Remarkable geological structures and diverse wildlife join to form the Big Bend National Park in West Texas, America. With a rich topographical landscape and more than 1750 species of flora and fauna, vacationing in this dark-sky park is a dream come true. You can go camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, hike at 7,825-foot Emory Peak, or even cruise along the Rio Grande. However, planning a trip to Big Bend National Park in winter needs substantial consideration. Which time of the year will be the most suitable for you? What are some travel-essential items you need to bring to this region of extreme weather? What are some fun activities you can do there?
In this article, we will be guiding you through all the details. You will be well aware of Big Bend’s weather conditions and eccentric nature by the time you reach the end. Let’s get started!
Is Big Bend National Park Open in Winter?
The short answer is yes. Big Bend National Park is open 24/7 year-round. It’s one of the most remote and isolated places in the US. That means it doesn’t get a lot of travelers. It only received 394,000 people in 2020.
You feel the tranquilizing yet chaotic solace of its scenic beauty even more in the winter. The weather is generally mild during this time. The sky is clear overhead, which is convenient during the day. It gives you ample time to explore, relax, or participate in various activities.
Some people prefer the Big Bend National Park in winter for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. It’s a great hideaway from our bustling and fast-paced world. You get to live closer to nature and away from people. That is because the small number of tourists in Big Bend National Park drops even more during the winters.
Moreover, it is essential to be well-prepared when you come here. The 40° to 50° temperature difference during the day and night can be hard to manage for some people. The nights can get quite freezing. Funnily enough, Rio Grande gets even colder than the mountains here.
We recommend a layering system to keep oneself warm during such extreme weather. That means starting with an insulating base layer for clothing. Then wear a long-sleeved shirt and a sweater or jacket as per liking. Top it off with any shell clothing for complete warmth during the cold.
That is convenient for most people as they can easily take a layer on or off. Of course, some people feel hotter or colder than others. We consider it an effortless and time-saving way to protect yourself from the chilly atmospheric conditions.
Does it Snow in Big Bend National Park
Yes, and no. It is a rare sight to witness snowfall in Big Bend National Park. But it can snow up to 1-2 times at high elevations. These include around 3,500 feet and up.
In the simplest terms, a large regional portion of the Big Bend National park consists of the Chihuahuan Desert. It boasts a semi-arid climate. The summers here are hot, whereas the winters are cool and dry.
Overall Temperature in Big Bend NP
As far as the temperature is concerned, Big Bend National Park has a diverse topographical landscape. Stretching across 3,243 square km, you can witness its spectacular desert and striking mountainous terrain. Moreover, the Rio Grande forms deep canyons as it passes through its trajectory.
It is an amalgamation of many striking geologic formations. Thus, the temperature varies throughout its territory. Depending on the terrain, there can be a 10° to 12° F difference across its areas of differing elevations.
Summers in Big Bend National Park
Overall, the summers here are hot. They last for around 3.8 months, starting from the end of May and ending in mid-September. Temperature can get up to as high as 71° F. Moreover, July is the hottest month of the year, when the temperature rises to 82° F.
Winters in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in winter is cool and dry, with clear skies. It begins at the start of December and ends at the beginning of March. Thus, it usually spans about 3.1 months.
The average daily high temperature stays under 39° F during this time. January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 15° to 28° F.
What Is Big Bend National Park Like in December?
Temperature:
December is one of the winter months in the Big Bend National Park. It has a 39° F average high temperature in the beginning. The nights can be as cold as 25° F. The temperature drops as the months pass by. It can be a freezing 29° F in the daytime to a chilling 17° F at nighttime by the end of December.
Cloud Cover:
There is essentially a constant cloud cover in December. The horizon is overcast by clouds around 57 percent of the time. Thus, it is essential to be well-prepared and have the necessary travel items to keep you warm and protected.
What Is Big Bend National Park Like in January?
Temperature:
January is the coldest month in Big Bend National Park. The temperature ranges from 28° to 29° F during this time. However, the nights can be even more freezing. The average daily low temperature fluctuates between a freezing 14° F to 16° F.
Cloud Cover:
Much like December, January experiences constant cloud cover. The sky is overcast by them around 58 percent of the time. It is also the month with the cloudiest day of the year. That may make the overall weather too chilly for some. We recommend following our clothing layering system to protect yourself against the cold.
What Is Big Bend National Park Like in February?
Temperature:
As January ends, temperatures start increasing in Big Bends National Park. They go from the freezing 28° F average daytime temperature to a slightly less cold 37° F during the end of February. Much like throughout the year, the nights are colder than the daytime. Thus, the average low temperature fluctuates between a numbing 14° F to a frigid 22° F.
Cloud Cover:
Cloud cover persists in Big Bend National Park, even in February. They hover over the horizon around 57 percent of the time. The dry weather makes it quite an ideal time for participating in outdoor activities, as you do not have to worry about any precipitation.
