The objective of this paper was to verify the behavior of dry bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) related to the development, yield and free proline accumulation when subjected to waters stress. Ten dry bean cultivars were grown in greenhouse with two treatments (a) irrigated, and (b) without irrigation for some periods. Leaf area, dry weight, height, leaf proline content were determined several times during the growing season and grain yield at the end of plants cycle. The results showed that the cultivars Moruna and Aroana showed the highest rate of development and the lowest accumulation of free proline when the two treatments were compared. It can be concluded from the data that the cultivars Moruna and Aroana presented the highest drought resistance and the cultivars Jalo and Roseli the lowest.