1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

When a big bear brags, nod your head in agreement, so when Big Bear Lake, brags that it's the only four season alpine resort in Southern California, simply nod your head, make reservations, and grab the appropriate gear.

General Weather: When my friend told me the New Jersey Institute of Technology had a solar observatory at Big Bear Lake, I laughed at him, called him an idiot, punched him in the stomach and left him for dead. Boy did I feel stupid when I discovered it was true. Big Bear Lake averages 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an attractive area to study the sun, and much cooler and easier than actually traveling to the sun.

Unless you enjoy having your snot freeze to your nostrils, the best time to visit Big Bear Lake is between April and November. Summer temperatures average 72 degrees during the day and drop down into the 40s at night.

Boating: Open from April to November, two public boat launching ramps allow easy access for boats of less than 26 feet. Summer is the busiest and best time to enjoy a day on the lake. Some of the more popular summer activities include water-skiing, jet-skiing, para-sailing, and urinating in one of the lakes two floating outhouses.

Swimming: If you don't mind goose bumps and crisp nipples, Swim Beach is the place for you. If you're going to swim, do it in the summer in order to avoid frostbite.

Golfing: Big Bear is perfect for boosting your golfing confidence. The high altitude and thin air lessens drag and increases driving distance. The course is open from May to October.

Mountain Biking: Big Bear boasts some of the world's best mountain biking. Unless you enjoy spilling headfirst over the handlebars or smashing your crotch on the bike frame, choose your trail wisely. Most trails are intermediate to advanced. Trails are busiest Spring through Autumn, peaking in the Summer months.

Hiking: Whether enjoying the blossoms of Spring, the fun of Summer, or the colored foliage of Fall, Big Bear's hiking trails provide an outdoor alternative to the athletic club, although you're welcome to bring along that big, fat, smelly, grunting guy that always runs behind you on the treadmill, especially if he's your husband.

Fishing: Big Bear Lake offers some of the best trout fishing in California. The optimum time for anglers is in the Spring and Fall. Fish get lazy in the summer heat. If you must fish in the summer, avoid midday. Of course if you're simply looking for an excuse to drink copious amounts of beer, it doesn't really matter when you fish.

Camping: Most campgrounds in and around Big Bear Lake are open May to November. Be advised that even in the hotter months, temperatures frequently drop into the 40s at night.

Skiing: Over 120 inches of snow falls during the winter months, which I hear is good for skiing.

Bird Watching: During the winter months bald eagles frequent Big Bear Lake. During the summer, bald men do.

Learn more about this author, Trent Lorcher.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to seasonal weather in Big Bear Lake, California?
We want to hear your view. Write now!