 At Benton City, the Yakima River flows past the area and provides a moderating effect on the temperature.Cool air from the north, seeking the lower elevation of the river valley, moves downwards across the hillsides planted with vineyards and helps keep the grapes from being overheated.The constant air movement prevents air from settling in the area and allowing frost to damage the grapes

The area has a desert climate with average yearly rainfall of five inches.