Big Bend National Park in Winter: An Overview
If you enjoy the peace of an isolated place, Big Bend National Park in winter will be an incredible experience. From the adventurous hiking trails to the adrenaline-filled camping, there are numerous entertaining activities you can engage in.
And the best part? Its majestic scenic beauty does not even get a lot of visitors. So, you can have striking hiking trails and expansive camping grounds all to yourself. Excluding the minimal number of other tourists, of course. Definitely worth the experience, in our opinion.
However, if you plan on staying here during Christmas, New Year’s Day, or any other federal holiday, be prepared to book the lodgings in advance. They can be reserved pretty early during these times. So, it is better to arrange your resting place beforehand if that is when you plan to explore.
What To Do in Big Bend National Park in the Winter
Big Bend National Park offers a diverse array of topographical terrains. You have multiple options to choose from. It depends on if you want to go on an adventure or relax under the calming clear sky overhead.
Moreover, it is worth noting that winter is perhaps the most pleasant time for participating in outdoor activities. That is because you can spend hours in the sun without being drenched in sweat, as in the summers. Below is a list of our all-time favorite activities to do in Big Bend National Park in winter.
Hiking and Exploration
Big Bend National Park might be your next favorite vacation spot if you’re fond of the exhausting yet rewarding act of trekking. The place has around 150 hiking trails all across its expansive region. You must narrow your journey to the top 3 distinct terrains: the mountains, the desert, and the river.
The Mountains:
You can spend an entire day walking along Lost Mine Trail and South Rim in the mountains. There are shorter trails available for when you have less time. That includes the 1.8-mile Chisos Basin Loop Trail.
The Desert:
To explore the desert, you can wander on the 4.8-mile Chimneys Trail. You can observe distinct volcanic rock formations and ‘chimneys’ from here. As for shorter trails, the 2.2-mile Grapevine Hills Trail is a good option. You can walk through the various varieties of scrubs and cactus along its route.
The River:
If you have ever wondered what gazing at 1500-foot limestone walls feels like at the end of the trek, we have another option for you. The Santa Elena trail starts at Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and follows the Rio Grande. It is a 1.7-mile trail that takes you to the tallest gorge in the park. That is when you see the ultimate view: the awe-inspiring limestone walls.
Do not forget to wear comfortable hiking shoes with good soles to make the journey easy and enjoyable.
Camping
There are four campsites in Big Bend National Park. These include the Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and Rio Grande Village RV Park. Moreover, there are dozens of backpacking options as well. You do need to get a permit for that, though.
Do not forget to bring your camping equipment with you. You can use lightweight sleeping bags or one-person tents. That will be convenient as reaching the campsites requires a long hike. We recommend the Kelty Cosmic sleeping bag for its excellent comfort and robust design.
Water is extremely important. Bring a 1-gallon water bottle per person to satiate your thirst during your stay here. The Pogo plastic water bottle is very lightweight and easy to carry.
Paddling
Some other fun activities include paddling along the Rio Grande. However, you will require a permit for this. The boat fluttering on the water as you feel the cold wind on your face is truly an exhilarating experience. Other renowned and exciting paddle trips include the Santa Elena Canyon and Boquillas Canyon.
Border Crossing
The Big Bend National Park shares a border with Mexico. You can wander and explore this cross-cultural region. Just make sure to bring your passport with you.
Stargazing
Are you drained from the physical exertion and want to cool off for a bit? Stargazing at Big Bend National Park will wear off all your fatigue. This national park has the least pollution. You can get a clear view of the Milky Way. Staring at its enchanting beauty is an experience you will not want to miss.
What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Big Bend National Park?
Generally, fall and spring are the best times to visit Big Bend. That is because the summers can be sweltering here. On the other hand, winters can be chilly. No wonder March is one of the busiest months that receives the most tourists when the weather is moderate.
But at the end of the day, one’s preferences are subjective. Spring will suit you better if you enjoy interacting with other travelers while exploring a new location. The same goes for fall if you favor mild weather conditions. But if you’re looking to engage in outdoor activities in less-crowded mountains and deserts, wintertime will be your best shot.
Always check the weather conditions before starting your journey. If you’d like to know more about camping in Big Bend National Park in winter, do not forget to watch the video below to get a better idea:
Key Takeaways
Planning a trip to Big Bend National Park can be challenging due to its location. But it is worth witnessing the vast topographical terrain and the numerous species of plants and animals within its vicinity.
The best time for visiting is subjective for everyone due to their individual needs. Want to visit it while the weather is moderate? Spring or Fall will suit you. Or do you want to be closer to nature, away from people, and enjoy participating in outdoor activities? Big Bend National Park in winter will be a much better choice.
There are no fixed rules, except one: Do not forget to enjoy and have a good time. It will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Have a safe and lovely trip!