If you walk the Camino long enough, you will experience every kind of weather imaginable. One day, you are basking in golden sunlight, feeling like the star of a travel documentary. The next, you are trudging through ankle-deep mud, rain dripping from your nose, questioning every life decision that led you to this moment. The Camino is unpredictable, and the weather is no exception. Even in the height of summer, a cold wind can catch you off guard, and even in spring, the heat can be relentless. No matter when you walk, you need to be prepared for anything. But do not worry, weather is not something to fear. With the right mindset (and a little preparation), you will learn to embrace whatever the sky throws at you. In fact, some of your most unforgettable moments on the Camino will happen in the worst conditions.

The Spanish sun is no joke. If you are walking in July or August, you will face relentless heat, often with little to no shade. The Meseta, those flat plains stretching across central Spain, can feel like a furnace by midday, the air thick with heat, the road shimmering in the distance. Walking in extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous if you are not careful. The best defense is to start early. Many pilgrims begin walking before dawn, hoping to finish before the worst of the heat settles in. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential, and sunscreen should be applied liberally and often, especially on exposed areas like the back of your neck and ears. Hydration is key, always carry at least a liter of water, more if the next stop is far. If you see shade, take it. Wetting a buff or bandana and wrapping it around your neck can provide instant relief. The warning signs of heat exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and, ironically, a lack of sweating, should never be ignored. If you feel any of these symptoms, stop immediately, rest in the shade, and drink water. The Camino is not a race, and pushing through heat exhaustion is never worth the risk.

At some point, it will rain. Galicia, in particular, is known for its damp, misty days, and if you are unlucky, you might find yourself walking through a full week of drizzle. A little rain can be refreshing, but a torrential downpour is another story. A good rain jacket or poncho is invaluable, do not rely on cheap plastic ponchos, as they rip easily and provide little real protection. Waterproofing your backpack is just as important; a rain cover helps, but keeping essential items in dry bags inside your pack adds an extra layer of security. Quick-drying clothes are a must, as cotton holds onto moisture and will leave you damp for hours. Wet socks mean blisters, so change them often, and embrace the reality that, some days, you will just have to walk through the rain. If your shoes get soaked, stuffing them with newspaper overnight helps absorb the moisture, if you can find a café that still carries newspapers, that is.

Wind is sneaky. It seems harmless until you are walking straight into a powerful headwind, making progress feel impossible. The worst winds hit in open areas, the Pyrenees, where the first days of the Camino Francés can be brutal, the Meseta, where there is nothing to block the gusts, and Galicia, where the Atlantic breeze can turn into a full-force battle. Strong winds mean tightening your backpack straps to minimize drag, using walking poles for stability, and layering up, wind cuts through fabric fast, so a lightweight windbreaker can make all the difference. If the wind is especially strong, a buff or headband will protect your ears from the sharp, aching pain that can come from prolonged exposure.

Despite what many imagine, Spain is not warm year-round. If you are walking in early spring, late autumn, or winter, you may find yourself facing bitter cold, frost-covered paths, and even snow. The Pyrenees often see snowfall in the off-season, and the Meseta, while scorching in summer, can be brutally cold in the mornings. The Galician mountains bring an added windchill that makes even mild temperatures feel harsh. The key to staying warm is layering, a good base layer to wick away sweat, a fleece for insulation, and a windproof shell to keep the elements out. Cold hands and feet make everything miserable, so gloves and warm socks are a must. Counterintuitively, sweating too much in cold weather is dangerous, moisture trapped in your clothing can freeze quickly, so adjust layers as needed to keep comfortable without overheating. A hot cup of coffee or tea does wonders, not just for warmth but for morale.

Thunderstorms on the Camino can be intense. If you hear thunder, count the seconds until you see lightning, if it is less than 30 seconds, the storm is dangerously close. Open fields, hilltops, and metal objects (including walking poles) should be avoided. If you are caught on an exposed ridge or plain, descend as quickly as possible. The safest option is to find shelter in a building or a forest, but never under a lone tree, which is more likely to be struck by lightning. If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground, keeping your feet together to minimize the risk of a ground current. Thankfully, most storms pass quickly, so if one rolls in, it is often best to wait it out in safety before continuing.

Here is the truth, you cannot control the weather. No matter how much you prepare, there will be days when you are uncomfortable. Mornings that start with rain, afternoons that turn blisteringly hot, and nights where the wind howls outside your albergue window. You will find yourself trudging through thick mud, squinting against the relentless sun, or bracing against a cold that cuts through every layer you own. And yet, these will be the days you remember most. The days where you curse the sky, only to laugh about it later. The days where you push through discomfort and discover just how resilient you are. Because the Camino is not about perfect conditions, it is about learning to walk forward, no matter what.

Some of your best Camino memories will be made not in the easy, pleasant moments, but in the ones where you endure, adapt, and embrace the unpredictable forces of nature. When you finally reach Santiago, sunburned, soaked, or windblown, you will know, no matter what the weather threw at you, you walked through it all. And that is something you will carry with you long after the journey ends.

Buen Camino—rain or shine.