The Camino de Santiago routes in January
Are you planning to do the Camino de Santiago in January? Congratulations! There are not many pilgrims who decide to do the Camino de Santiago during the winter months.
However, as we told you in our articles on the Camino de Santiago in winter, the pilgrim routes are surrounded by tranquillity and wonderful landscapes in January. Only a few are able to enjoy them.
In this article, we explain what climatic conditions you will find in each of the sections on the Camino de Santiago in January. We will also tell you about the different events that take place during January in the towns that the Camino de Santiago crosses.
Doing the Camino Frances to Santiago in January
The Camino Frances to Santiago in January is a very different route from the one you will find in the high season. You will find few pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago in winter, specially in this route in January.
If you feel like venturing into this challenge, we recommend doing the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. Tell us when you’d like to complete it and other details about the trip you want to take. We’ll be happy to arrange it for you!
If you want to know more about the different sections of the Camino Frances you should consult the section dedicated to this route in our blog on the Camino de Santiago, in which we tell you what the route is like.
In this post, we will focus on explaining what sort of temperature you will find in January on the Camino Frances to Santiago and what events are held in the different localities that this popular route crosses.
The temperature on the Camino Frances in January
In January you will find an average temperature of 5 degrees centigrade. However, it is likely that in the stretch that crosses Castile there are days when the temperature is below zero.
If you plan to start the Camino Frances from Sant Jean Pied de Port you should find out clearly as to what the temperature may be on those days and if there is snow. In January it is quite common that one of the variants between Saint Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles is impassable.
Another point where you could find snow in winter is on the ascent to Foncebadón and O Cebreiro. You should know that to avoid this mountain pass the pilgrims of the Middle Ages took the route known as the Camino de Invierno.
Festivals and events on the French route in January
As in most places, January is not a month that is characterized by the great presence of festivals and celebrations. Still, if you dare to do the Camino de Santiago in January you can enjoy some local holidays during your trip.
Kings’ Day (Epiphany)
If you are not Spanish you may not know that during the first days of January, Spain prepares to receive the Magi (January 6th). The previous night, January 5th, you will find King’s processions in almost all Spanish towns and cities.
January 25 in Belorado
On stage 10 on the Camino Frances, specifically in the town of Belorado, on 25th January the festivities are celebrated in honour of the patron saint of the town, the Virgin of Bethlehem. In addition to masses, on that day you will find various performances by local dance groups in the town.
La Borrachona in Mansilla de Mulas
On stage 19 of the tour, in Mansilla de Mulas, you will find the festival of Santa Eugenia. This curious celebration is also known by the name “La Borrachona”. It is a popular festival held between 30 and 31 January, hence the popular saying:
Those who go to Santa Eugenia and sleep there,
in one month they go, and one month later they come back.
Astorga in January
If you do the Camino de Santiago with your dog you don’t want to miss the curious celebration that takes place in Astorga in mid-January. In this town, located on stage 22 of the Camino de Santiago, San Antón blesses every year the owners and their animals: dogs, cats, donkeys, cows, etc.
Another celebration you may find in Astorga if you are going to do the Camino de Santiago in January is the International Chocolate Salon. This event takes place either at the end of the year or early in the year, so find out the exact dates if you plan to stop by Astorga in January.
28th January on the Camino Frances to Santiago
On stage 25, Villafranca del Bierzo celebrates its main festivities. On the days around January 28th, you will find various events in this town in honour of San Tirso (St. Thyrsus).
Doing the Camino Portugues in January
The Camino Portugues is one of the most recommended routes to do in January, as it does not cross any mountain passes. You should know that there are two itineraries on the Camino de Santiago through Portugal.
One is known as the Central Camino Portugues and the other as the Camino Portugues Coastal Route. If you want to know more about their attractions and stages, don’t forget to check the article we have dedicated to the Portuguese routes.
The temperature in Portugal during January
The Temperatures on the Camino de Santiago Portugues in January are much higher than in Northern Spain. During the first days of the year you will find an average temperature which ranges from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. However, keep in mind that if you decide to follow the coastal route from Porto, the proximity to the sea can create a greater sensation of cold.
