Crater Lake Weather: Forecasts, Climate & Best Time to Visit

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Crater Lake

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.

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.

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.

The Climate Season by Season

Winter (November to March)

Winter at Crater Lake is long, severe, and spectacular. Storms from the Pacific can drop thick layers of snow in just a few hours. The scenic road, including East Rim Drive and West Rim Drive, closes every year on November 1, sometimes earlier if the first snow arrives ahead of schedule.

When it snows or rains, clouds hide the lake. In winter, the lake is estimated to be completely invisible about 50% of the time. The clear days when the water shows its deep blue color against snow-covered cliffs are memorable, but nothing is guaranteed.

The two main entrances, West Entrance and South Entrance on Highway 62, stay open year-round as long as driving conditions remain safe.

Spring (April to June)

The snow melts slowly. Park crews begin clearing Rim Drive in April, but reopening depends on conditions. Some years, the road does not reopen until June. In May and June, sunny days alternate with periods of rain or late-season snow.

This is a quiet season for visitors who are comfortable with changing conditions. Lower-elevation trails around Mazama Village become accessible before the trails along the Rim. Spring light on the lake is striking, and crowds remain thin.

Summer (July to September)

This is the park's golden window. July and August afternoons reach 68 to 72 °F, while nighttime temperatures fall back to around 41 to 45 °F, a constant reminder that elevation sets its own rules. Skies are often clear, Rim Drive is fully open, and boat tours are available on the lake.

Watch for convective thunderstorms. From mid-July through late August, storms can build in the late afternoon, sometimes bringing lightning and hail. Leave ridges and exposed trails as soon as the sky darkens.

Fall (October)

October comes in two acts. The first few weeks often bring an Indian summer, with mild temperatures and copper-colored conifer forests. Then the first snow arrives without warning, sometimes as early as mid-October. Rim Drive closes before November 1, so do not count on extra time.

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