Best Time to Hike Caminito del Rey — El Chorro
The best time to hike Caminito del Rey is spring and fall, as the official season guidance says. These months avoid the very hot summer, and May and September sit between wetter winter months and the heat of July and August. Book your timed ticket well ahead.
Month-by-month climate for Caminito del Rey — El Chorro
| Month | Relative warmth | Rain | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Coldest | 55 mm | 9.7 h |
| Feb | Coldest | 47 mm | 10.6 h |
| Mar | Coldest | 74 mm | 11.7 h |
| Apr | Cool | 51 mm | 13 h |
| May | Mild | 27 mm | 14 h |
| Jun | Warm | 6 mm | 14.5 h |
| Jul | Warmest | 0 mm | 14.3 h |
| Aug | Warmest | 3 mm | 13.4 h |
| Sep | Warm | 23 mm | 12.2 h |
| Oct | Mild | 53 mm | 11 h |
| Nov | Cool | 76 mm | 10 h |
| Dec | Coldest | 58 mm | 9.5 h |
Modelled regional averages for 2010–2023 (rainfall) and calculated daylight hours; they describe the wider area, not a reading taken on the trail. “Relative warmth” compares each month with the warmest and coldest months of this place’s own year. It is not a temperature, and the high parts of a route are colder than the region around them.
The modelled averages show a clear wet and dry pattern. November is typically the wettest month at 76 mm, with March close behind at 74 mm, while July is essentially dry at 0 mm and June and August stay under 10 mm. Daylight swings from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June. Warmth peaks in July and August, which are the warmest months of this place's year. January through March are the coldest, with April and November cool and May and October mild.
Caminito del Rey — El Chorro season by season
Winter · December to February
These are the coldest months of this place's year, with daylight shrinking to roughly 9.5 to 10.6 hours. Rainfall typically runs between 47 and 58 mm a month, so wet surfaces on the walkway are possible. The walkway can close in high winds, and a short winter day leaves less slack if your timed slot runs late. Fewer people may mean easier ticket availability, but check with the provincial authority before planning.
Spring · March to May
The official season guidance recommends spring. March is still among the coldest months and is the second-wettest at about 74 mm, but April turns cool and May mild, with rainfall dropping to 27 mm by May. Daylight grows from about 11.7 hours to 14 hours, giving generous margins around your entry time. May is a strong balance of gentler warmth, lower rainfall and long days. Because spring is popular, tickets sell out, so book early.
Summer · June to August
June through August are the warmest stretch of this place's year, and July and August are the warmest months of all. The official season guidance warns that summer is very hot, and the gorge offers limited chance to escape it once you are on the one-way walkway. Rainfall is minimal, from 0 to 6 mm a month, and daylight peaks at about 14.5 hours. If you go anyway, take the earliest slot you can book, carry plenty of water and plan sun protection.
Fall · September to November
Fall is the other season the official guidance recommends. September is still warm but drier at about 23 mm of typical rain, and October turns mild as rainfall rises to about 53 mm. By November the month is cool and the wettest of the year at around 76 mm, with daylight down to about 10 hours. September and October are the best fit, while November calls for more attention to forecasts and wind closures.
Official season guidance
Provincial authority (Málaga): Spring and fall; summer is very hot
The Caminito del Rey is a controlled, one-way walkway that requires a timed-entry ticket booked in advance; hard hats are provided, children under 8 are not admitted, photo ID is required and there is no camping. Tickets sell out, and the walkway closes in high winds.
Check current dates on caminitodelrey.infoWhat to pack for the season
Packing follows the season. In spring and fall, bring light layers you can add or shed, a compact rain shell for the wetter months and a hat for sun. In summer, prioritize water, sun cover and breathable clothing. In winter, add a warm layer and allow for short daylight. Hard hats are provided, so you do not need your own, but bring photo ID.
For layering, rain cover and weather planning, see hiking in rain, heat and cold.
Timing mistakes to avoid
The biggest timing mistake is treating this like an open trail you can visit on a whim. It is a controlled walkway with timed-entry tickets that sell out, so the right season means little without a booked slot. Another error is choosing July or August because rainfall is near zero, when the official guidance says summer is very hot. Finally, do not ignore wind, since the walkway closes in high winds. Check with the managing authority for conditions before you travel.
Common questions
Is summer a bad time to hike the Caminito del Rey?
The official season guidance says summer is very hot, and July and August are the warmest months of this place's year. Rainfall is nearly nil, but the heat is the main drawback. If summer is your only option, choose the earliest timed slot available and bring plenty of water.
Which months are wettest at Caminito del Rey?
Modelled regional averages show November as typically the wettest month at about 76 mm, followed closely by March at about 74 mm. Winter months also see roughly 47 to 58 mm. These are regional averages rather than readings taken at the walkway itself.
Do I need to book in advance for the best months?
Yes. The walkway requires a timed-entry ticket booked in advance, and tickets sell out. Spring and fall are the recommended seasons, so those dates are likely to be in demand. Book as early as you can and confirm the details with the provincial authority.
Can weather close the walkway?
Yes. The rules state that the walkway closes in high winds. Wind is not something the monthly averages can predict, so check conditions with the managing authority before you travel, and leave some flexibility in your plans in case your timed slot is affected.
Sources
- Provincial authority (Málaga) — caminitodelrey.info: official season and permit guidance.
- NASA POWER (Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources): monthly temperature and rainfall averages, 2010–2023, from MERRA-2 reanalysis. Daylight hours are calculated from latitude.
Conditions, closures and permit rules change without notice — confirm current information with the managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.