes to walk the Camino. In July, it pays to leave some leeway, because an overly tight schedule can push you to keep walking just when you should be stopping.
How can you protect yourself from the heat during a stage?
- Drink water regularly and confirm where to refill. The amount depends on heat, duration and your needs; there is no universal minimum for everyone. If you have fluid restrictions or questions about supplements, ask your healthcare professional.
- Protect yourself from the sun: wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen. Reapply it every 2 hours.
- Choose light-coloured, breathable clothing: avoid cotton and wear quick-drying technical fabrics, which retain less moisture.
- Slow down: walking faster does not always mean arriving in better shape. Take breaks in the shade and adapt the distance to how your body responds.
- Eat well: drink and eat regularly. You can prepare for the day with our guide to eating on the Camino.
Your backpack matters too: the more unnecessary weight you carry, the harder your body has to work. Check the ultralight Camino packing list and prioritise water, sun protection and clothing you can wash and dry quickly.
Is the Camino crowded, and do albergues run out of beds?
Bookable accommodation can be scarce on busy stretches. Confirm availability and conditions for your dates, and check the Pilgrim’s Office queue without assuming a fixed waiting time.
The pressure is particularly noticeable from Sarria onwards. The stage from Sarria to Portomarín is 22 km and forms part of the most popular final stretch, so it is best not to rely entirely on finding a bed when you arrive.
How to find accommodation without rushing
- Book ahead at private albergues or guesthouses in the most popular towns and villages.
- If you prefer to be spontaneous, identify several possible stopping points rather than relying on a single destination.
- Consider starting somewhere other than Sarria if you have not finalised your itinerary yet.
- In Santiago, try to collect your Compostela first thing in the morning.
Before booking, compare how each option works in our guide to public albergues and private guesthouses. Bear in mind that public and private accommodation do not offer the same scope for advance planning.
What are the advantages of walking the Camino in July?
July has plenty going for it too. The atmosphere is sociable and festive, it is easy to meet other pilgrims, and plenty of services are open. If you are travelling alone and would like company for some stages, it is a good month to strike up conversations on the trail or at the albergue.
That atmosphere can outweigh the crowds if you accept that you will need to be more organised. July works particularly well for people who can only take a summer holiday, cope well with the heat and prefer to book part of the trip instead of improvising every night.
Choose somewhere to stop and cool down before leaving in case the weather changes. Short stages help find intermediate finishes, but confirm shade, water and accommodation: fewer kilometres are not enough during a heat warning. Save a transport option and avoid relying on walking again in the afternoon, when it can still be very hot. For confusion, fainting or suspected heatstroke, call 112 and follow its instructions; while help arrives, move the person somewhere cool and help cool them down. Read the Health Ministry recommendations before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too hot to walk the Camino in July?
Check AEMET forecasts and warnings for each day. The Meseta can be very hot, but Galicia and the coast can also have heat episodes. Decide by the forecast and available shade, rather than a route-wide average temperature.
Do you need to book all your accommodation?
Not necessarily, but it is sensible to book on the busiest stretches, especially from Sarria onwards. If you want to stay flexible, identify several alternative towns or villages where you could end each stage.
How much water should you carry?
Drink water regularly and confirm where to refill. The amount depends on heat, duration and your needs; there is no universal minimum for everyone. If you have fluid restrictions or questions about supplements, ask your healthcare professional.
What clothing is best for walking in hot weather?
Choose light-coloured, breathable and quick-drying clothing, and avoid cotton. Add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen, which should be reapplied every 2 hours.
Is the Camino worth walking in July?
Yes, especially if it is your only holiday window or you want a very sociable Camino. The key is to accept that you will need to set off early, protect yourself properly from the sun and plan your accommodation more carefully.
How to start planning your July Camino
First choose your route, divide the stages to suit your pace and work out where you will stay before booking your trip. Once your schedule and accommodation are sorted, you can focus on walking; if you are travelling alone, you can also look for Camino companions with compatible dates.