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

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 45/100 · #11 of 12 months

January is a harsh-season month at Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 4% of the July peak (5,756 average visits), days average 33°F with 9.4 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 January

Crater Lake averages 5,756 recreation visits in January — 4% of what July, the peak month, draws — the quietest month of the year. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (January)

5,756 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

Days are cold (highs average 33°F), and nights are frigid (lows average 20°F). This is one of the wetter months (10.1″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 87″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9.4 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 January.

What to pack for Crater Lake in January

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

Insulated parka + thermal base layers — average lows of 20°F
Rain shell + pack cover — 10.1″ of precipitation is normal this month
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 87″ normal snowfall
Headlamp — only 9.4 hours of daylight in mid-January
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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

Common questions

Is Crater Lake crowded in January?

No — January is one of the quieter months: 4% of the July peak, averaging 5,756 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Crater Lake in January?

Average highs of 33°F, lows of 20°F, 10.1″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station).

What should I pack for Crater Lake in January?

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 January?

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 January · Last verified 2026-07-16