Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, during all seasons. The most popular season to visit is, of course, summer, when all those roads are open (unless there’s construction), the trails are cleared of snow, and the weather is warm and dry. But winter brings its own beauty to the park, too, with its own recreational opportunities. Of course, the caveat is that most of the roads are closed due to snow.

Yellow wildflowers and blue lake during the summer, Crater Lake National Park / Rebecca Latson

It’s no joke when park staff note “winter and summer are two very distinct seasons.” The park’s hours and operations are well-defined during those two times of year. The other seasons of the year at the park are maybe not quite as predictable.

If no construction projects are occurring (which they are, for 2024, closing a section of East Rim Drive), then summer is the perfect time for visiting (and also the most crowded time). As you can see from the park’s average climate data, summer temperatures for June – August range from upper 50s to 60s (Fahrenheit) for a daily high, to mid-30s to low 40s during the night. Because Crater Lake is a high-elevation park, wildflowers are blooming during these months, providing color to the landscape.

1931 - 2019 average climate data, Crater Lake National Park / NPS chart

Unfortunately, dry summer weather also means the possibility of area wildfires, so your view might be partially obscured by wildfire smoke. For 2024, there is a park-wide fire ban and wood and charcoal fires are not currently allowed. Also, as of August 12, 2024, Crater Lake's North Entrance is closed for preparation of possible oncoming wildfires.

The beauty of a winter view from Watchman Peak summit, Crater Lake National Park / NPS file

Winters are long, snowy, and cold. While the average snowfall for the park has declined since the 1930s, the snow, combined with winter weather in general, is enough to close almost all the Rim Drive to wheeled vehicular traffic, making it more difficult to access Crater Lake. Temperatures average in the mid-30s during the day and 20^oF (-6.66^oC) at night. Still, winter snow makes it perfect for recreational pursuits such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with few crowds and plenty of solitude.

The spring and autumn months, of course, are more capricious, weatherwise. Snow may occur in early fall (October) and linger through the spring and into summer! May temperatures might sink to the upper 20s and June highs might stay below 60 degrees. Snow cover might even be deeper in the springtime than during the official winter season.

In the fall, the temperature highs average around 52^oF (11^oC) and can sink to 31^oF (-0.55^oC). Along the road near the park’s South Entrance, you might see a little leaf color from the black cottonwoods and quaking aspen. Weather conditions change rapidly, depending upon the elevation.

For the most recent weather observations at Crater Lake National Park, click here.