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.
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.
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
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Want quieter or kinder conditions? The computed best months for Crater Lake are May and June.
Also at their best in November
Other parks whose computed November verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Canyonlands in November — 35% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 72/100
- Mammoth Cave in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 72/100
- New River Gorge in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 72/100
- Petrified Forest in November — 45% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 72/100
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 2026-09-12