Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park
The best months to visit Crater Lake National Park are May, June, 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.
- East Rim Drive is CLOSED from Park Headquarters to Phantom Ship Overlook (Park Closure)
- Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation (Park Closure)
- Roads May Be Icy - Please Use Caution! (Caution)
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.
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
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Crater Lake?
May, June, 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.
How many people visit Crater Lake per year?
Crater Lake National Park averaged 574,435 recreation visits per year over 2021–2025, per official NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Dive into a month
Last verified 2026-09-12 · all parks