May has established itself as one of the best months to walk the Camino de Santiago, both for first-time pilgrims and seasoned travellers. In fact, recent statistics show that it has become the pilgrims’ favourite month, accounting for around 15% of all arrivals in 2024 (with nearly 70,000 Compostelas issued). 

This is no coincidence: May offers ideal conditions — pleasant weather, nature at its peak, a lively yet uncrowded atmosphere, fully operational services and a variety of local festivities that enrich the experience. 

At Mundiplus, your Camino de Santiago travel agency, we explore in detail why May is an excellent month to walk the Camino de Santiago — especially if you’re looking for inspiration for your first pilgrimage.

 

Mild weather and longer days in May

May’s spring weather is one of its greatest attractions. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, averaging around 12–20°C each day, far from the bitter winter cold or the sweltering heat of mid-summer. 

This means you can walk for several hours each day in comfort, without the risk of freezing in the morning or overheating by midday. It can feel a bit chilly in the early morning and evening (though nothing like January frosts), and during the day there’s usually warm but not scorching sunshine, perfect for walking outdoors. 

Another advantage is the increased daylight: May marks the transition to summer, with longer and brighter days. You’ll have more daylight hours to complete your stages, enjoy the scenery or take leisurely breaks. Unlike July or August, there’s no need to set off too early to avoid the heat, as midday temperatures remain moderate. 

Of course, rain might still make an appearance. As the saying goes: “Don’t shed your cloak before the 40th of May” — a reminder that even into early June, the weather can be unpredictable. Galicia and the Cantabrian coast are known for their rainfall, and spring showers can pop up unexpectedly. 

That said, rain is usually less frequent (and less intense) than in autumn. Even so, it’s best to be prepared: always carry a lightweight rain jacket or poncho in your backpack, as spring may surprise you with a quick downpour. With a breathable waterproof handy, you’ll be able to carry on walking even if a few drops fall. 

It’s also wise to wear versatile layered clothing (a light jacket for cooler mornings, breathable gear for daytime) and to use sun protection: the sun may not burn as harshly, but you’ll be outdoors for many hours and it’s easy to get caught out and end up with sunburn. 

 

Springtime landscapes in full bloom

Another great joy of walking the Camino in May is witnessing nature at its finest. Spring paints the trails with vibrant colours and life: fields are filled with wildflowers, trees burst into leaf and the air feels fresh and clean. 

You will cross lush forests, green meadows, and flower-speckled mountains, with the birdsong as your soundtrack. After the April rains, the landscape reaches its peak vitality this month. In fact, you’re likely to be surprised daily with new scenes: carpets of red poppies, yellow broom flowering covering the slopes, and streams brimming with water.

  • The final stages of the French Way or the Portuguese Way will gift you with lush hills and valleys, blooming orchards, and eucalyptus and oak trees filling the air with their scents.

 

  • In the mountain sections (such as the Primitive Way or the climbs to O Cebreiro on the French Way), you’ll still find peaks with morning mists and springs fed by melting snow, adding a picturesque touch without the harshness of winter.

 

  • Meanwhile, on the coastal routes, spring offers clear skies and relatively calm seas, with water temperatures still chilly but spectacular coastal landscapes.

 

Pilgrim atmosphere: neither solitude nor crowds

Another reason is the balance in pilgrim numbers. After the winter months (when the Way is almost deserted), spring breathes life back into the Camino routes. May marks the start of the high season, so you’ll find fellow walkers on the stages but without the full summer crowds.

Many experienced pilgrims recommend this season precisely because the number of walkers is moderate: you won’t face the typical July/August crowds, nor will you walk in the solitude of winter.

It’s worth highlighting that in recent years, May has gained considerable popularity among pilgrims worldwide. As mentioned, in 2024 it even tied with August as the month with the most pilgrims of the year. This shows that more and more people are choosing this time for its advantages.

That said, “more pilgrims” does not mean “overcrowding”. The flow of walkers is more evenly spread throughout the month and across different routes, while in summer it concentrates around peak dates (holidays, long weekends), especially in the last 100 km of the French Way. Therefore, the atmosphere remains lively but peaceful.

 

Local festivals and traditions in May

Walking the Camino de Santiago in May not only offers good weather and landscapes, but also the chance to immerse yourself in local culture through the festivals held this month. Galicia and the northern regions of Spain celebrate several traditional festivities that can add special value to your pilgrimage if your journey coincides with them:

  • Ascension Day Festivals (Santiago de Compostela): these are the major spring festivals in the Apostle’s city. They take place on the sixth Thursday after Easter (usually mid-May) and are considered the second most important festival in Santiago, only after 25 July (Apostle’s Day).

For a week, the city fills with life with outdoor concerts, traditional music parades, theatre performances, food fairs (octopus, empanadas, Galician wines), and attractions for all ages.

 

  • Galician Literature Day (Día das Letras Galegas): The 17th of May is a public holiday throughout Galicia in honour of the Galician language and its most illustrious writers. Each year a different author is commemorated: you’ll find lectures, concerts, theatre, and especially book fairs where you might discover books about the Camino de Santiago.

