Crater Lake Weather: Forecasts, Climate, and Current Conditions
Crater Lake sits in the Cascade Range in Oregon, near Rim Village, at more than 6,900 feet above sea level. The short version is this: July, August, and September bring most of the good weather. The rest of the year alternates between rain, snow, and overcast skies. The park stays open year-round, but winter is a season unto itself, with an average of 44 feet of snow each year at park headquarters.
Current readings are unavailable. See the seasonal averages farther down this page.
Open-Meteo readings · updating… · park time zone
Crater Lake Climate Month by Month
Here are the climate averages for Rim Village. Nighttime temperatures stay cool to cold all year, even in the middle of summer.
| Month | Low | High | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 °F | 27 °F | Very heavy |
| February | 14 °F | 28 °F | Very heavy |
| March | 18 °F | 32 °F | Heavy |
| April | 23 °F | 41 °F | High |
| May | 30 °F | 50 °F | Moderate |
| June | 37 °F | 59 °F | Light, possible |
| July | 45 °F | 72 °F | None |
| August | 45 °F | 72 °F | None |
| September | 37 °F | 64 °F | Rare |
| October | 28 °F | 48 °F | Possible |
| November | 19 °F | 36 °F | Heavy |
| December | 16 °F | 28 °F | Very heavy |
The number to remember is 44 feet of snow per year, on average, at park headquarters. That makes Crater Lake one of the snowiest places in the continental United States. Snow season runs from November through May.
Is Crater Lake Cold? Records and Extremes
Yes, definitely. Winter temperatures regularly fall below 14 °F, with readings around -4 °F during the most severe cold snaps. Even in summer, nighttime freezes occur at Rim Village. Temperatures rarely rise above 77 °F.
The lake stays cold year-round. Surface temperatures top out at 55 °F in summer, and the lake's exceptional depth, reaching 1,942 feet, prevents significant warming. Even when Medford reaches 86 °F, 50 miles away, the lakeshore remains cool.
What to Wear and Pack by Season
July through September: a T-shirt at midday, plus a light fleece or windbreaker in the evening. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential because elevation increases UV exposure. Wear hiking shoes on the trails and closed-toe shoes around the lake.
May, June, and October: layering is essential. Keep a waterproof jacket in your pack even if the morning is sunny. Conditions change quickly. Waterproof shoes are strongly recommended.
November through April: bring full four-season gear. Snow tires or chains are required on access roads when there's ice. To get around the park, bring snowshoes or cross-country skis. Protect your hands and face in strong winds.
Whatever the season, nights are cool to cold. A warm extra layer in your pack is the rule, not the exception.
Alerts and Conditions to Watch
Rim Drive closure: East Rim Drive and West Rim Drive close on November 1 and reopen in spring as snow removal progresses, usually between May and late June. Check road conditions at nps.gov/crla before you leave.
North Entrance on Highway 138: this entrance also closes every winter. Only West Entrance and South Entrance on Highway 62 stay open year-round.
Out-of-season snow: snow is possible in May and June, and again starting in October. Do not take Rim Drive without checking conditions the day before.
Summer thunderstorms: from mid-July through late August, storms build in the late afternoon and can sometimes be severe. Leave ridges and exposed trails before 3 p.m. as soon as the sky becomes unstable.
Overnight ice: nighttime freezes can occur even in summer at Rim Village. Roads may be icy at dawn. An hour of sunshine is usually enough to clear them.
For real-time weather alerts, check the National Weather Service (forecast.weather.gov) and the park conditions page at nps.gov/crla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crater Lake too cold for swimming?
The lake's surface temperature never rises above 55 °F, even in the middle of summer. Most visitors find it too cold for comfortable swimming. The lake's depth, 1,942 feet, keeps the water very cold in every season.
Can you swim in Crater Lake?
Even after a few hot summer days, the surface water does not rise above 55 °F. The only access is at Cleetwood Cove. Check nps.gov/crla for opening conditions before you go.
Which month gets the most snow at Crater Lake?
January and February are the snowiest months, with monthly totals that can exceed 6 to 10 feet. Snow season runs from November through May, with an annual average of 44 feet at park headquarters.
Is there snow at Crater Lake in June?
Yes, snow is still possible in June, especially early in the month. Snow removal on Rim Drive often finishes in June. Some years, the road does not reopen until the end of the month. Check current conditions at nps.gov/crla before you leave.