This article on choosing clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring is part of a longer series dedicated to the Saint James of Compostela pilgrimage. You'll find plenty of practical information on how to organise and prepare your hiking trip (routes, gear, seasons, clothing, physical preparation, tips… Etc.). Find the list of links to the other articles in the series at the bottom of this page!
If you've decided to take on the Camino de Santiago in spring, it's a great choice — it's a pleasant time of year and well-suited to long-distance walking. Before you start packing, however, you'll need to decide what to wear. Here are our tips for choosing the right clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring, so you can complete your dream hiking adventure in the best possible conditions.Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: upper body
In spring, across the entire route, you can expect fairly changeable weather with a limited temperature range. Mild temperatures are likely, but rain is still a real possibility. Mornings and evenings can also be on the cool side.
For upper body clothing, prioritise long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirts, a few t-shirts, add a fleece jacket, and pack a waterproof windproof jacket in your bag. With this combination, you should be prepared for any eventuality.
You can also add t-shirts for the warmest days or if you're travelling at the end of spring.
Finally, for the coolest periods, consider bringing technical thermal base layers which will protect you effectively in the early morning or on the coldest days. They will also come in handy if you opt for the bivvy and tent option.
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: lower body
In general, this is one area of the body where you shouldn't feel the cold too much at this time of year: the effort of walking will be enough to keep your legs warm.
You can therefore choose to set off with a lightweight hiking trousers. It is also possible to pack a waterproof or warmer pair of trousers for cooler days. Another solution if temperatures drop is to pack a pair of long base layer bottoms in your bag. This type of technical, warm base layer is very useful under trousers to protect you if it gets a little colder.
That said, you should generally enjoy milder, more pleasant temperatures, especially on the Spanish section after the Pyrenees. You can also add a pair of shorts to your pack, which are great when the sun comes out.
Alternatively, a convertible pair of trousers is worth considering. It's a very practical solution that saves both weight and volume. Zip-off trousers let you switch from full-length to shorts in under a minute, in either direction!
Finally, a lightweight pair of shorts is always useful, especially if you're travelling in the late May to early June period when temperatures are typically higher. Plus, a pair of shorts won't add much weight to your pack or take up too much space!
Clothing for the Camino de Santiago in spring: socks and footwear
Above all, don't overlook the choice of socks and footwear for the Saint James of Compostela pilgrimage! Remember that your feet will be put through their paces throughout the route and are essential to your wellbeing and endurance. First tip: don't set off with brand-new items! Whether it's shoes or socks, you should have worn them for a few weeks before you leave and be confident they suit you and cause no discomfort whatsoever. First and foremost, footwear is of course essential. The Camino de Santiago is not technically demanding and doesn't require shoes designed for glaciers or scree fields. However, it is important to set off with walking or hiking shoes and not standard sports shoes. Depending on your preference, you can opt for mid-cut walking shoes or lightweight low-cut hiking shoes, or even hiking sandals. In the latter case, be mindful not to travel during a particularly rainy period. Whatever you choose, go out on several trial runs in your footwear to break them in properly and learn to maintaining and repairing them if needed. When it comes to socks, don't make the mistake of setting off with ordinary everyday socks. You might not notice the difference over a single day, but after a week, your feet would most certainly pay the price.
In spring, you will mainly need lightweight hiking socks. The best option is to choose double-skin anti-blister socks, which are ideal for long days of effort. You can also go for high-performance, durable hiking socks with a right foot/left foot ergonomic design, a heel and toe reinforced with CORDURA that is 4 times stronger than polyamide, and merino to keep odours at bay. This is often the ideal choice for long-distance routes like the Camino de Santiago.
Make sure you pack enough pairs to change every day if you can't wash your socks each evening (due to lack of time or facilities at the hostel). Ideally, bring at least 4 pairs.
Finally, to aid recovery, don't hesitate to pick up some compression recovery socks, which help reduce the feeling of fatigue and limit the onset of calf cramps and aches. They're simple to use: just put them on once you've reached your stop for the day and wear them for 2 to 4 hours to boost blood circulation.
Other articles in the Saint James of Compostela series:
