Crater Lake in February: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 48/100 · #10 of 12 months

February is a harsh-season month at Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 4% of the July peak (6,705 average visits). Weather: highs average 34°F and lows 19°F, with 7.5″ of precipitation and 10.5 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Bring for Crater Lake in February

Insulated parka + thermal base layersSee it on AmazonWhy: average lows of 19°F.
Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 7.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaitersSee it on AmazonWhy: 69″ normal snowfall.

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Partial access: 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. Current NPS conditions →

A view of Crater Lake and Wizard Island — Crater Lake National Park — photo: NPS Photo (public-domain NPS media)

Crowds in February

Crater Lake averages 6,705 recreation visits in February — 4% of what July, the peak month, draws — the second-quietest month of the year. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind — crowds are thin by this park's standards.

Average visits (February)

6,705 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1.2% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Expect cold conditions (highs average 34°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 19°F). This is one of the wetter months (7.5″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 69″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 10.5 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US (1 mi from park coordinates, 6,485 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of February.

What to pack for Crater Lake in February

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 19°F
Rain shell + pack cover — 7.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 69″ normal snowfall (compare other options)
Insulated, waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 69″ of snow is normal this month

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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Crater Lake are May and June.

Also at their best in February

Other parks whose computed February verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

Zion in February — 25% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 80/100
Shenandoah in February — 9% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
Capitol Reef in February — 10% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 76/100
Carlsbad Caverns in February — 39% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 76/100

Common questions

Is Crater Lake crowded in February?

No — February is one of the quieter months: 4% of the July peak, averaging 6,705 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Crater Lake in February?

Average highs of 34°F, lows of 19°F, 7.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station).

What should I pack for Crater Lake in February?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Crater Lake in February?

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. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in February · Last verified 2026-09-24