Santiago de Compostela in January

May through October gives you the best weather, but each month brings different crowds. Summer means peak pilgrimage season – July and August see thousands of walkers arriving daily, creating energy but also chaos around the cathedral. September and October offer ideal conditions: warm days, fewer tourists, and harvest season in the surrounding wine regions. Spring works well too, though April can be rainy. Here's the thing about winter: Santiago gets cold and wet, but hotel prices drop dramatically and you'll have the cathedral almost to yourself during weekday visits. If you're planning around the Camino, remember that most pilgrims arrive between 10am and 4pm – visit the cathedral early morning or evening for a more contemplative experience.