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

Best window · VisitWhen score 77/100 · #3 of 12 months

September is one of the best months of the year to visit Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 49% of the July peak (80,963 average visits). Weather: highs average 63°F and lows 37°F, with 1.9″ of precipitation and 12.5 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.

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Crater Lake in September: what the park service says

September closes out the summer season at Crater Lake, which the park service puts at July through mid-September. From mid-September, warm days typically give way to cool or cold nights, and fire season often runs into late September and October, so smoke can affect air quality. Fewer cars on Rim Drive make it the park's suggested time to cycle around the rim.

Source: NPS 1, NPS 2, checked 2026-11-05.

Crowds in September

Crater Lake averages 80,963 recreation visits in September — 49% of what July, the peak month, draws. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging.

Weather & daylight

Days are pleasant (highs average 63°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 37°F). It is typically dry (1.9″ of precipitation). Mid-month daylight runs 12.5 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 September.

What to pack for Crater Lake in September

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

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 37°F
• Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month

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Also at their best in September

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

• Wrangell–St. Elias in September — 25% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 84/100
• Guadalupe Mountains in September — 35% of peak crowds, highs 80°F, score 81/100
• Gateway Arch in September — 29% of peak crowds, highs 81°F, score 80/100
• Isle Royale in September — 39% of peak crowds, highs 65°F, score 79/100

Common questions

See also: the best national parks to visit in September · Last verified 2026-09-24