The climate of Big Bear Lake
Resting in
California, USA,
Big Bear Lake boasts a prevailing Mediterranean warm summer climate, known in the Köppen climate classification as Csb. Quite contrary to popular belief about Californian weather, Big Bear Lake's climate offers a unique blend of seasonal variations.
Throughout the year, temperature fluctuations paint a diverse picture of weather conditions. On one extreme, temperatures can soar as high as 88.9°F (31.6°C) in
July, marking this month as the warmest. On the cooler front, temperatures commonly plummet to a chilly 37.2°F (2.9°C) in
December, reinforcing its claim as the coldest month.
Rainfall patterns also play a central role in shaping Big Bear Lake's climate, with precipitation levels fluctuating significantly from one month to another.
February observes the heaviest downpour with 1.26" (32mm) of rainfall, while
June witnesses the least rain showers, only recording a scant 0.12" (3mm).
A unique hallmark of Big Bear Lake's climate is its snowfall, which is a prominent feature during winter months. The highest snowfall is registered in
April with a substantial 6.42" (163mm). However, Big Bear Lake remains snow-free in the summer months from June to
September.
The best time to visit Big Bear Lake
From a meteorological perspective, the most favorable window to visit
Big Bear Lake spans from
June to
September. During these months, visitors can appreciate the region's highest temperatures, ranging from 73°F (22.8°C) in
May to 88.9°F (31.6°C) in
July. In parallel, this period corresponds to the longest daylight hours, culminating at 14.4 hours in June. Coincidentally, the hours of sunshine peak during these months, providing ample time to soak in
California's golden rays.
The worst time to visit Big Bear Lake
On the flip side, the least favorable time to visit
Big Bear Lake is during the chillier months of
December and
January. These months witness the lowest temperatures, dipping to a frigid 37.2°F (2.9°C) in December. Alongside plummeting temperatures, the shorter daylight hours, down to 9.9 hours in December, create compact and colder days. December also sees the highest snowfall of 6.54" (166mm), potentially posing a challenge for visitors unaccustomed to snowy conditions.
Spring weather in Big Bear Lake
Springtime in
Big Bear Lake, ranging from
March to
May, welcomes an uptick in temperatures and a decline in snowfall. March signals the arrival of spring with temperatures fluctuating between 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 60.6°F (15.9°C), coupled with 5.59" (142mm) of snowfall. As the spring season progresses, temperatures climb, reaching between 45.9°F (7.7°C) to 73°F (22.8°C) in May, while snowfall sees a considerable decline to just 1.02" (26mm).
Summer weather in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake's summer, rolling from
June to
August, is characterized by warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and ample sunshine. Temperatures are consistently high, peaking at 88.9°F (31.6°C) in
July. Rainfall is scarce, plummeting to a mere 0.12" (3mm) in June. The month of June also offers the longest daylight hours, topping at 14.4 hours, allowing visitors an extended period to indulge in outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Big Bear Lake
September to
November denotes the autumn season in
Big Bear Lake, with temperatures descending gradually from summer peaks. The mercury reads from a temperature range of 62.6°F (17°C) to 70.9°F (21.6°C) in September, falling to between 66.9°F (19.4°C) and 52.5°F (11.4°C) in November. Rainfall becomes more frequent, yet remains relatively light, amounting to 0.67" (17mm) by November.
Winter weather in Big Bear Lake
Winter in
Big Bear Lake extends from
December to
February. During this time, temperatures further fall, reading between 37.2°F (2.9°C) and 55°F (12.8°C). Snowfall is paramount, with the heaviest snowfall recorded in December, amounting to 6.54" (166mm). Consequently, the charm of a snowy winter attracts a stream of visitors, undeterred by the cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Weather in January
January is typically the coldest month in
Big Bear Lake,
California, characterized by a brisk chill in the early mornings and evenings. The average high temperature rings in at just 54.5°F (12.5°C), while the lows dip down to a chilly 38.8°F (3.8°C).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The temperatures in
Big Bear Lake gradually begin to climb as
February sets in. This month is the peak season for winter activities, thanks to the combination of increasing temperatures and substantial snowfall. Interestingly, the city records a rainfall of 1.18" (30mm) spread across 2.8 days along with a snowfall of 4.84" (123mm) across 3.9 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March rolls around, the transition to a more favorable temperature gradient becomes apparent in
Big Bear Lake. This month bears witness to a new spring with the temperatures displaying a consistent upward trend. There is a noticeable decrease in snowfall to 5.59" (142mm), hinting towards the arrival of the warmer seasons.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in the delightful spring season in
Big Bear Lake with temperatures becoming increasingly pleasant. The city basks in the beauty of blossoming flowers and sprouting leaves as the last of the winter chills dissipate. This month records the highest level of snowfall for spring at 6.42" (163mm), concluding the snowy season and paving the way for more sunny days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a more definitive end to the cold weather at
Big Bear Lake, with temperatures on the rise. In this month, landscapes transform dramatically as the greenery thrives and wildlife becomes more active. The city records a stark drop in snowfall to just 1.02" (26mm), marking a distinct end to the snowy period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, summer comes into full swing in
Big Bear Lake, delivering warm and enjoyable weather that attracts tourists from all over. The month boasts the longest days with 14.4 hours of daylight. An essential aspect to note is that this month records the lowest average rainfall at just 0.12" (3mm).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is characterized by the highest temperatures of the year in
Big Bear Lake, amplifying the festive summer spirit. Crowds flock to enjoy water and outdoor sports during this warm weather period. The city experiences a significant increase in rainfall up to 0.47" (12mm) in just five days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the hot weather pattern in
Big Bear Lake, with temperatures almost identical to those in
July. Despite the heat, the increase in precipitation to 0.35" (9mm) indicates the upcoming return of the wet season. The high temperatures mixed with the increasing rainfall can bring about occasional thunderstorms, providing a captivating scene.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September starts to bring a hint of fall to
Big Bear Lake's weather. Temperatures begin to drop slightly, welcoming the first touch of autumn's crisp coolness. A significant drop in rainfall to 0.28" (7mm) signals the gradual transition from the monsoons to fall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a significant shift in the weather of
Big Bear Lake as the autumn season truly sets in. The city ushers in more refreshing mornings and evenings, making way for comfortable weather conditions. Despite the existence of 0.51" (13mm) of rainfall over 2.5 days, the city maintains a pleasant climate, suitable for various outdoor adventures and fall festivities. The average high-temperature drops in October, from
September's moderately hot 83.3°F (28.5°C) to a pleasant 70.9°F (21.6°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives, the city of
Big Bear Lake experiences a visible reduction in the average high and low temperatures. This heralds the onset of winter and the city prepares for the holiday season. Snow starts to fall once again, with an accumulation of 4.53" (115mm).
Weather in November »Weather in December
By
December, the winter season has fully set in at
Big Bear Lake, with temperatures dropping further. Snowfall is significant again at 6.54" (166mm) on an average of 2.9 days, setting the city abuzz with winter activities. Despite the colder temperatures, the holiday spirit in the city completely takes over, offering locals and tourists an enchanted winter wonderland experience.
Weather in December »