Bend is a vibrant city located in the heart of Central Oregon, United States. Located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, Bend lies along the Deschutes River and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including towering mountains, expansive forests, and high desert terrain. The city is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, thriving arts scene, and strong sense of community. With a population of over 100,000 residents, Bend has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting newcomers with its high quality of life and diverse range of amenities.
Bend is known for its sunny weather, picturesque scenery, and outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Major landmarks in the area include the iconic peaks of the Cascade Range, such as Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters, as well as the Deschutes River, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Additionally, Bend is home to several craft breweries, art galleries, and cultural institutions that contribute to its dynamic and eclectic atmosphere.
Geography and Climate
Bend is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, in the state of Oregon. The city’s location in the high desert of Central Oregon influences its climate, resulting in four distinct seasons characterized by sunny, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Bend’s geography is marked by its proximity to the Cascade Range, which creates a rain shadow effect, shielding the city from the moist maritime air of the Pacific Ocean.
Climate and Weather Overview
Average Climate Data
The following table presents average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Bend, Oregon:
| Month | Average Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 38 | 1.5 | 17 |
| February | 42 | 1.3 | 18 |
| March | 49 | 1.4 | 20 |
| April | 56 | 1.1 | 22 |
| May | 64 | 0.8 | 24 |
| June | 72 | 0.6 | 26 |
| July | 81 | 0.4 | 29 |
| August | 80 | 0.5 | 28 |
| September | 73 | 0.7 | 25 |
| October | 62 | 1.0 | 22 |
| November | 48 | 1.3 | 18 |
| December | 39 | 1.6 | 16 |
Weather by Month
January
January in Bend brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average temperature is around 38°F, with precipitation averaging 1.5 inches. Snowstorms may occur, covering the city in a layer of snow and creating ideal conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mount Bachelor. Despite the cold weather, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter hikes in the surrounding wilderness areas. Indoor activities such as visiting art galleries, attending concerts, and sampling local cuisine at restaurants and breweries provide cozy alternatives for staying warm during the winter months.
February
February sees similar weather patterns to January, with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average temperature rises slightly to 42°F, with precipitation levels remaining relatively low at 1.3 inches. While snow may still be present, signs of spring begin to emerge as daylight hours increase. Outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and fat biking on groomed trails provide opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the winter landscape. February also offers opportunities for attending cultural events, participating in wine tastings, and exploring the city’s vibrant downtown scene.
March
March marks the transition to spring in Bend, with temperatures starting to warm up. The average temperature is around 49°F, and precipitation levels increase slightly to 1.4 inches. While snow is still possible, residents may experience more rain showers as the weather begins to change. March is an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the nearby Deschutes National Forest. March also offers opportunities for attending outdoor festivals, exploring local trails, and visiting nearby attractions such as the High Desert Museum.
April
April brings milder temperatures to Bend, with the average temperature reaching 56°F. Precipitation levels decrease to 1.1 inches, with occasional rain showers bringing moisture to the area. The city begins to bloom with colorful flowers and green foliage, providing scenic backdrops for outdoor activities such as nature walks and photography outings. April also offers opportunities for birdwatching, fly fishing on the Deschutes River, and exploring nearby hiking trails in the Central Oregon wilderness.
May
May heralds the arrival of warmer weather in Bend, with temperatures averaging 64°F. Precipitation levels decrease further to 0.8 inches, and sunny days become more prevalent. Residents and visitors alike flock outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paddleboarding on the Deschutes River. May also offers opportunities for attending outdoor concerts, visiting farmers’ markets, and participating in community clean-up events.
June
June brings peak summer conditions to Bend, with temperatures averaging 72°F. Precipitation levels decrease to 0.6 inches, and sunny days are abundant. The community buzzes with activity as residents and visitors take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, and fishing in the nearby Cascade Lakes. June also offers opportunities for attending outdoor festivals, exploring local trails, and visiting nearby attractions such as Smith Rock State Park.
July
July sees the height of summer in Bend, with temperatures reaching an average of 81°F. Precipitation levels remain low at 0.4 inches, and sunny days continue to prevail. Residents and visitors flock to local parks, lakes, and recreational facilities to cool off in the water or relax in the sun. Water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River are popular choices, while evenings are perfect for outdoor concerts and al fresco dining.
August
August maintains the warmth of summer in Bend, with temperatures averaging 80°F. Precipitation levels remain low at 0.5 inches, and sunny days continue to dominate the forecast. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and mountain biking are popular choices for residents and visitors seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. August also offers opportunities for attending outdoor concerts, visiting local breweries and wineries, and exploring nearby national forests and wilderness areas.
September
September brings the first hints of fall to Bend, although temperatures remain warm. The average temperature is around 73°F, with precipitation levels increasing slightly to 0.7 inches. While summer activities may start to wind down, residents and visitors can still enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing on the Deschutes River. September also offers opportunities for attending fall festivals, wine tasting tours, and scenic drives along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
October
October heralds the arrival of autumn in Bend, with temperatures cooling to an average of 62°F. Precipitation levels increase to 1.0 inch, but sunny days become less frequent. The area comes alive with fall foliage, providing scenic backdrops for outdoor activities such as leaf peeping and scenic drives along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. October also offers opportunities for pumpkin picking, visiting local pumpkin patches, and attending harvest festivals and corn mazes.
November
November brings cooler temperatures to Bend, with the average temperature dropping to 48°F. Precipitation levels increase to 1.3 inches, and sunny days become increasingly rare. Residents may start preparing for the winter months by winterizing their homes and gardens. Outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography may still be enjoyed, weather permitting. Indoor activities such as visiting museums, attending art classes, and cooking workshops become more popular as the weather cools.
December
December marks the onset of winter in Bend, with temperatures averaging 39°F. Precipitation levels increase to 1.6 inches, with occasional rainfall and light snowfall possible. While outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather, residents and visitors can still enjoy seasonal festivities such as holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and carriage rides. Indoor activities such as baking, crafting, and attending holiday concerts provide opportunities for cozy gatherings with family and friends.