Another aspect that you should keep in mind is that although on the Camino Portugues, the temperatures are higher than on other routes, you will inevitably end up entering Galicia, if you plan to finish your tour in Santiago de Compostela. So be sure to bring rainwear with you.
Festivals and events in Portugal during January
On the Camino Portugues to Santiago you can enjoy various events during the month of January. If you start the Camino Portugues from Lisbon you should know that on stage 2, in the town of Alhandra, on January 16th and 17th the festival of Sao Sebasticao takes place.
On stage 15, in Grijó, an event known as the Cantares de Janeiras is held on January 26th. An encounter that brings together various traditional music groups.
If you decide to do only the last few kilometres of the Camino Portugues, starting from Tui, keep in mind that this town celebrates during the month of January the Romería de San Xoán. You can take advantage of your day of arrival to enjoy the festivities!
Doing the Camino de Santiago del Norte in January
The Camino del Norte, along with the Camino Primitivo, are the least advisable routes for the winter season. The high Asturian mountains, with the temperatures and precipitation recorded in this region of Spain make some of the sections quite impassable.
The weather on the Camino del Norte in January
The proximity to the sea of this route makes the temperatures that occur in the places that it crosses are much higher than those you could find on the Castilian plateau. However, the high presence of rainfall on this route makes the atmospheric conditions much more adverse.
To the above we must add the Camino del Norte runs at quite an altitude. Therefore, during January you will find stretches of the road covered with ice. If you want to know more about the route along the Camino del Norte, don’t forget to read our article related to this topic.
What to do on the Camino del Norte in January
If you decide to start the Camino del Norte in San Sebastian, on your second stage you will arrive in Zarautz. This town hosts two events at the end of January: The Festivals of San Sebastian and Dia de la Sidra, in which almost 600 bottles of cider are uncorked in a single morning.
In stage 3, in Deba, there are also two celebrations during the month of January. One happens during the first weeks of January. This is an oxen test, a competition that has been taking place for more than 40 years.
The other celebration takes place in the area of Deba, but in the town of Elorriaga. We refer to the Feast of San Sebastian that takes place on January 19th and 20th.
Finally, on stage 17 of the Camino del Norte you can enjoy the Feast of San Antón in Ribadesella. The celebration takes place on 17th January.
La Via de la Plata in January
As we told you in our post about the Camino de la Plata, this immense route has several sections. The southern sections, both the route known as the Camino Mozarabe and the section that goes from Seville to Merida, are ideal to do in January, since the temperatures are not very low.
The weather on the Via de la Plata in January
On the southern stages of the Via de la Plata you will find a much more pleasant temperature than in the other sections of the Camino de Santiago. During the month of January, the southern part of Spain registers an average temperature of 10 or 15 degrees.
If you plan to reach Santiago de Compostela, you will have to face much lower temperatures. In the area of Zamora and Salamanca the temperature drops about 5 or 10 degrees. The same as in the stretch that runs along Galician terrain.
The January festivals on the Via de la Plata to Santiago
If you leave from Seville, on the fifth stage you will arrive in Fuentes de Cantos. In this village around 15th January the didactic slaughter is celebrated, in which in addition to enjoying pork, other traditional dishes of the region such as the classic breadcrumbs are served.
If you pass through Cáceres on the first Sunday that falls close to January 20th you will also be able to witness the Romería de los Santo Mártires San Fabián and San Sebastian. A festival that has been taking place since 1980.
Stage 12 arrives in Casar de Cáceres. This town celebrates during the first week of January las Rondas de Ánimas. If these dates do not fit into your trip, do not worry, because on that same stage you will find the Alcántara Reservoir that also celebrates festivals in January.
Montemarta, located on stage 22, celebrates, from 1st to 6th January, el Zangarrón. These festivals date back to Roman times. In these, a devil walks through all the houses of the village asking for a recompense.
