Climate and monthly weather forecast
Big Bend National Park, TX

Situated in the broader expanses of Texas, USA, Big Bend National Park is an intriguing display of geographical diversity and climatic amplitude under the Köppen climate classification of BWh, denoting a subtropical desert climate. The park experiences temperature extremes, shifts in rainfall, and adjustable daylight durations throughout the year, contributing to its diversified ecology.

A visible gradient in temperature marks the year, showing a steep climb from winter lows around 34.5°F (1.4°C) in January to the hottest period between May and August, where the heat peaks significantly, reaching 103.4°F (39.7°C) in June and plateauing above 100°F (37.8°C) until August. Concurrently, frigid nights in January at 34.5°F (1.4°C) give way to increasingly warm nights, reaching 74.4°F (23.6°C) in July, before cooling off towards the end of the year.

Rainfall is scant in the initial months of the year, with January and February having only 0.4 and 0.3" (8mm) respectively. Following this, rainfall sees a surge from May onwards, peaking at 1.7" (43mm) in July before slowly receding throughout the autumn months. This small amount of rainfall reflects the arid climate classification of Big Bend National Park.

Daylight extends from 10.5 hours in January to reaching a maximum of 14 hours by June and gradually diminishing towards the end of the year. This creates optimal lighting conditions during the summer months, aiding travelers in their exploration of the park.

Given the harsh temperatures of peak summer and winter, the transitional periods of spring and autumn emerge as the ideal time to visit Big Bend National Park. In autumn, from September to November, the park experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 96.3°F (35.7°C) to 77.7°F (25.4°C) in the day and 68.6°F (20.3°C) to 44.2°F (6.8°C) at night. Coupled with a steady decrease in rainfall from 1.5" (38mm) in September to 0.4" (10mm) in November, this season offers a suitable climate for outdoor activities.

The ardor of summer from May to August, despite offering the most prolonged daylight duration, often proves hostile for visitors. With temperatures soaring above 100°F (37.8°C) from June to August and minimum rainfall to provide any respite, the summer months can be somewhat inhospitable for tourists.

Spring unfolds a fascinating weather profile in Big Bend National Park, bestowing a marked uplift in temperature and daylight hours. High temperatures escalate from 74.4°F (23.6°C) in March to 99.8°F (37.7°C) in May, while nighttime temperatures experience a similar upward trend from 39.5°F (4.2°C) to 66.2°F (19°C). Rainfall stays sparse during spring ranging between 0.2" (5mm) in March to 1 inch in May. Daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March, peaking to 13.6 hours in May, ushering a bright and warm spring season in the park.

Summer in Big Bend National Park sets in unforgiving heat, with daytime temperatures hovering around 100°F (37.8°C) from June to August. Nights offer some relief with temperatures falling to 73.1°F (22.8°C) in June and 73.5°F (23.1°C) in August. Rainfall sees a gradual increase during these months, reaching a yearly high of 1.7" (43mm) in July. Prolonged daylight of up to 14 hours extends the scenic beauty of the desert park.

As summer subsides, autumn brings in a gentle transition with a pleasant mix of temperatures and rainfall. Daytime highs drop from 96.3°F (35.7°C) in September to 77.7°F (25.4°C) in November, and nights grow colder with temperatures falling to 44.2°F (6.8°C) by November. Rainfall is moderate, going from 1.5" (38mm) in September to 0.4" (10mm) in November, while daylight hours diminish from 12.3 to 10.7 hours.

Winter witnesses the coldest phase in Big Bend National Park. High temperatures drop from 68.4°F (20.2°C) in December to 68.2°F (20.1°C) in February, while nighttime temperatures fall to a yearly low of 34.5°F (1.4°C) in January. Rainfall is at its lowest during winters, ranging from 0.3" (8mm) to 0.4" (10mm). There's a reduction in daylight hours as well, dimming to 10.3 hours in December. Despite the chill, a unique beauty cloaks the park in winter.

January sets the weather tenor in Big Bend National Park. The frosty days offer limited warmth with a high of just 68.2°F (20.1°C), and nights can be quite frigid, reaching lows of 34.5°F (1.4°C). The brisk hush dancing around the barren plant-life is interrupted only by the modest rainfall of 0.4" (10mm). Weather in January »

February's prevalent temperate weather introduces a welcomed change from January's austere chilliness. Park visitors find the weather more inviting, which mirrors the park’s emerging foliage, symbolizing nature's dance entering its next phase. Weather in February »

Increased temperatures and longer daylight hours become increasingly apparent in March, highlighting the season change. It's the time of the year when the park blossoms, offering a captivating exploration experience. Although rainfall remains scanty, it never poses an intrusion to the recreational activities the park has to offer. Weather in March »

April carries the baton forward with definitive spring weather, synonymous with escalating temperatures and maximum daylight hours. The moderately high temperatures are an open invite to engage in outdoor ventures, as radiant sunshine fills up 12.9 hours of the day. Weather in April »

In May, Big Bend National Park begins to feel the onslaught of summer. The radiant sun dominates the landscape, impacting both temperatures and humidity. Despite an increased rainfall frequency, the precipitation barely impacts the overall ambiance, maintaining the park’s 'camping-friendly' conditions. Weather in May »

June comes with a definitive declaration of summer as heat peaks by mid-month. The high of 103.4°F (39.7°C) doesn't simply reflect the scorching temperatures - it also signals the most rain the park will receive the whole year. Despite high precipitation records, the months generously provide sunlight for about 14 hours a day, the longest stretch of daylight for the year. Weather in June »

July continues to replicate June's fiery weather trend, albeit with a slight dip in temperatures. The sun remains a virtually permanent fixture in the sky, shedding its heat on the roaming fauna and flora of the park. It's a month when life in Big Bend National Park thrives, feeding off both the sun's energy and the sustaining rainfall. Weather in July »

August in Big Bend National Park represents the summer month with marginally lowered mercury levels. The days, although still intensely hot, offer a slight reprieve from the sweltering July. The sun, however relentless during the day, makes a quicker exit by the end of the month, shortening daytime by half an hour. Weather in August »

September brings a distinct change in the air as autumn begins to make its presence felt. The falling temperatures bring much-needed relief after the exhausting heat of the prolonged summer. The shorter daylight hours and moderated rainfall make it a comfortable month for park exploration. Weather in September »

October in Big Bend National Park is emblematic of the fall season. The mercury keeps dipping steadily, providing a contrast from the summer’s sweltering days and nights. Although the daylight hours keep shortening, there’s still ample sunshine to boost the park’s astonishing autumn colors. Weather in October »

The last month of the autumn, November, is also a moderately hot month in Big Bend National Park, Texas, with an average temperature fluctuating between 77.7°F (25.4°C) and 44.2°F (6.8°C). As October transitions to November, the average high-temperature falls from a tropical 88.5°F (31.4°C) to a warm 77.7°F (25.4°C). Weather in November »

December anchors the closing chapter of weather in Big Bend National Park, with the chilling aura taking full effect. The lower end of mercury stature is prominent with temperatures dipping down to 35.4°F (1.9°C), signifying the park’s hibernation phase. Weather in December »