May–June and September–October. July–August can be very hot; winter brings snow to the Puerto del Palo.

Yes, especially in small mountain villages (Grandas de Salime, Berducedo, La Mesa). There are fewer albergues than on the Francés.

No – Google Maps does not show the official trail. Use specialized apps (Buen Camino, Wise Pilgrim) or OpenStreetMap-based tools (Mapy.cz, OsmAnd).