Crater Lake in April: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 65/100 · #6 of 12 months
April is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Crater Lake National Park: crowds run 10% of the July peak (16,857 average visits), days average 40°F with 13.4 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in April
Crater Lake averages 16,857 recreation visits in April — 10% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly — this is genuine quiet-season territory.
Weather & daylight
Days are cold (highs average 40°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 23°F). This is one of the wetter months (6.2″ of precipitation on average). Normal snowfall is 49″ — expect snow on the ground. Mid-month daylight runs 13.4 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 April.
What to pack for Crater Lake in April
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 23°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 6.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — 49″ normal snowfall
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Crater Lake are May and June.
Common questions
Is Crater Lake crowded in April?
No — April is one of the quieter months: 10% of the July peak, averaging 16,857 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Crater Lake in April?
Average highs of 40°F, lows of 23°F, 6.2″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, CRATER LAKE NPS HQ, OR US station).
What should I pack for Crater Lake in April?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Rain shell + pack cover; Traction devices (microspikes) and gaiters — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Crater Lake in April?
Rim Drive and the north entrance are typically closed November–June; the south entrance and Rim Village stay open year-round for snow-season lake views. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in April · Last verified 2026-07-16