Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
Today’s Forecast:
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Today’s Report:
Hiking
Excellent for hiking. High near 69°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (9 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Excellent for camping. High near 69°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (9 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Excellent for outdoor events / activities. High near 69°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (9 mph).
- Temp: Favorable conditions
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument is an Idaho destination for a named lava landscape with trails, camping, winter loops, and extreme exposure.
Make the Most of a Craters of the Moon National Monument Day
Match the route, launch, facility, or turnaround time to wind, precipitation, temperature, smoke, water, snow, road access, and daylight. Keep a shorter or more sheltered backup ready.
Weather Tips for Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Check official access notices, alerts, road or trail conditions, fire restrictions, and local forecasts before leaving.
- Turn around before exposed ridges, canyon rims, dunes, or open ground become unsafe in lightning, heat, smoke, wind, or poor visibility.
- Carry layers, water, navigation, sun protection, and seasonal traction or flotation appropriate to the activity.
- Allow extra time for remote roads, mountain passes, wildfire smoke, spring runoff, and limited winter daylight.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Arco
- Carey
- Goodale’s Cutoff
- Big Southern Butte
- Minidoka Desert
Plan Around the Conditions
Choose the safest version of a Craters of the Moon National Monument day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, temperature, smoke, water or snow conditions, access, and daylight.
7-Day Forecast for Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument Weather by Season
Winter
Winter at Craters of the Moon National Monument can bring snow, ice, wind, short daylight, and rapidly changing road or trail access. Confirm grooming, avalanche information, ice conditions, and facility operations for the listed winter activities.
Spring
Spring brings freeze-thaw mud, snowmelt, high rivers, cold water, and lingering mountain snow. Lower routes usually open well before high passes and backcountry trailheads.
Summer
Summer usually offers the broadest access, but dry heat, thunderstorms, lightning, wildfire smoke, fire restrictions, reservoir wind, and cold mountain water can alter plans.
Fall
Fall brings cooler air, shorter daylight, hunting-season awareness, and early snow at elevation. Confirm seasonal services and allow extra travel time on remote roads.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: around 43–48°F, using the relevant local and elevation context.
- Annual snowfall: commonly 20–40 inches, with wind-driven drifting.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
- Wettest season: winter and spring usually provide the greatest mountain precipitation, with local variation.
- Driest season: midsummer is generally driest, despite isolated thunderstorms.
- Best outdoor window: June through October for warm-season access, with midwinter best at established winter destinations.