Big Bear Lake: Month By Month Guide - Weather & Activities

Fall (September-November)

September (Early Fall)

• Weather: September brings cooler temperatures, with daytime highs in the  70s Fahrenheit and crisp mornings in the 40s.

• Activities: Fall foliage begins to emerge, painting the mountainsides with hues of red, orange, and yellow. Hiking and scenic drives offer prime opportunities to witness the changing colors of the landscape. Fishing remains productive as trout become more active in the cooler waters.

• Tourism: September marks the beginning of the shoulder season, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Lodging rates may fluctuate depending on demand and weather.

October (Mid Fall)

• Weather: October is synonymous with vibrant fall colors, with daytime temperatures cooling into the 60s and occasional high 50s Fahrenheit.

• Activities: This is a great time of year for photographers to capture the stunning foliage, while outdoor adventurers enjoy hiking and biking amidst the picturesque scenery. Fall festivals such as Octoberfest and events celebrate the harvest season, offering entertainment for visitors.

• Tourism: Mid-fall sees a steady flow of tourists, drawn by the allure of fall colors. Lodging rates may remain relatively stable, with occasional fluctuations during peak weekends.

November (Late Fall)

• Weather: November brings cooler temperatures, with daytime highs in the 50s Fahrenheit and chilly nights in the 20s and 30s.

• Activities: Cozying up by a fireplace in a cabin becomes a popular activity as the weather cools. Visitors can explore the town's attractions or embark on scenic drives to admire the remaining fall colors. Ski resorts may start opening towards the end of November, depending on snowfall.

• Tourism: Late fall offers a quieter atmosphere, with fewer crowds and potentially lower lodging rates. It's an ideal time for a peaceful getaway before the winter season begins.

Winter (December - February)

December (Early Winter)

• Weather: December ushers in the winter season with a typically blanket of snow covering the town and surrounding mountains. Daytime temperatures typically hover in the 40s Fahrenheit, while nights can drop below freezing, creating a frosty ambiance.

• Activities: This marks the time of year where skiers and snowboarders eagerly await for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit to announce their opening dates for the season.  Visitors can also enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace in cabins or indulge in holiday festivities in the Village.

• Tourism: December sees a significant influx of tourists, drawn by the festive atmosphere and winter activities. Lodging rates are expected to be at their peak, especially around Christmas and New Years. Advance booking is highly advisable during the holiday season as lodging can become extremely limited.

January (Mid Winter)

• Weather: January brings colder temperatures, with daytime highs typically in the 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit and nights dipping into the 20s. Snowfall is abundant, maintaining the winter mountain charm.

• Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are  the main attractions. Hiking can be difficult without proper gear as snow will be accumulating, making snowshoeing a more ideal activity. Indoor activities such as cozying up with hot cocoa by the fire or visiting local shops and restaurants in the Village offer respite from the cold.

• Tourism: Tourism remains robust in January, especially during weekends and holiday periods. Visitors can expect crowded ski resorts and higher demand for accommodations.

February (Late Winter)

• Weather: February sees a gradual transition towards milder temperatures, although snowfall can still occur, particularly earlier in the month. Daytime highs range from the mid-30s to the mid-40s Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures gradually increasing but remaining cold.

• Activities: Skiing and snowboarding conditions remain favorable, with the possibility of enjoying fresh powder days. Snowshoeing and winter hiking offer serene experiences amidst the snow-covered landscape. Visitors can also explore the town's attractions, including shop, galleries, and restaurants in the Village.

• Tourism: As February progresses, tourism begins to taper off slightly, offering a quieter experience compared to the bustling holiday season. Lodging rates may become more affordable, making it an ideal time for a winter getaway.

Spring (March-May)

March (Early Spring)

• Weather: As winter reluctantly loosens its grip, March greets Big Bear with lingering snow at higher elevations and daytime temperatures hovering in the high 40s and low 50s. Occasional rain showers add a touch of freshness to the awakening landscape, so be sure to pack umbrellas and waterproof gear for hiking.

• Activities: While skiing and snowboarding tends to continue in early March, some trails may have limited access. Hiking at lower elevations becomes available as snow on trails melt, however the risk of icy trails increase.

• Tourism: In March, tourism in Big Bear Lake begins to drop off as winter transitions to spring, offering a quieter atmosphere with lingering snow and the promise of blooming wildflowers.

April (Mid-Spring)

• Weather: Temperatures gradually climb, reaching the balmy lows of 60s with occasional rains, morning are still crisp. The melting snow reveals a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers, transforming meadows into kaleidoscopic displays of color.

• Activities:  Lower elevation hiking trails continue to become more accessible to explore the blossoming wilderness. Ski resorts will begin to close if still open and transition to mountain biking and hiking. The water on Big Bear Lake will start to warm marking the beginning fishing and boat tours.

• Tourism: April tends to remain a quieter month as ski resort have closed and visitors are awaiting warmer weather.

May (Late Spring)

• Weather: With pleasant sunshine and highs in the low to mid-70s, May sets the stage for outdoor adventures. The weather is getting warmer but also may bring chilly mornings and afternoon sun showers.

• Activities: Camping under the starlit skies becomes an enchanting experience, while kayaking and paddle boarding offer serene excursions on the tranquil lake waters. The weather is perfect for an adventurous hike or a relaxing day on the lake.

• Tourism:  Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to summer which also marks the beginning of summer tourism.

Summer (June-August)

June (Early Summer)

• Weather: June welcomes the official start of summer in Big Bear Lake, with daytime highs in the 70s Fahrenheit and cool nights in the 40s.

• Activities: The lake becomes a hub for water sports, including boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as zip-lining.

• Tourism: Summer kicks off with a surge in tourism, especially during weekends and holidays. Lodging rates may peak during this time, and advance booking is recommended, especially for cabins and hotels near the lake.

July (Mid-Summer)

• Weather: July bring the most enjoyable temperatures of the year, with daytime highs reaching the 80s Fahrenheit. Cool breezes provide relief from the heat during the evenings with temperatures in the low 50s.

• Activities: Water activities thrive during the summer months, with the lake bustling with boaters, kayakers and swimmers. Hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the diverse ecosystems of Big Bear Lake. Outdoor concerts, festivals, and events provide entertainment all summer long.

• Tourism: July (and August) are peak tourist months, with crowded attractions and higher lodging rates. Planning ahead is essential, especially for popular activities and accommodations.

August (Late Summer)

• Weather: August brings some of the hottest days of the year but as it progresses, temperatures may start to cool slightly, heralding the approach of fall. Nighttime temperatures continue to bring relief to the heat as they hover in the low 50s.

• Activities: Outdoor activities on the lake and hiking continue to remain popular. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely strolls around the town, exploring shops and dining in the Village.

• Tourism: Summer tourism remains high until late in the season which offers a transitional period with slightly fewer crowds compared to the peak months. Lodging rates may start to decrease as the summer season winds down, especially mid-week.