May · OR

Crater Lake National Park in May.

By Nicholas Major · Last updated

Crater Lake National Park in May can suit a flexible lake-view visit, but snow still limits roads and trails. Headquarters averages a 49°F (9°C) high and 29°F (-1°C) low. Start with Rim Village and check whether any plowed Rim Drive sections are open for walking.

These normals describe park headquarters, not the lake surface or every rim location. Weather varies with elevation and exposure. Check road and trail conditions separately from these climate averages.

In short

May averages 36,245 recreation visits, 22% of July's peak. That lower count comes during the snow-to-summer transition. For warmer, drier weather, NPS points to July through September.

Check before you go

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Make Rim Village your first viewing option

Rim Village offers views of the entire lake when weather permits. Rain or snow can hide it behind clouds. Check the webcam and forecast before making a long drive mainly for the view.

The North Entrance and the road around the lake may still be closed. Use official road status to plan your approach instead of assuming a complete rim circuit is available.

Look for a permitted walk on a plowed road

NPS identifies plowed sections of Rim Drive as a May and June walking option. Some sections are cleared before they open to cars. Confirm which sections permit walking before passing a gate.

Ordinary hiking trails are a different matter: NPS says they are typically covered by deep snow in May and June, and many become difficult to follow or dangerous. Choose your walk from current access information, not a summer trail list.

Pack for the cold night and changing day

The 29°F (-1°C) normal low at headquarters calls for warm layers. NPS warns that May's sunny days can alternate with rain and snow; use the local forecast and weather guidance for your plans.

If driving the rim in warmer weather matters more than a quiet spring visit, compare the later months in the best-time guide.

Questions about May

Can I hike at Crater Lake in May?

Many trails are typically covered by deep snow and can be difficult to follow or dangerous. NPS identifies plowed Rim Drive sections as a walking option before they open to cars. Check which sections permit walking before setting out.

Is Crater Lake open for Memorial Day?

Check the roads and services you need directly. May has no guaranteed date for full road reopening, and monthly visit counts cannot predict Memorial Day crowds or availability. Plan around current official access information.

Sources and limits

NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals: CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US (USC00351946), 6,485 feet. Normal high: 49.0°F (9.4°C); normal low: 29.3°F (-1.5°C). These are long-term averages, not a forecast.

NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025: 2021–2025 average recreation visits for Crater Lake National Park (CRLA). The May 2025 count is 31,922. Counts measure visits, not unique people or a day's parking pressure.

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Independence

Independent site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service. Data comes from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025; editorial analysis is ours. The NPS Arrowhead and other NPS marks are not used.

Last updated · 2026-10-15