Bend Weather by Month: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Bend, Oregon is known for its four-season climate, sunny skies, and dramatic temperature differences between winter and summer. Located in Central Oregon near the Cascade Mountains, Bend has a high-desert climate with warm summers, cold winters, and relatively low annual precipitation.
This guide explains Bend weather by month, including typical temperatures, rainfall, and seasonal highlights so you know what to expect throughout the year.
Bend Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High (°F / °C) | Avg Low (°F / °C) | Rainfall (inches) | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F / 4°C | 27°F / -3°C | 3.3 | 12.5 |
| February | 39°F / 4°C | 27°F / -3°C | 2.7 | 10.4 |
| March | 44°F / 7°C | 30°F / -1°C | 2.5 | 6.3 |
| April | 51°F / 11°C | 34°F / 1°C | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 60°F / 16°C | 41°F / 5°C | 1.8 | 0.2 |
| June | 69°F / 21°C | 48°F / 9°C | 1.1 | 0 |
| July | 81°F / 27°C | 55°F / 13°C | 0.6 | 0 |
| August | 80°F / 27°C | 55°F / 13°C | 0.4 | 0 |
| September | 72°F / 22°C | 49°F / 9°C | 1.1 | 0 |
| October | 57°F / 14°C | 40°F / 4°C | 1.7 | 0.4 |
| November | 44°F / 7°C | 31°F / -1°C | 2.8 | 4.8 |
| December | 37°F / 3°C | 26°F / -3°C | 4.7 | 12.6 |
January
January is one of the coldest and snowiest months in Bend.
- Average high: ~39°F (4°C)
- Average low: ~27°F (-3°C)
- Precipitation: ~3.3 inches
Snowfall is common, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are popular during this time. Temperatures often drop below freezing overnight.
February
February remains cold but begins to see slightly longer days.
- Average high: ~39°F (4°C)
- Average low: ~27°F (-3°C)
- Snowfall: one of the highest monthly totals
Snow is still frequent, and mountain conditions remain excellent for winter recreation.
March
March marks the transition from winter to early spring.
- Average high: ~44°F (7°C)
- Average low: ~30°F (-1°C)
- Snow and rain are both possible
Snowfall can still occur, especially early in the month, but warmer days start to appear.
April
Spring becomes more noticeable in April.
- Average high: ~51°F (11°C)
- Average low: ~34°F (1°C)
- Precipitation: ~2.1 inches
Snow becomes less common, though occasional late-season storms may still occur.
May
May brings mild temperatures and greener landscapes.
- Average high: ~60°F (16°C)
- Average low: ~41°F (5°C)
- Rainfall: ~1.8 inches
Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and river recreation start becoming more popular.
June
June marks the start of summer in Bend.
- Average high: ~69°F (21°C)
- Average low: ~48°F (9°C)
- Rainfall: ~1.1 inches
Days are sunny and pleasant, with low humidity and comfortable evenings.
July
July is typically the warmest month of the year.
- Average high: ~81°F (27°C)
- Average low: ~55°F (13°C)
- Rainfall: ~0.6 inches
Expect warm days, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine. Outdoor festivals and river activities peak during this month.
August
August remains hot and dry.
- Average high: ~80°F (27°C)
- Average low: ~55°F (13°C)
- Rainfall: ~0.4 inches
Dry weather makes it ideal for camping, hiking, and exploring Central Oregon.
September
September begins the transition to fall.
- Average high: ~72°F (22°C)
- Average low: ~49°F (9°C)
- Rainfall: ~1.1 inches
Cooler evenings and colorful foliage begin appearing later in the month.
October
Autumn becomes more noticeable in October.
- Average high: ~57°F (14°C)
- Average low: ~40°F (4°C)
- Rainfall: ~1.7 inches
Temperatures drop quickly at night, and occasional frost may occur.
November
November signals the start of winter.
- Average high: ~44°F (7°C)
- Average low: ~31°F (-1°C)
- Precipitation increases again
Snow becomes more common toward the end of the month.
December
December is cold and festive with regular snowfall.
- Average high: ~37°F (3°C)
- Average low: ~26°F (-3°C)
- Precipitation: ~4.7 inches
Winter sports and holiday activities dominate the season.
Seasonal Weather Overview
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Cold temperatures and snowfall
- Ideal for skiing and snowboarding
Spring (Mar–May)
- Gradual warming with mixed rain and snow early in the season
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Warm, dry, and sunny
- Best time for outdoor adventures
Fall (Sep–Nov)
- Cool temperatures and beautiful foliage
Summary
Bend offers distinct seasonal weather, with snowy winters, warm sunny summers, and mild spring and fall seasons. Its dry climate and abundant sunshine make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round
20 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about weather in Bend
1. What is the climate like in Bend, Oregon?
Bend has a high-desert climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters. The city experiences low humidity and plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
2. Does it snow a lot in Bend?
Yes. Bend receives about 45–50 inches of snow annually, mostly between November and March.
3. What is the hottest month in Bend?
July is usually the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 80–85°F (27–29°C).
4. What is the coldest month in Bend?
December and January are typically the coldest months, with average lows around 25–28°F (-4 to -2°C).
5. How many sunny days does Bend get per year?
Bend enjoys about 260–300 sunny days annually, making it one of the sunniest places in the Pacific Northwest.
6. When does winter start in Bend?
Winter weather usually begins in late November and can last until early March.
7. Is Bend humid?
No. Bend has low humidity because of its high-desert environment east of the Cascade Mountains.
8. What is summer weather like in Bend?
Summers are warm, sunny, and dry, with daytime highs between 75°F and 85°F (24–29°C) and cool evenings.
9. Does Bend get a lot of rain?
Not really. Bend receives about 24–26 inches of precipitation per year, which is relatively low compared to western Oregon.
10. What is the best time to visit Bend for good weather?
The best months are typically June through September, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal.
11. Does Bend experience extreme temperature swings?
Yes. Because of the desert climate, day-night temperature swings of 30°F (17°C) or more are common.
12. Is Bend windy?
Bend can experience moderate winds, especially during seasonal weather changes in spring and fall.
13. What is spring weather like in Bend?
Spring (March–May) is mild but unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine, rain, and occasional late snow.
14. What is fall weather like in Bend?
Fall is usually cool and dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures and crisp evenings.
15. When does snow usually melt in Bend?
Most snow in the city melts by late March or early April, though nearby mountains keep snow much longer.
16. Does Bend experience wildfires or smoke in summer?
Occasionally. Wildfire smoke from regional fires can affect air quality during late summer.
17. Is Bend good for winter sports?
Yes. Bend is close to Mt. Bachelor, making it a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
18. What should I pack for a trip to Bend?
It’s best to pack layers, since mornings and evenings can be much cooler than daytime temperatures.
19. How cold does Bend get in winter?
Winter temperatures sometimes drop below 20°F (-6°C) during cold spells.
20. Does Bend have severe weather like hurricanes or tornadoes?
No. Bend rarely experiences severe storms and is generally considered to have stable and predictable weather patterns.
