National Park · KY
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.
687K recreation visits a year on average (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
Pick a month to visit Mammoth Cave
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 | Clear | 68°F | 41°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 72°F | 47°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Clear | 72°F | 46°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Clear | 72°F | 47°F | 0% |
| Fri 23 | Clear | 73°F | 45°F | 0% |
| Sat 24 | Overcast | 74°F | 48°F | 0% |
| Sun 25 | Overcast | 71°F | 49°F | 0% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 26°F | 3.9" |
| February | 49°F | 29°F | 4.3" |
| March | 58°F | 36°F | 4.6" |
| April | 69°F | 45°F | 4.9" |
| May | 77°F | 55°F | 5.4" |
| June | 85°F | 64°F | 4.8" |
| July | 88°F | 67°F | 5.0" |
| August | 88°F | 65°F | 3.7" |
| September | 82°F | 59°F | 3.6" |
| October | 71°F | 47°F | 3.7" |
| November | 59°F | 36°F | 3.7" |
| December | 48°F | 30°F | 5.1" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BARREN RVR LAKE, KY US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave
Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
- Park Closure
Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service
Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
- Park Closure
Green River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service
The Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Mammoth Cave questions
When is the best time to visit Mammoth Cave?
Mammoth Cave is least crowded in January, February, and November. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Mammoth Cave?
Entry to Mammoth Cave is free.
When is Mammoth Cave busiest?
Mammoth Cave is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Mammoth Cave during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Mammoth Cave. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.