Finally, on stage 26 on the Via de la Plata you will find the Festival of San Blas, which is celebrated on January 16th in La Bañeza. However, the dates may vary from year to year, so we recommend that if you stop by in January you should find out more about them.
The Camino Primitivo to Santiago in January
The Camino Primitivo is the least advisable route for winter. Between December and March, this route on the Camino de Santiago is practically desolate. However, as we always say with good equipment and knowing the Camino de Santiago weather in January forecast, nothing is impossible.
The climate on the Camino Primitivo in January
The Camino Primitivo to Santiago crosses numerous mountain passes, so in January the chances of your finding snow, fog or ice are very high. Rain will also be present. Therefore, if you decide to do the Camino Primitivo in January you must be well prepared to deal with adverse weather conditions and be prepared to walk the Camino de Santiago in January.
Which events you will find on the Camino Primitivo in January
This route does not have many festivities this month. On the Camino Primitivo to Santiago, the only festival that takes place in January is that of Fonsagrada, a town that is located on stage 7 of the route, if you start from Oviedo. The celebration that takes place is the Feria del Botillo and takes place on 30 and 31 January.
However, the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Frances in Melide. Following the French route, you can enjoy some festivals that take place in January. Such as La Feria del Cocido Celta held in Sarria, on January 30th, or the Feast of St. Vincent in O Pedrouzo, on January 22nd.
Doing the Camino Inglés in January
The Camino de Santiago Inglés is not an unadvised route to do in January. However, on this route it is very important to have waterproof clothing, since it runs entirely through Galicia, it is the route that registers the greatest probability of rain.
The Camino de Santiago Inglés is an ideal route to do in January, as it does not take many days to complete it. If you want to know more about this pilgrim section, you can check out our articles about the stages on the Camino Inglés.
Regarding the holidays, this is one of the Camino de Santiago routes that registers the lowest number of events in the month of January. The only celebration you will find on the Camino de Santiago Inglés in January are the festivities of San Xiao in Ferrol, which take place in the first week of January.
The Camino de Finisterre in January
The Camino de Finisterre is a route that many pilgrims follow after paying homage to the remains of Santiago the Apostle. If you decide to do the Camino de Santiago in January and continue along the Finisterre route, you must also be very well prepared for the rain.
In the month of January, you will not find any great event taking place on the Camino de Finisterre. However, the magic that surrounds this route is reason enough to travel it. You can find more information about this section in our article on the Route to the End of the World.
With the information we have provided in this article and with the related publications that we have been recommending throughout the text, you have all the information necessary to prepare the Camino de Santiago in January. If you make your trip between December and January or between January and February, do not miss the posts we have for each of those months.
Before saying goodbye, we want to remind you that if you want to have the help of a specialized agency to organize your trip to the Camino de Santiago at any time of the year, do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us or leave us a comment at the end of this article or on our Facebook.
Buen Camino!
Hola! mi nombre es Alex soy de Ciudad de Mexico y estoy pensando hacer el Camino de Santiago junto con mi novia, solo que aun no decidimos si por el camino Portugués de la costa desde Tui o el camino francés desde Sarria. Queremos hacerlo los primeros días de enero pero no se cual me convenga mas por el tema de albergues, nevadas, dificultad, lugares abiertos etc. por lo que me gustaria ayuda para poder tomar una buena decisión.
También me gustaria saber como me puedo transportar a cualquiera de los dos puntos ( Sarria, Tui) desde Madrid.
¡Hola Alex! ¡Qué emoción que vayas a hacer el Camino con tu novia!
Ambas rutas son hermosas, pero para principios de enero te recomendamos considerar estos factores:
Camino Francés desde Sarria (5-7 días):
✓ Menos nieve que otras rutas (Galicia tiene clima más templado)
✓ Albergues bien equipados y disponibles incluso en invierno
✓ Terreno menos exigente, ideal para parejas
✓ Muchos lugares abiertos en enero (menos aglomeración)
✓ Infraestructura muy desarrollada
Camino Portugués de la Costa desde Tui (7-9 días):
✓ Vistas espectaculares del Atlántico
✓ Menos tráfico de peregrinos en enero
✓ Clima similar a Sarria, riesgo bajo de nieve
✓ Albergues disponibles pero más dispersos
✓ Terreno variado, ligeramente más desafiante
Para principios de enero, recomendamos el Camino Francés desde Sarria por su infraestructura y comodidad.
