1. Home
  2. Camino de Santiago in Fall

Camino de Santiago in Fall

Fall, spanning September and October, is widely considered the best overall season to walk the Camino de Santiago, though the two months feel different. September holds onto summer's warmth and long daylight as the harvest gets underway in Galicia and Rioja's wine country - October cools further, daylight shortens, and the trail empties out noticeably.

Rain becomes more of a factor the later into fall you leave it, particularly in Galicia, where autumn weather systems roll in off the Atlantic more often from mid-October onward - a handful of smaller, seasonal albergues on quieter routes also begin closing for the winter as the month goes on.

Macs Adventure books hotels and guesthouses rather than relying on seasonal albergues, so accommodation stays reliable across both fall months.

  • The famous shells of the Camino
  • A photograph of Camino de Santiago in Fall
  • A photograph of Camino de Santiago in Fall
  • A photograph of Camino de Santiago in Fall

Why walk the Camino de Santiago in Fall

Self-guided, with the logistics handled

  • Rooms booked every night

    Handpicked hotels and guesthouses, confirmed before you travel

  • Luggage moved ahead

    Your main bag is transferred between stops each day, so you walk with a daypack

  • Route notes and maps

    Detailed route notes and maps in our award-winning navigation app

  • Your pace, your dates

    No group to keep up with, and solo pricing on most departures

  • 24/7 support

    Our local ground team is on call throughout your trip

  • France, Spain

    Camino Frances

    Hike the entire, world-famous Camino Frances, from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela.

    • Walking
    • 7–57 days
    from$1,340CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal, Spain

    Camino Portugués

    Walk to Santiago through a lesser travelled side of Portugal, on the Camino Portugués central route.

    • Walking
    • 8–33 days
    from$1,855CAD pp
    View Route
  • Spain

    Camino Inglés

    A peaceful Camino and former trading route, starting at the coast and heading inland to Santiago

    • Walking
    • 7 days
    from$1,410CAD pp
    View Route
  • Spain

    Camino del Norte

    Walk from San Sebastian along the north coast of Spain to Santiago de Compostela.

    • Walking
    • 8–42 days
    from$1,950CAD pp
    View Route
  • Spain

    Camino Primitivo (Full Walk)

    Enjoy tranquility and a more challenging Camino route, crossing the rugged landscapes of Asturias

    • Walking
    • 16 days
    from$3,135CAD pp
    View Route
  • Spain

    Camino Finisterre

    Walk to Cape Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela, completing your Camino journey.

    • Walking
    • 6 days
    from$1,105CAD pp
    View Route
  • St Jean Pied de Port
    France

    Camino Le Puy Way

    Walk the Camino through France towards St Jean Pied de Port, absorbing local flavours and landscapes

    • Walking
    • 12–38 days
    from$3,525CAD pp
    View Route

Get to know Camino de Santiago in Fall

Walking the Camino in fall self-guided lets you weigh September against October and choose what matters most to you.

  • Why is fall considered the best season for the Camino?

    September and October combine cooling temperatures, thinning crowds and (in September) harvest season, without the heat and demand of summer.

  • Should I choose September or October?

    September is warmer with longer daylight and a livelier atmosphere from the harvest - October is quieter and cooler, with shorter days and some seasonal albergues closing later in the month.

  • Does it rain more in fall?

    Rain becomes more likely as fall progresses, especially in Galicia from mid-October onward - September is generally drier.

  • Are albergues open throughout fall?

    Some smaller, seasonal albergues on quieter routes begin closing later in October - Macs Adventure books hotels and guesthouses instead, so this doesn't affect your trip.

  • How crowded is the Camino in fall?

    Busier than winter but noticeably quieter than summer, with October the quieter of the two fall months.

  • Do I carry my own luggage in fall?

    No - your main bag is transferred between stops each day throughout September and October.

Get inspired for the Camino de Santiago

  • Camino

    Camino Guide 1.2: When to go? Walk or Cycle? Where to Stay?

    Common questions on the Camino de Santiago inlcuding accommodation and where to stay on the Camino, walking or cycling the Camino, and what time of year to walk the Camino.

    Read blog

  • Camino & Pilgrimages

    How fit do I need to be to hike the Camino?

    How fit do you need to be for the Camino de Santiago? Discover fitness levels for every route, training tips, walking advice and cycling guidance.

    Read blog
  • Four feet next to a mosaic cross

    Camino & Pilgrimages

    Which Camino is right for me?

    Find the best Camino route for you with our guide to the Camino Francés, Portugués, del Norte, Primitivo and more walking holidays to Santiago.

    Read blog

Know before you go