Crater Lake · December
Crater Lake in December
December is one of the best times to visit Crater Lake — about as busy as November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 33°F, about 9 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 4% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 1% of Crater Lake’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 33°F
- Avg low
- 19°F
- Precipitation
- 11.3"
- Sunrise
- 7:32 AM
- Sunset
- 4:34 PM
- Daylight
- 9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US
What's open
Crater Lake in December: access
Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for Rehabilitation
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is CLOSED for construction. This critical project will fully rehabilitate the trail and marina to ensure safe access to the lake, provide a much-improved visitor experience, and protect the environment.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Crater Lake crowds across the year
FAQ
Crater Lake in December
How busy is Crater Lake in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Crater Lake National Park — about 4% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 7,026.
What is the weather like at Crater Lake in December?
In December, Crater Lake averages a high of 33°F and a low of 19°F, with about 11.3 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Crater Lake?
Entrance to Crater Lake costs $30 (This is the summer entrance fee and is charged from mid-May through the end of October. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days.).
When is Crater Lake least crowded?
Crater Lake is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Crater Lake get in December?
In mid-December, Crater Lake gets about 9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:32 AM and sunset around 4:34 PM.