Transporte desde Madrid:
A Sarria:
Tren AVE Madrid → Ourense (5-6 horas), luego autobús a Sarria (1 hora)
Autobús directo (8-9 horas)
Coche de alquiler (5-6 horas)
A Tui:
Tren Madrid → Vigo (5-6 horas), luego autobús a Tui (1 hora)
Autobús directo (7-8 horas)
Coche de alquiler (5-6 horas)
¡Nosotros podemos ayudarte! Ofrecemos transporte desde Madrid hasta tu punto de inicio, alojamiento cuidadosamente seleccionado, transferencia de equipaje y asistencia 24/7 durante tu Camino.
Por favor, contáctanos a través de nuestro sitio web https://santiagoways.com/es/ o responde aquí con más detalles. Nuestro equipo te preparará una propuesta personalizada para que tú y tu novia tengan una experiencia inolvidable.
¡Buen Camino!
Santiago Ways Team
Hi, I would like to know more about doing the Camino within a week in January. I live in Singapore where the average daily temperature is about 30 degrees. Therefore, I’m concerned that I may find hiking in winter in Europe challenging. But I will be in London sometime in January and would really like to be able to walk the Camino. I would like some advise on whether there are some feasible routes that I can take and I would also like to hear of any other suggestions for a pilgrim that isn’t used to cold weather. I see from your post that the Spanish (via de la Plata) and the Portuguese routes are usually warmer.
I will be on my own and am looking at 6-8 days.
Hi! What an exciting plan—walking the Camino in January from London while coming from tropical Singapore is bold and wonderful! Your concern about cold weather is very valid, and we appreciate your honesty about the adjustment.
Your situation is perfect for specific recommendations:
January weather reality:
✓ Spain/Portugal: 5-12°C (cool but manageable)
✗ Coming from 30°C Singapore: Significant temperature shock
✓ Shorter daylight: Only 9 hours (affects daily distances)
✓ Fewer pilgrims: Peaceful, authentic experience
✓ Possible rain: Especially in Portugal
Best routes for January + cold-weather concerns:
BEST OPTION: Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago (7-9 days)
✓ Why it’s perfect for you:
Warmer than French Way: Coastal/southern influence
7-9 days fits your 6-8 day window
100+ km over extended timeframe: 12-15 km daily
Less mountainous: Easier terrain than French Way
Beautiful scenery: Even in January
Less crowded: Peaceful experience
Manageable for cold-weather adjustment
✓ Daily distances: 12-15 km (very achievable)
✓ Terrain: Mix of rural paths, villages, countryside
✓ Accommodations: Quality hotels (warm, comfortable)
✓ Support: Professional 24/7 assistance
ALTERNATIVE: Sarria to Santiago (5-7 days)
✓ Shorter option: Fits your 6-8 day window perfectly
✓ 32 km over 5-7 days: 5-10 km daily (very manageable)
✓ Less crowded in January: Peaceful
✓ Well-supported infrastructure: Excellent for first-timers
✗ Slightly colder: Higher elevation than Portuguese route
Avoid in January:
✗ Full French Way: Too cold, mountainous, demanding
✗ Camino Primitivo: Mountain terrain, very cold
✗ High altitude routes: Challenging in winter
Tips for cold-weather adjustment from tropical Singapore:
Clothing strategy:
✓ Layers are essential: Multiple thin layers > one thick layer
✓ Moisture-wicking base: Merino wool or synthetic (NOT cotton)
✓ Mid-layer: Fleece or wool sweater
✓ Waterproof outer: Rain jacket essential
✓ Warm hat & gloves: Critical for comfort
✓ Warm socks: Merino wool (multiple pairs)
✓ Thermal leggings: Under your walking pants
✓ Scarf/neck gaiter: Protects neck and face
Acclimatization tips:
✓ Arrive 2-3 days early: Adjust to cold before walking
✓ Start with shorter distances: Your body needs adjustment
✓ Warm accommodations: Rest and recover properly
✓ Hot meals/drinks: Warm food helps regulate temperature
✓ Move frequently: Walking generates body heat
✓ Hydration: Cold weather dehydrates—drink regularly
Footwear considerations:
✓ Waterproof hiking boots: Essential for wet/cold conditions
✓ Insulated socks: Merino wool, multiple pairs
✓ Gaiters: Protect boots from mud/water
✓ Blister prevention: Critical in cold (blisters worsen in cold)
Mental preparation:
✓ Expect adjustment: First 2-3 days may feel challenging
✓ Your body adapts: Humans are resilient
✓ Peaceful experience: Fewer crowds = authentic Camino
✓ Meaningful achievement: Completing in winter is special
What we’ll provide:
✓ Route selection: Warmest, most manageable option
✓ Comfortable accommodations: Warm hotels with good facilities
✓ Daily luggage transfer: 20kg per piece (you walk light!)
