National Park · TX
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend is quietest in July and August and busiest in March.
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...
546K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 13, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Big Bend
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 13 | Overcast | 89°F | 70°F | 29% |
| Wed 14 | Overcast | 82°F | 66°F | 39% |
| Thu 15 | Light rain | 77°F | 55°F | 81% |
| Fri 16 | Rain | 55°F | 47°F | 92% |
| Sat 17 | Overcast | 54°F | 44°F | 14% |
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 63°F | 50°F | 4% |
| Mon 19 | Light drizzle | 71°F | 56°F | 6% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F | 37°F | 0.5" |
| February | 66°F | 41°F | 0.4" |
| March | 74°F | 47°F | 0.4" |
| April | 82°F | 54°F | 0.5" |
| May | 89°F | 62°F | 1.3" |
| June | 94°F | 68°F | 1.7" |
| July | 92°F | 70°F | 2.3" |
| August | 91°F | 69°F | 1.9" |
| September | 86°F | 63°F | 1.7" |
| October | 80°F | 55°F | 1.2" |
| November | 69°F | 45°F | 0.7" |
| December | 62°F | 38°F | 0.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PANTHER JUNCTION, TX US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.
- Hours
- Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Bringing a Pet to Big Bend?
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone
The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
- Information
Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Until further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Big Bend questions
When is the best time to visit Big Bend?
Big Bend is least crowded in July, August, and June. March is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Big Bend?
Entrance to Big Bend costs $30 (Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.).
When is Big Bend busiest?
Big Bend is busiest in March, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Big Bend during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Big Bend. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.