Best Time to Visit Katmai National Park
The best months to visit Katmai National Park are May, June and October — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (12,537 monthly visits); February is quietest at under 1% of peak.
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Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
Katmai month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Harsh season | 8 | 0% | 26°F / 10°F | 1.8″ | 7.1h |
| February | Shoulder | 4 | 0% | 31°F / 13°F | 2.1″ | 9.3h |
| March | Shoulder | 8 | 0% | 32°F / 14°F | 1.0″ | 11.7h |
| April | Shoulder | 8 | 0% | 43°F / 26°F | 1.4″ | 14.4h |
| May | Best window | 159 | 1% | 52°F / 33°F | 1.5″ | 16.8h |
| June | Best window | 4,220 | 34% | 59°F / 40°F | 2.5″ | 18.3h |
| July | Peak crowds | 12,537 | 100% | 62°F / 46°F | 3.7″ | 17.7h |
| August | Peak crowds | 9,914 | 79% | 61°F / 45°F | 4.4″ | 15.5h |
| September | Shoulder | 5,472 | 44% | 54°F / 39°F | 5.1″ | 12.9h |
| October | Best window | 280 | 2% | 43°F / 28°F | 2.9″ | 10.4h |
| November | Shoulder | 8 | 0% | 33°F / 17°F | 3.6″ | 7.9h |
| December | Harsh season | 11 | 0% | 27°F / 12°F | 2.1″ | 6.4h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KING SALMON 42 SE, AK US (39 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit Katmai each year
Katmai National Park had 34,479 recreation visits in 2025, 5% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2019, with 84,167. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 32,629 visits a year, which makes it the 7th least-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34,479 | −5% |
| 2024 | 36,230 | +7% |
| 2023 | 33,763 | 0% |
| 2022 | 33,908 | +37% |
| 2021 | 24,764 | −52% |
| 2020 | 51,511 | −39% |
| 2019 | 84,167 | +123% |
| 2018 | 37,818 | 0% |
| 2017 | 37,818 | 0% |
| 2016 | 37,818 | 0% |
| 2015 | 37,818 | — |
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 Katmai in May
Computed from May's weather normals — Katmai's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
- Bear spray — recommended by the park in grizzly country (check current park regulations before you carry)
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Katmai?
May, June and October rank best for Katmai 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 Katmai?
July: an average of 12,537 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is February, at under 1% of the July peak.
When is Katmai least crowded with decent conditions?
May, at 1% of the July peak (159 average visits). February is quieter still, but headline access is typically closed then.
How many people visit Katmai per year?
Katmai National Park had 34,479 recreation visits in 2025, 5% fewer than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2019, with 84,167. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 32,629 visits a year.
What is the weather like at Katmai through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 62°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 10°F. The wettest month is September, with 5.1″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KING SALMON 42 SE, AK US station.)
Is Katmai open all year?
Katmai is fly-in only; Brooks Camp visitor services operate June 1 – mid-September (peak bear viewing July and September). 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 Katmai ranks against all 63 parks in May, June and October.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks