Crater Lake in December: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 44/100 · #12 of 12 months

December is a harsh-season month at Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 4% of the July peak (6,748 average visits), days average 33°F with 9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

Partial access: Rim Drive and the north entrance are typically closed November–June; the south entrance and Rim Village stay open year-round for snow-season lake views. Current NPS conditions →

Crowds in December

Crater Lake averages 6,748 recreation visits in December — 4% of what July, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (December)

6,748 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1.2% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 33°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 19°F). This is one of the wetter months (11.3″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 91″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9 hours.

NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US (1 mi from park coordinates, 6,485 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of December.

What to pack for Crater Lake in December

Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 19°F
Rain shell + pack cover — 11.3″ of precipitation is normal this month
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 91″ normal snowfall
Headlamp — only 9 hours of daylight in mid-December
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

As an Amazon Associate, VisitWhen earns from qualifying purchases. Gear names above link to Amazon searches — we don't show or set prices; you always see Amazon's current price.

📦 Packing for a trip with a date on it? Amazon Prime's free 30-day trial includes fast free delivery, so gear ordered this week arrives before you leave — and returns are free if a layer doesn't fit. Start the free 30-day trial →
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on qualifying sign-ups, at no extra cost to you. Current terms are on Amazon's page.

If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Crater Lake are May and June.

Also at their best in December

Other parks whose computed December verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:

American Samoa in December — 17% of peak crowds, highs 88°F, score 66/100
Everglades in December — 72% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 64/100
Biscayne in December — 77% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 62/100

Common questions

Is Crater Lake crowded in December?

No — December is one of the quieter months: 4% of the July peak, averaging 6,748 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Crater Lake in December?

Average highs of 33°F, lows of 19°F, 11.3″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station).

What should I pack for Crater Lake in December?

Insulated parka + thermal base layers; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page.

Is everything open at Crater Lake in December?

Rim Drive and the north entrance are typically closed November–June; the south entrance and Rim Village stay open year-round for snow-season lake views. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.

See also: the best national parks to visit in December · Last verified 2026-09-12