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

Harsh season · VisitWhen score 50/100 · #9 of 12 months

November is a harsh-season month at Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 7% of the July peak (11,777 average visits), days average 38°F with 9.8 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 November

Crater Lake averages 11,777 recreation visits in November — 7% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — this is genuine quiet-season territory.

Average visits (November)

11,777 (mean 2021–2025, NPS)

Share of the year

2.1% of annual visitation

vs. peak (July)

Weather & daylight

It is properly cold (highs average 38°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). This is one of the wetter months (9.6″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 59″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 9.8 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 November.

What to pack for Crater Lake in November

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

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
Rain shell + pack cover — 9.6″ of precipitation is normal this month
Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 59″ normal snowfall
Headlamp — only 9.8 hours of daylight in mid-November
Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Crater Lake are May and June.

Common questions

Is Crater Lake crowded in November?

No — November is one of the quieter months: 7% of the July peak, averaging 11,777 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).

What is the weather like in Crater Lake in November?

Average highs of 38°F, lows of 23°F, 9.6″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station).

What should I pack for Crater Lake in November?

Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; 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 November?

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 November · Last verified 2026-07-16