Lava tree mold near Black Crater in Lava Beds NM-750px.jpg

Daniel Mayer CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia Commons

Black Crater

Crater
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In this guide

Black Crater essentials

Admission: Free (access depends on land status; check local forest service guidance)
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Black Crater

Summer and early autumn typically offer the best conditions for visiting volcanic highlands and crater features.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · ~10-28°C (varies with elevation)
Warmest months and most accessible for hiking, though higher elevations remain cool.
Spring (Apr-May)
April-May · ~0-15°C
Variable conditions with possible snow at higher elevations; wildflowers start to appear later in spring.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September-October · ~0-15°C
Clear skies and cooler days; good for photography and avoiding summer crowds.

Weather & Climate near Black Crater

Climate

Black Crater's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 35 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -6° - 5° -4° 41 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
February - -5° - 7° -2° 36 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
March - -3° - 10° 1° 35 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
April - -1° - 14° 4° 24 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
May - 3° - 19° 11° 30 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
June - 6° - 24° 15° 24 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
July - 9° - 29° 19° 9 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
August - 10° - 31° 20° 14 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
September - 6° - 26° 16° 14 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
October - 1° - 19° 10° 29 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
November - -3° - 10° 1° 44 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
December - -6° - 5° -4° 47 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Black Crater

Access typically requires travel on forest or mountain roads; a high-clearance vehicle may be helpful. Check with local forest service or park authorities for route conditions and permitted access points.

Tips for Visiting Black Crater

  • Check with the managing forest or park authority about seasonal trail closures and fire restrictions.
  • Trail surfaces may be rough and steep; proper hiking footwear is recommended.
  • Cell reception is unreliable in remote volcanic terrain; download maps and tell someone your route before heading out.