✓ Detailed packing list: Cold-weather specific
✓ Route guidance: Terrain suitable for adjustment period
✓ Flexible pacing: Adjust daily distances as needed
✓ 24/7 support: Emergency assistance anytime
✓ Solo traveler support: Community connections along the way
To plan your January Camino from London, please:
Contact us directly at https://santiagoways.com/en/
Share these details:
Exact January dates: When in January? (6-8 days)
Route preference: Portuguese (Tui-Santiago) or Sarria-Santiago?
Solo traveler: Confirmed
Cold-weather concerns: Any specific worries?
Fitness level: Your walking experience?
Accommodation preference: Quality hotels essential?
Our team will send you:
Route recommendation: Best for January + cold adjustment
Complete itinerary: 6-8 days with daily details
Detailed packing list: Cold-weather specific
Acclimatization tips: Singapore → Europe adjustment
Accommodation options: Warm, comfortable hotels
Pricing and logistics
Solo traveler community information
Why Portuguese Way is best for you:
✓ Warmest option: Slightly milder than French Way
✓ Less crowded: Peaceful, authentic experience
✓ Manageable terrain: Not too mountainous
✓ Beautiful scenery: Even in January
✓ Perfect duration: 7-9 days fits your window
✓ Professional support: We handle all logistics
✓ Achievable goal: Realistic for cold-weather adjustment
Your Singapore background is actually an advantage:
✓ You’re accustomed to walking in warm weather
✓ You’re likely fit and adaptable
✓ Your determination shows commitment
✓ The Camino community welcomes all pilgrims
✓ January is peaceful and spiritual
January Camino reality:
✓ Beautiful but cool: 5-12°C is manageable with proper preparation
✓ Fewer pilgrims: More authentic, peaceful experience
✓ Meaningful achievement: Winter pilgrimage is special
✓ Your body adapts: Humans are resilient
✓ Professional support: We’re here throughout
You CAN do this! With proper route selection, packing, and support, your January Camino from London will be an incredible achievement and memory.
Best regards,
Santiago Ways Team
I am interested to do the walk from spain in January with my partner over 9 days can you advice please
Hi Michelle!
What a wonderful plan—walking the Camino in Spain in January with your partner over 9 days is a beautiful way to start the year together! We’d love to help you plan this adventure.
January on the Camino is special:
✓ Peaceful: Fewer pilgrims, authentic experience
✓ Spiritual: Quiet, reflective atmosphere
✓ Manageable: Less crowded infrastructure
✗ Cool weather: 5-12°C (requires proper preparation)
✗ Shorter daylight: Only ~9 hours walking time
Best 9-day routes for January:
BEST OPTION: Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago (7-9 days)
✓ Distance: 100-110 km
✓ Duration: 7-9 days (perfect for your timeframe!)
