Best Time To Visit Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of the most beautiful and remote places in the United States. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, this is the place for you. But when is the best time to visit? Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip.
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Best Time of Year to Visit Big Bend National Park for Photography?
The best time to visit Big Bend National Park for photography is during the fall. The colors of the leaves are simply stunning, and you’ll be able to capture some amazing shots. Spring is also a good time to visit if you’re looking to photograph the wildflowers.
I would say Summer is not a bad time as well, it’s absolutely beautiful. However, you’re going to need to get out there early in the morning to make the most of your photography trip.
What’s the Weather Like in Big Bend National Park?
The weather in Big Bend National Park can be quite extreme. It can be very hot during the day, and then cold at night. The best time to visit Big Bend for hiking is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are more moderate.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit as early as the late morning. If you’re not used to this kind of heat, it can be quite dangerous. As a matter of fact, 3 out of the 5 visitor centers are closed during the summer.
According to the National Park Service they give Big Bend an “Extreme Heat Warning” during the Summer.
Here’s what they have to say:
“Big Bend is a desert park. May-Sept temps over most of the park reach 100+ degrees by late morning, and reach exceedingly dangerous levels until long after sunset. Hikers should stay OFF trails in the afternoon. Carry and drink plenty of water!”
Best Time of Year to Visit Big Bend National Park for Stargazing?
Stargazing is an absolute must-do while you’re in Big Bend National Park. The night sky is so clear and free of light pollution, you’ll be able to see stars like you’ve never seen them before.
Typically, the best time to go stargazing is when the moon is new, so there’s no light pollution from the moon. However, because Big Bend is so remote – any time of year is a good time to go stargazing in Big Bend National Park.
Secondly, Big Bend National Park is usually dryest during the Winter and Fall, so there’s less chance of clouds obscuring your view of the stars.
What Is the Rainy Season for Big Bend National Park?
Did you know that Big Bend National Park has a rainy season? It typically runs from May until September, with July and August being the wettest months. During that time, there’s a 3-4x higher chance that you’ll see rain than any other time of year.
However, even during the rainy season, rain is not guaranteed. In fact, throughout the year there is only cumulatively about 10-12 inches of rain. So don’t let a little rain deter you from visiting this beautiful place.
Best Time of Year to Visit Big Bend National Park for Less Crowds?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is between November to March. According to the National Park Service, Big Bend National Park attracts its most visitors from October through April.
And over the years, Big Bend has seen a massive increase in visitors. In fact, there are now close to 600,000 visitors per year.
If you’re looking to spend some time at one of their awesome campgrounds – you’re going to need to make reservations. All campgrounds are full, pretty much every single night. However, there are private campgrounds outside the park, near both entrances if you’re looking for an alternative.
What Time of Day Does Big Bend National Park Get Busy?
Generally, Big Bend National Park is busiest during the late mornings and afternoons.
I would suggest getting to the park as early as possible to avoid the crowds. This is especially true if you’re visiting during the peak months of October through April.
If you’re looking to hike, I would recommend starting your hike early in the morning, or later in the evening to avoid the heat of the day. And if you plan on hiking during the summer, you need to keep in mind that most hiking trails will be closed due to the extreme heat.
