Crater Lake · May · Oregon

Crater Lake National Park in May

May is a fair month for Crater Lake National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 51°F and lows 33°F, with about 2.49 inches of rain.

May is rated fair at Crater Lake. Consider Jul–Sep instead.

Full park guideAll parks in May
RatingFair
CrowdsModerate
Avg high / low51°F / 33°F
Rain2.49 in

What to expect

Honest take: May is not the month for Crater Lake. Still winter on the rim. Most of Rim Drive and the north entrance stay buried under snow, but you can reach Rim Village for views when roads are clear.

Local tip

Snow often lingers on trails into July. If you want the full experience (Rim Drive, the boat, swimming), aim for late July through mid-September.

Good to know

  • Best months overall: Jul–Sep.
  • Closest airport: Medford (MFR), about 1.5 hours.
  • Before you go: The north entrance and most of Rim Drive close in winter. Boat tours are seasonal, usually July to September, and sell out. Check current conditions on nps.gov.

2-day Crater Lake itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is May a good time to visit Crater Lake National Park?

May is a fair month for Crater Lake National Park, with some limitations. Crowds are moderate. Highs average 51°F and lows 33°F, with about 2.49 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Crater Lake National Park in May?

Highs average 51°F and lows 33°F, with about 2.49 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.

How crowded is Crater Lake National Park in May?

Crowds are moderate in May.