✓ Daily distances: 12-15 km (very manageable)
✓ Terrain: Mix of rural paths, villages, countryside
✓ Weather: Warmer than French Way (coastal influence)
✓ Crowds: Very few pilgrims in January
✓ Couple-friendly: Peaceful, intimate experience
ALTERNATIVE: Sarria to Santiago (5-7 days)
✓ Distance: 32 km
✓ Duration: 5-7 days (shorter option)
✓ Daily distances: 5-10 km (very easy)
✓ Well-supported: Excellent infrastructure
✓ Less crowded in January: Peaceful experience
✓ Couple-friendly: Achievable for all fitness levels
Why January is wonderful for couples:
✓ Solitude: Fewer pilgrims = intimate experience
✓ Quality time: Walking together, no crowds
✓ Authentic Camino: Real pilgrimage atmosphere
✓ Peaceful villages: Quiet, beautiful stops
✓ Meaningful journey: Winter pilgrimage is special
What we’ll arrange for you both:
✓ Comfortable accommodations: Hotels with private bathrooms
✓ Daily luggage transfer: 20kg per piece (you walk light!)
✓ Couple-friendly pacing: Adjust to your comfort
✓ Detailed daily itineraries: With maps and route guidance
✓ Restaurant recommendations: Local cuisine along the way
✓ 24/7 support: Emergency assistance anytime
✓ Flexible routing: Adjust based on how you feel
January weather preparation:
✓ Temperature: 5-12°C (cool but manageable)
✓ Clothing: Layers essential (moisture-wicking base, mid-layer, waterproof outer)
✓ Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots recommended
✓ Rain gear: Rain jacket and gaiters essential
✓ Warm accessories: Hat, gloves, warm socks
✓ Packing list: We provide detailed January-specific list
To plan your 9-day January Camino together, please:
Contact us directly at https://santiagoways.com/en/
Share these details:
Exact January dates: Which week in January 2025?
Route preference: Portuguese Way (Tui-Santiago) or Sarria-Santiago?
Group: You and your partner (confirmed)
Fitness level: Your walking experience?
Accommodation preference: Hotel standard or budget-friendly?
Any special requirements: Dietary needs, pace preferences, etc.
Our team will send you:
Route recommendation: Best for January + couple experience
Complete 9-day itinerary: With daily details
Accommodation options: For each night
Luggage transfer coordination
January weather packing list
Couple-friendly tips
Complete pricing breakdown
Why January is perfect for couples:
✓ Fewer pilgrims: More intimate experience
✓ Peaceful atmosphere: Authentic Camino feeling
✓ Quality time together: Walking side-by-side
✓ Meaningful achievement: Winter pilgrimage is special
✓ Lasting memories: Shared adventure you’ll treasure
✓ Professional support: We handle logistics
Popular couple experiences on the Camino:
✓ Walking together at your own pace
✓ Sharing meals in quiet villages
✓ Meeting other couples on the trail
✓ Celebrating reaching Santiago together
✓ Creating memories that last a lifetime
Michelle, we’re excited to help you and your partner plan this special January Camino adventure!
Best regards,
Santiago Ways Team
Hi
I would be very interested in walking the amino de Santiago de Portugues coastal route from Porto beginning on the 3rd or 4th of January and finishing on the 10th
Can you please advise me on on best flights and price from Dublin
Thank you
Meabh de Burca
Hi, Meabh.
We’re very glad about your interest in walking the Camino de Santiago with us. We will be happy to help you plan an itinerary.
The Reservations team will send you an email as soon as possible with all the information so you can enjoy the magic of the Camino.
If you do not receive the mail in 48 labour hours, please check your ‘Spam’ folder.
Kind regards,
Santiago Ways Team
I’d love information about the Portugal coastal Camino route late Dec or early January
Hi, Terry.
We’re very glad about your interest in walking the Camino de Santiago with us. We will be happy to help you plan an itinerary.
The Reservations team will send you an email as soon as possible with all the information so you can enjoy the magic of the Camino.
If you do not receive the mail in 48 labour hours, please check your ‘Spam’ folder.
Kind regards,
Santiago Ways Team