Camino del Norte
Weather in January

Weather Overview

January on the Camino del Norte presents cold conditions throughout the month, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 17°C and nights dropping to between 2°C and 9°C. The cold is consistent rather than extreme, though the Basque Country and Cantabria tend to remain slightly cooler than Asturias, where daytime averages reach nearly 15°C. This temperature gradient shifts gradually as you progress eastward along the route, so expect the coldest conditions during your first week before temperatures stabilize at a marginally higher level.

Rain is the dominant feature of January on this northern route. Nearly all stages in Asturias and Galicia experience rain on most days, with Asturias recording precipitation across all eleven of its stages. The Basque Country and Cantabria offer slightly drier segments with roughly five rainy days per week, though totals remain substantial at around 16–33mm per stage. Wind gusts frequently exceed 70km/h, particularly on exposed coastal sections and ridgelines, compounding the dampness with wind chill.

Elevation plays a tactical role despite the modest maximum height of 504 meters. Higher passes and exposed ridges create notably colder conditions and intensified wind exposure, while the lowest sections near coastal areas remain marginally milder. Start each walking day early to maximize daylight before afternoon wind and rain intensify, and adopt layering with a reliable waterproof shell as your primary defense against the persistent wet conditions.