See the rental
The best time for the Ruta del Oso is April to June and September to mid-October: temperatures of 15-25 °C, the valley at its best and fewer people than in high summer. You can do it all year round; not every month is the same.
By David Pintado · Updated every season · 7 min read
The quick answer
If you can pick your week, aim for May, June or September. You will get the valley green or golden, T-shirt temperatures without the swelter and parking without a fight. If August is your only option, it can be done, and further down we tell you how to do it without melting. The trail never closes; the weather is what decides.
Spring: the valley in full colour
From March to June the Oso valley is at its very best: rivers full of water, green hillsides and the daylight hours stretching out. March and April bring higher odds of rain (this is Asturias), so check the AEMET forecast the day before and keep your plan flexible.
May and June are, for us, the two best months of the year: everything open, everything green and the summer crowds yet to arrive.
By bike you will appreciate the cool temperature on the open sections; on foot, the picnic tables at Buyera call for a long sandwich break.
Summer: doable, with a cool head
July and August concentrate the visits. There is a buzz, everything is open and the days are endless; there is also more heat than people expect from the north, and the Tuñón car parks fill by mid-morning.
How to dodge the heat
- Start early. Setting off at 9 am, you cover half the route before the heat bites. By noon, the sun on the open sections already makes itself felt.
- Use the tunnels and the gorge. The Entrago-Proaza section runs in shade for much of the way and the tunnels are natural fridges: it is the August section par excellence. You have the why in the most beautiful section.
- Water and a cap, seriously. There are fountains at the rest areas, but do not count on one every kilometre.
- Save the bear enclosure for first thing in the morning, which is when the bear is active; in strong heat she hides and the stop loses its charm.
Autumn: the secret of those who come back
September is a flawless month: kind temperatures, the valley still full of life and the summer groups back home. In October the beech woods on the slopes turn copper and the trail offers its best light for photos.
From November the days shorten and the first serious mists arrive; it is still a fine plan on foot, less so by bike if rain catches you.
Winter: only for the committed
From December to February the trail is open but demands more: morning frosts, damp stretches that never dry and short days. With winter sun and a midday start it is a beautiful, solitary walk; with rain or ice, change your plan. With small children, better to wait until March.
Our recommendation, month by month
| Months | Verdict |
|---|---|
| January-February | Sunny days only, a short outing at midday |
| March-April | A good plan, with an eye on the rain |
| May-June | The best time of the year |
| July | Very good with an early start |
| August | Doable: early start, shade and water |
| September | The other perfect month |
| October | Spectacular for colour, shorter days |
| November-December | On foot yes; by bike, weather permitting |
Whatever your month, bikes are booked online and on long weekends and in summer it pays to do it a few days ahead. If you are staying over, you have the weekend itinerary laid out day by day. If you are still deciding how to do it, start with the bike guide or the walking guide.
Seasonal questions
Yes. Start early, choose the Entrago-Proaza section (tunnels and gorge in the shade) and bring water and a cap. First thing in the morning is also when the bear in the enclosure is at her most active.
It never closes, but from December to February there are frosts and damp stretches. Pick sunny days and set out at midday; by bike, avoid days of rain or ice.
On weekdays almost always, and in September and October even at weekends. August and the May long weekends concentrate the visits and fill the car parks by mid-morning.
May and June for the green and the rivers running full; October for the copper of the beech woods. Those are the three months we recommend to anyone who can choose their date freely.
Ruta del Oso