Climate and monthly weather forecastCrater Lake, OR

The climate of Crater Lake

The overwhelming presence of Crater Lake, Oregon, USA, is mainly due to its unique climatic conditions. Its Köppen climate classification stands as Csb, indicating a Mediterranean climate with warm summer months. Geographically cradled within the Cascade Mountain range, this area enjoys a compelling mixture of temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine levels throughout the year that significantly contributes to its stunning nature.

With annual temperature highs averaging between 34.4°F (1.3°C) in January to 69.7°F (20.9°C) in August, mid-year warmth balances winter chill well. From the coldest month, January, with its low of 18.4°F (-7.6°C) to the balmy 40.5°F (4.7°C) in July and August, the temperature range caters to various climatic experiences. Rainfall is equally diverse, consuming the range from a low of 1 inch in July and August to a high of 11.6" (295mm) in December.

The area sees an astronomical spike in its snowfall level in the winter, with December's high snowfall of 91.1" (2314mm). The snowfall levels plunge to their shortest extent in July and August with virtually negligible amounts, contributing to the area's distinct seasonal variations. On the other hand, daylight hours keep the area bright, averaging from 9.1 hours in December to a high of 15.3 hours in June. Sunshine levels similarly range from a minimum of 3 hours in December to a maximum of 12 hours in July.

Unique to Crater Lake is its snowfall pattern, with heavy snow accumulating during winter months and virtually no snow in the summer. From zero snowfall days in August to a high of 16.4 days in December, the area sees a remarkable transformation.

The best time to visit Crater Lake

For those planning a visit to Crater Lake, Oregon, June through August presents an inviting period. During this span, temperature highs average a comfortable 57.9°F (14.4°C) in June, 68.7°F (20.4°C) in July, and 69.7°F (20.9°C) in August. Concurrently, the lowest level of rainfall is registered from 1 inch in July and August, ensuring fewer disruptions from wet weather. This period also offers the longest span of daylight with 15.3 hours in June, 15 hours in July, and 13.9 hours in August. Additionally, with zero snowfall days and the least number of rainfall days, outdoor activities are typically uninterrupted during this time of year.

The worst time to visit Crater Lake

From December through February, the weather conditions at Crater Lake can be quite brutal and challenging. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 18.4°F (-7.6°C) in January and 17.8°F (-7.9°C) in February, while the highest temperatures remain below freezing point. Snowfall can reach a staggering 91.1" (2314mm) in December, 71.3" (1811mm) in January, and 73.2" (1859mm) in February. In the dense white blanket, daylight hours also drop to the lowest average of 9.1 hours in December. These extreme weather conditions may restrict outdoor activities and hence, this period is unfavorable for tourists.

Spring weather in Crater Lake

The spring season from March through May offers a fascinating blend of climatological experiences at Crater Lake. As winter snow begins to thaw, the temperature highs gradually climb from 37.3°F (2.9°C) in March to 49.2°F (9.6°C) in April and 57.9°F (14.4°C) in May. Correspondingly, temperature lows elevate themselves from 19.4°F (-7°C) in March to a more bearable 33.2°F (0.7°C) in May. Rainfall averages from a high of 7.5" (191mm) in March to a lesser volume of 3.6" (91mm) in May. Sunshine levels follow a similar increasing trend, with averages rising from 7 hours in March to 10 hours in May.

Summer weather in Crater Lake

Summer in Crater Lake is a season of warmth and increased daylight. The temperature highs reach their zenith during this period, with an average of 68.7°F (20.4°C) in July and 69.7°F (20.9°C) in August. Rainfall recedes considerably, averaging just 1 inch in July and August. Simultaneously, daylight extends to 15 hours in July and 13.9 hours in August, maximizing outdoor activities.

Autumn weather in Crater Lake

Autumn is marked by a gradual lowering of temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Temperature highs drop from 63.1°F (17.3°C) in September to 38°F (3.3°C) in November, while the lows decrease from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 22°F (-5.6°C) in the same period. Rainfall, on the other hand, increases from 2" (51mm) in September to a significant 10.3" (262mm) in November. Despite this, daylight hours still average a respectable 11 hours in September, tapering off to 9.7 hours by November.

Winter weather in Crater Lake

Winter ushers in extreme climatological conditions at Crater Lake. Temperature highs languish in the mid-30s°F, while lows fall to around 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in December. The area is blanketed with heavy snowfall, a sharp increase from 3.3" (84mm) in September to a staggering 91.1" (2314mm) in December. These conditions, coupled with the shortest daylight hours, make outdoor activities challenging during these months.

Weather in January

January continues the trend in having the most quantity of snowfall with 87.4" (2220mm) in Crater Lake, Oregon, making it the month with the highest snow accumulation. The winter chill firmly establishes itself, creating a frosty atmosphere as temperatures remain low. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February's weather in Crater Lake sees a considerable drop in snowfall from the preceding month, marking the onset of the gradual transition from the cold winds of winter to the milder breeze of spring. Daylight begins to increase, hinting towards the extended sunlight hours of the forthcoming months. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, Crater Lake weather witnesses a reduction in snowfall to 73.2" (1859mm), signaling the impending end of the winter season. With the daylight hours extending, the thawing of the snow-covered landscapes begins. A hint of spring can be felt in the air, and it brings along an anticipation of warmer and longer days. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The weather in Crater Lake in April exhibits a marked decrease in snowfall, symbolizing the end of the winter season with a drop to 46.7" (1186mm). The increased daylight hours and warming temperatures usher in the blooming spring season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings a significant change in Crater Lake's weather with a substantial reduction in snowfall, reaching as low as 15.9" (404mm). The warmer temperatures of spring firmly take root, melting away the remnants of the winter snow. Days get longer, blessing the place with plenty of sunshine that illuminates the vibrant greenery. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Crater Lake exhibits a further decrease in snowfall, down to a mere 4.1" (104mm), indicating the imminent arrival of the warm summer months. As daylight peaks, the well-lit landscapes beautifully capture the charm of the summer season. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July elucidates a nearly total halt in snowfall in Crater Lake, with a mere 0.1" (3mm) recorded, a typical characteristic of peak summer months. Temperatures further elevate, lending a warm ambiance to the surrounding. The abundant sunshine and the extended daylight make July one of the brightest months. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Although August experiences no snowfall, Crater Lake's weather remains pleasantly warm, synonymous with the latter part of the summer season. Despite the rising temperatures, the atmosphere around the lake continues to echo the calmness of the summer's peak. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the onset of the fall season in Crater Lake with a slight 3.3" (84mm) of snowfall recorded. The weather starts to transition, with the temperature beginning to drop from the summer highs. Daylight hours reduce, indicating the approaching winter months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, snowfall rises again to 18.3" (465mm) in Crater Lake, earnestly hinting at the swiftly approaching winter season. Temperatures continue to fall, leading to crisper, cooler days and chillier nights. The daylight recedes steadily, foretelling the shorter days of the imminent winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

A marked escalation in snowfall to 71.1" (1806mm) in November in Crater Lake ushers in the early phases of the winter season. The chill in the air intensifies, and one can witness the transition from autumn to winter. Rainfall increases, adding to the chilly weather and often leading to the formation of ice glazes. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December solidifies the onset of the winter season in Crater Lake with a further increase in snowfall to 91.1" (2314mm). Temperatures plummet, bringing the crisp, cold winter air. The short daylight hours and long, chilly nights define the month. Weather in December »