Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park
The best months to visit Crater Lake National Park are May, June and September — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (164,423 monthly visits); January is quietest at 4% of peak.
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- Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation (Park Closure)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Crater Lake month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 5,756 | 4% | 33°F / 20°F | 10.1″ | 9.4h |
| February | Harsh season | 6,705 | 4% | 34°F / 19°F | 7.5″ | 10.5h |
| March | Harsh season | 10,843 | 7% | 36°F / 20°F | 7.8″ | 11.9h |
| April | Shoulder | 16,857 | 10% | 40°F / 23°F | 6.2″ | 13.4h |
| May | Best window | 36,245 | 22% | 49°F / 29°F | 3.6″ | 14.6h |
| June | Best window | 72,067 | 44% | 57°F / 34°F | 2.3″ | 15.3h |
| July | Peak crowds | 164,423 | 100% | 69°F / 41°F | 0.8″ | 15.1h |
| August | Peak crowds | 124,790 | 76% | 69°F / 42°F | 0.8″ | 14h |
| September | Best window | 80,963 | 49% | 63°F / 37°F | 1.9″ | 12.5h |
| October | Shoulder | 37,261 | 23% | 51°F / 30°F | 4.8″ | 11.1h |
| November | Harsh season | 11,777 | 7% | 38°F / 23°F | 9.6″ | 9.8h |
| December | Harsh season | 6,748 | 4% | 33°F / 19°F | 11.3″ | 9h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US (1 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Crater Lake each year
Crater Lake National Park had 632,242 recreation visits in 2025, 25% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2016, with 756,344. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 574,435 visits a year, which makes it the 27th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 632,242 | +25% |
| 2024 | 504,942 | −10% |
| 2023 | 559,976 | +6% |
| 2022 | 527,259 | −19% |
| 2021 | 647,751 | −3% |
| 2020 | 670,500 | −5% |
| 2019 | 704,512 | −2% |
| 2018 | 720,659 | +1% |
| 2017 | 711,749 | −6% |
| 2016 | 756,344 | +23% |
| 2015 | 614,712 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for Crater Lake in May
Computed from May's weather normals — Crater Lake's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 29°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 3.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 15″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
- Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 15″ of snow is normal this month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Crater Lake?
May, June and September rank best for Crater Lake on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight, among months when the park’s headline access is typically open.
What is the most crowded month at Crater Lake?
July: an average of 164,423 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is January, at 4% of the July peak.
When is Crater Lake least crowded with decent conditions?
April, at 10% of the July peak (16,857 average visits). January is quieter still, but its weather puts it in the harsh season.
How many people visit Crater Lake per year?
Crater Lake National Park had 632,242 recreation visits in 2025, 25% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2016, with 756,344. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 574,435 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Crater Lake through the year?
The warmest month is August, with average highs of 69°F. The coldest nights come in February, averaging 19°F. The wettest month is December, with 11.3″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station.)
Is Crater Lake open all year?
Rim Drive and the north entrance are typically closed November–June; the south entrance and Rim Village stay open year-round for snow-season lake views. Dates shift with snow and weather each year, so check the park's current NPS conditions before you go.
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how Crater Lake ranks against all 63 parks in May, June and September.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks