Surviving the Summer Heat on the Camino de Santiago: Tips for Staying Cool and Safe
Why Walk the Camino in Summer?
Some pilgrims avoid summer altogether because of the heat and crowds, but there are also great reasons to walk during this season:
Long daylight hours – more time to walk and explore villages
Vibrant atmosphere – festivals and celebrations bring towns to life
More open services – cafés, albergues, and restaurants are fully staffed and available
Opportunity for connection – peak season means you’ll meet pilgrims from all over the world
The key to enjoying these benefits? Proper preparation for the summer conditions you’ll face.
The Meseta is especially hot and dry.
Understanding Summer Weather on the Camino
The Camino passes through several different climates, so the weather can vary greatly depending on where you are.
Here’s what you can generally expect in July and August:
Region Average Temps (°F/°C) Weather Notes
Pyrenees Mountains 50–75°F / 10–24°C Cool mornings, warm afternoons, occasional fog
La Rioja & Meseta 80–95°F / 27–35°C Very hot, dry, and exposed with little shade
Galicia 65–80°F / 18–27°C Humid with mist and occasional rain
Important:
The Meseta, a flat, open section of the Camino Francés, is notorious for intense sun and very little shade.
If you’re walking here in July or August, plan carefully to avoid dangerous heat exposure.
Related post:Walking the Camino in Spring: Weather, Packing Guide, and Essential Tips
Walking on the pavement makes the day even hotter.
Tips for Surviving the Summer Heat
Walking in hot weather doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right strategies, you can stay cool, safe, and energized throughout your journey.
1. Start Walking Early
The best thing you can do to beat the heat? Start before sunrise.
On the hottest days, begin walking around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.
This will allow you to cover most of your miles before the sun is at its peak.
Carry a headlamp for those pre-dawn hours.
Enjoy the peaceful stillness of the early morning.
Arrive at your albergue before the day’s biggest crowds.
2. Hydrate Constantly
Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly when walking for hours in the sun.
My hydration strategy:
Drink small sips frequently rather than gulping water all at once.
Refill your water bottle every chance you get, even if it’s not empty.
Add electrolyte packets or tablets to replace minerals lost through sweat.
Look for fountains labeled “agua potable” (safe drinking water). If it’s not labeled, assume it’s not drinkable.
Related post:How the Camino de Santiago Helped Me Find Courage and Kindness
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3. Use Sun Protection
The Spanish sun can be intense, especially in open areas like the Meseta.
Here’s what I recommend:
Lightweight, breathable clothing with UPF protection
Wide-brimmed hat or cap with a neck flap
Sunscreen SPF 30+, reapplied throughout the day
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare
A buff or scarf for added sun coverage on your neck or face
An SPF long sleeve shirt with hood to protect you from the sun
Remember, sunburns are not just uncomfortable—they can also increase your risk of heat exhaustion.
Related post: The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)
4. Take Frequent Breaks
On hot days, plan extra rest stops to avoid overexertion.
Sit in the shade whenever you find it, even if it’s just for five minutes.
Use cafés or churches as cool, quiet places to recharge.
Don’t feel pressured to walk continuously—listen to your body.
The hot, flat Meseta, Camino de Santiago
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5. Eat Light and Smart
Heavy meals can slow you down and make the heat feel worse.
What works well:
Start the day with protein-rich snacks like nuts or boiled eggs.
Eat smaller, lighter meals throughout the day.
Carry high-energy snacks like dried fruit or energy bars for quick boosts.
For inspiration, check out my post: Healthy High-Protein Meals for Long Days on the Camino de Santiago
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6. Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Overheating is no joke.
Here are warning signs to look for in yourself or fellow pilgrims:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Excessive sweating—or suddenly not sweating at all
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion or unusual behavior
If you notice these symptoms:
Stop walking immediately.
Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
Sip cool water slowly.
Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve quickly.
A beautiful sunset.
7. Adjust Your Daily Mileage
In cooler weather, you might easily walk 15–20 miles per day.
In the heat, it’s okay to slow down.
Consider shorter stages of 10–12 miles when the sun is intense.
Build in extra rest days in larger towns like Burgos, León, or Santiago.
Remember, the Camino is a pilgrimage, not a race.
Essential Summer Camino Packing List
Packing smart is crucial for a comfortable summer walk.
Here’s what I recommend for the hot season:
Clothing
2–3 lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts
Convertible hiking pants or shorts
UPF-rated sun hat
Light rain jacket (storms can pop up even in summer)
Lightweight sleeping bag or liner
2–3 pairs of moisture-wicking socks
Related post:The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)
Gear
2-liter water bladder or two 1-liter bottles
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Electrolyte tablets or packets
Lightweight trekking poles for stability
Cooling towel or bandana
Small, portable fan (optional but wonderful on still, hot nights)
For a complete list, read: Essential Camino Gear You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without.
Staying Motivated in the Heat
Walking in high temperatures can be mentally challenging.
Here’s how to stay positive on the hardest days:
Focus on small goals: “Just make it to the next shade tree.”
Celebrate milestones: Reaching the halfway point, a special town, or even just finishing the day’s walk
Lean on the community: Fellow pilgrims are wonderful sources of encouragement and shared laughter.
Pause for gratitude: A cold drink, a breeze, or a stunning view can completely shift your mindset.
Conclusion: The Summer Camino Is Worth It
Yes, walking the Camino de Santiago in the summer can be hot, sweaty, and challenging.
But it can also be deeply rewarding, filled with long sunlit days, vibrant festivals, and meaningful connections.
With preparation, mindfulness, and the right gear, you can not only survive the summer heat—you can embrace the beauty of the season and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you start at St. Jean Pied de Port, join along the way, or finish at Santiago de Compostela, remember this:
The Camino is a journey of perseverance, resilience, and discovery.
Pack well, hydrate often, and most importantly—enjoy every step.
Next Steps
Prepare with my 12-Week Camino Training Plan.
Buen Camino, and stay cool out there!
Renae