 

  • Maios Festival: Throughout May (usually early in the month) in various towns across Galicia, León and other regions, the Maios are celebrated — popular ancient festivals welcoming the arrival of spring. They typically involve contests and parades of structures decorated with flowers, leaves, eggs, and other natural items, accompanied by traditional songs welcoming spring.

 

  • Other holidays this month: 

 

  • Mother’s Day in Spain is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. It’s not a public holiday but an emotional date that sometimes encourages families to do a short stage together or dedicate the day to something special. In fact, why not gift the Camino de Santiago to mum?

 

  • 1st of May (International Workers’ Day) is a national holiday. Many Spaniards use this long weekend to start their Camino or do isolated sections, so early in the month you might see a rise in local pilgrims on routes such as the French Way or the Northern Way.

 

Recommended routes and options for May

Once you’ve decided this is the ideal time, it’s time to choose the route you will follow. Almost any Jacobean way is pleasant at this time, thanks to the mild climate and absence of extremes. However, depending on your preferences for scenery, duration, or companionship, you might lean towards one route or another.

  • French Way: the quintessential and most travelled Jacobean route. May is a magnificent month for the French Way, as you can enjoy the varied landscapes of Navarre, La Rioja, the Castilian plateau, and Galicia with mild temperatures and without the summer hustle and bustle.

 

  • The classic stages (Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, the climb to O Cebreiro, etc.) are more manageable weather-wise than at other times. Also, as it is the most popular route, you’ll appreciate walking it at a time with moderate pilgrim numbers, avoiding the July peaks.

 

  • Northern Way: If you are drawn to the Cantabrian coast and prefer a somewhat less crowded route, the Northern Way is an excellent choice in spring. It is a somewhat more physically demanding route (due to its undulating terrain), but in May the mild temperatures compensate and prevent dehydration.

These days are usually mild in the Cantabrian Cornice: temperate temperatures, green landscapes after the April rains, and fewer stormy days than in full winter.

  • For example, the section from the Northern Way Ribadeo to Santiago, which covers the entrance to Galicia from Asturias, allows you to enjoy stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea while passing through fishing villages in the peaceful low season.

 

  • You can also choose to start the northern route from major cities in the Basque Country. Many pilgrims begin the Camino de Santiago from Bilbao, which gives the opportunity to discover Bilbao, Santander, and the eastern Cantabrian coast under the mild climate of this month.

 

  • Portuguese Way: this is another very attractive route in May. It is a path with a slightly warmer climate and fewer elevation changes, ideal if you seek a more relaxed and accessible journey.

 

You will walk among vineyards, riverside forests, and historic villages with very mild temperatures, without the heat that presses in summer in that area. Also, being a slightly less travelled route, you will have even more peace, although in the last days (from Padrón to Santiago) you will see a lively flow of pilgrims converging from various routes.

  • A particularly popular option for beginners is the Portuguese Way from Tui, starting at the Spanish-Portuguese border. From here, there are approximately 115 km (the minimum to obtain the Compostela), usually completed in 5 to 7 comfortable stages.

Of course, there are many other routes (Primitive Way, English Way, Silver Route, etc.), all with their own charm. The important thing is to choose the one that motivates you the most and plan it properly.

 

Tips for pilgrimage in May

Finally, here are some practical tips specifically for walking the Camino de Santiago in May, especially useful if it’s your first time:

  • Be prepared for some rain: Although it is generally dry, don’t forget to carry a good raincoat or waterproof poncho in your backpack. It takes up little space and will save you if you get caught in a spring shower during a stage. Also, rain covers or plastic inner bags will help keep your luggage dry.

 

  • Layers and versatile clothing: the weather can change during the day. Ideally, dress in layers: a breathable T-shirt, a light fleece in the morning, and perhaps a windbreaker. At midday you’ll likely wear short sleeves, but at dawn or in high places it can be cool. A hat might be useful in the north where the sea breeze is fresh.

 

  • Sun protection and water: don’t underestimate the spring sun. Use daily sunscreen (at least SPF 30) on your face, neck, and arms, as you’ll be exposed for hours even if temperatures aren’t high. Also, bring sunglasses and a visor/hat. Stay hydrated; May isn’t hot, but it’s easy to forget to drink.

 

  • Keep allergies under control: if you suffer from pollen allergies, remember that in spring you’ll be surrounded by flowers and fields. Bring your antihistamines or prescribed inhalers in your first aid kit and take preventive medication if you usually do. A trick: sunglasses and a buff over nose/mouth in open fields can help when pollen levels are high.

 

  • Enjoy the surroundings and the moment: this is a month to savour the Camino. Take your time to appreciate the landscape – stop in that flower field to take a photo, have a picnic in the sun, lose yourself for a few minutes listening to the birds. It’s also an ideal season to interact: don’t hesitate to chat with other pilgrims.