Current Conditions:Regional Weather Forecasts
Park Alerts!Park Weather Station Data
River Level Observations
Live Weather and Air Quality DataRecorded at the K-Bar monitoring site (near Panther Junction)Webcam
Live View From Panther JunctionBig Bend is famous for wide expansive panoramas. The view from Park Headquarters is always changing, and always spectacular. The view is to the Northwest, and updated every 15 minutes. On a clear day, distant peaks over 80 miles away are clearly visible. Additional Information: NPS Air Quality Camera Webcam for Big Bend View WebcamStatus: AQ Lookup Error: Please confirm Webcam URL.
Average Temperatures & PrecipitationThe tables below reflect average readings at the three primary park areas recorded over the last 5 years.
Rio Grande VillageElevation 1,850'
Panther JunctionElevation 3,750'
Chisos BasinElevation 5,401'
Conditions Through the YearSunshine is abundant most of the year. Spring is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summers are very hot; temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor, which is usually well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which are ten to twenty degrees cooler. May through August are the hottest months. Visitors should be familiar with heat safety. The rainy season runs from July through September, with locally heavy thunderstorms and some flash flooding possible. The rainy season can be a delightful time to visit since afternoon and evening rains often cool the desert. Fall quickly melds into winter which is pleasantly mild and usually sunny, although periods of cloudy weather and freezing cold do occur. Snow is rare and generally light. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions. The holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks) are typically busy, so reservations for accommodations are highly recommended. Elevation is EverythingMost weather forecasts highlight the temperature at Park Headquarters which lies at 3,750 feet. Temperatures along the Rio Grande and desert areas will always be approximately 10 degrees hotter. Temps in the higher elevation Chisos Mountains average approximately 10 degrees cooler. Be prepared for this kind of variation during your trip. Dress for the WeatherNo matter the time of year, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes or boots are necessary for anyone planning to explore outdoors. Sunscreen is a must and hikers should always carry plenty of water; one gallon per person per day is recommended. Summer visitors should be aware of heat safety, such as wearing clothing that protects from the sun and avoiding activity during midday. Winter visitors should be prepared for any weather; temperatures vary from below freezing to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last updated: May 10, 2024