Big Bend National Park Weather

rainbow in the desert
 
 

Current Conditions:

Regional Weather Forecasts

 
 
Big Bend NP Daily Report
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Park Weather Station Data

BEAT THE HEAT!

Learn how to plan, pack, and recreate during the heat of Big Bend summers.
Don't let the heat ruin your Big Bend trip!

 

River Level Observations

 

Live Weather and Air Quality Data

Recorded at the K-Bar monitoring site (near Panther Junction)
 
Webcam

Live View From Panther Junction

Big 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. Visibility and air quality readings.

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Status: AQ Lookup Error: Please confirm Webcam URL.
 

Average Temperatures & Precipitation

The tables below reflect average readings at the three primary park areas recorded over the last 5 years.

  • Chisos Basin (mountain areas),
  • Panther Junction (mid-elevation),
  • Rio Grande Village (typical park desert and river corridor).
 

Rio Grande Village

Elevation 1,850'

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Avg High °F

70 75 86 93 102 107 106 106 99 90 78 74

Avg Low °F

31 37 45 53 67 63 65 65 59 48 36 29

Avg Precip (inches)

.37 .17 .40 .39 1.22 1.12 1.24 1.48 1.42 .62 .48 .34

Avg Cumulative Precip (inches)

.37 .54 .93 1.32 2.55 3.66 4.90 6.38 7.80 8.42 8.90 9.24
 

Panther Junction

Elevation 3,750'

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Avg High °F

62 66 75 83 90 95 95 94 88 80 69 65

Avg Low °F

38 39 48 54 67 70 72 72 65 56 42 37

Avg Precip (inches)

.69 .38 .31 .36 1.52 1.55 1.93 2.01 1.75 .66 .82 .51

Avg Cumulative Precip (inches)

.69 1.06 1.37 1.73 3.25 4.80 6.73 8.73 10.49 11.15 11.97 12.47
 

Chisos Basin

Elevation 5,401'

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Avg High °F

59 63 70 77 84 88 87 87 80 74 65 61

Avg Low °F

37 41 46 53 62 66 67 66 61 53 45 41

Avg Precip (inches)

.77 .49 .36 .59 1.55 2.08 3.18 3.38 2.64 .77 .87 .55

Avg Cumulative Precip (inches)

.77 1.26 1.62 2.21 3.76 5.84 9.02 12.41 15.05 15.81 16.69 17.24
 

Conditions Through the Year

Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant most of the year.

Spring is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season.

Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely hot. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor, which is usually well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 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.

Elevation is Everything

Important: Major weather forecasts for Big Bend National Park only list conditions at Park Headquarters/Panther Junction (elevation 3,750'). That is NOT typical for the majority of the park's area. Temperatures over the majority of the park desert and along the Rio Grande will always be 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 Weather

No 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: August 19, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

Phone:

432-477-2251

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