Best time to visit Crater Lake

Guides don't agree on one best time. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

Guides don't agree on one best time

“July, August, and September are your best bets for warm, dry weather.” nps.gov
“The best time to visit Crater Lake National Park is July–September.” nationalparksjournal.org

Crater Lake month by month

Average high and low in Crater Lake, and days with rain

January33°F / 20°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter closure season runs November to April, with many roads and services shut.The lake is often hidden by clouds in winter.
February34°F / 19°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter recreation includes snowshoeing, skiing and sledding.
March36°F / 20°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…March has the deepest snow of spring: 83 inches of snowfall and 115 inches on the ground.
April40°F / 23°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…April averages 45 inches of snow, with highs near 42F.
May49°F / 29°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…May is still snowy, averaging 19 inches of snow, with daytime highs near 50F.Rim Drive is usually still closed in May, while the south and west entrances stay open.Sunny days alternate with rain and snow in May.
June57°F / 34°F · 7 rainy daysChecking fares…Roads often do not open until June, and plenty of snow remains afterward.Cleetwood Cove Trail opens mid-to-late June.Most visitors arrive from late June.
July69°F / 41°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…July is among the warm, dry months, and the busiest on average.All of Rim Drive is usually open by mid-July.
August69°F / 42°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…August is one of the best bets for warm, dry weather.
September63°F / 37°F · 5 rainy daysChecking fares…September is warm and dry and noticeably quieter than July.
October51°F / 30°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Sunny days alternate with rain and snow in October.The North Entrance, Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road close to vehicles each year on November 1, or earlier with heavy snow.
November38°F / 23°F · 17 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter closure season begins; many roads and services close.
December33°F / 19°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…Winters are long and snowy, with about 41 feet of snow a year at park headquarters.

Weather: Crater Lake averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Medford from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Late June through mid-SeptemberMost of the roughly 700,000 yearly visitors arrive then.
June to OctoberMost people visit when all roads are open.

Quietest

November to AprilExtended winter closure of many roads, services and programs.

Watch for

November to MayPark roads can be snow-packed and icy, and chains may be required.
WinterThe lake is hidden by clouds about half the time.
May, June, OctoberSnow and rain can still occur; the Journal calls these months a snow gamble.
SummerArrive before 9 am or after 4 pm to avoid lines and crowded parking.

Questions people ask

Which month is the best to visit Crater Lake?: July to September are the warm, dry months, with all of Rim Drive usually open by mid-July. September is quieter than July.

Best time to visit Crater Lake

Guides don't agree on one best time

Crater Lake month by month

Every date to Medford from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Crater Lake

Guides don't agree on one best time

Crater Lake month by month

Every date to Medford from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places