The river, which runs through downtown Bend, begins in the Cascade Mountains and parallels the eastern slopes of the range, flowing northward to the Columbia River. Table of Contents Climate Bend enjoys a predominately dry climate of high desert country. Sunny days, low humidity, and cool nights provide the most common weather pattern. Table of Contents Temperature Moderate days and cool nights characterize Bend's year-round climate. Because of the high altitude and clear air, nighttime temperatures average 30 to 40 degrees below the daytime highs.
Evenings are generally cool, even in the summer, requiring sweaters or jackets.
Frost can occur during any summer month. The average annual precipitation in Bend is less than 12 inches, with over half falling between November and February, often as snow. Brief thunderstorms usually provide most of the light summer rain. The average annual snowfall is 33.8 inches. Snow usually accumulates to no more than a few inches, nor lies on the ground for an extended period.