Located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, Big Bear is a popular mountain resort town that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From hiking and fishing to skiing and snowboarding, Big Bear has something for everyone. But when is the best time to visit Big Bear? The answer depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best times to visit Big Bear, including the weather, events, and activities that make each season unique.
The Best Time to Visit Big Bear: A Season-by-Season Guide
Spring in Big Bear (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Big Bear if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather. The temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s (13°C to 18°C) during the day, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. The wildflowers are also in bloom, adding a pop of color to the landscape.
Some popular spring events in Big Bear include the Big Bear Lake Fishing Derby, the Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Spring Fling, and the Big Bear Lake Festival of the Arts.
Here are some tips for visiting Big Bear in the spring:
- Book your accommodations and activities in advance, as spring is a popular time to visit.
- Be prepared for variable weather, with possible rain showers and cooler temperatures.
- Take advantage of the mild weather to explore the area’s many hiking trails and scenic drives.
Summer in Big Bear (June to August)
Summer is peak tourist season in Big Bear, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The average high temperature is around 85°F (29°C), while the average low is around 55°F (13°C).
Some popular summer events in Big Bear include the Big Bear Lake Music Festival, the Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series, and the Big Bear Lake Fireworks Display.
Here are some tips for visiting Big Bear in the summer: (See Also: Best Time To Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? Unveiled)
- Book your accommodations and activities well in advance, as summer is the busiest time of year.
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
- Take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy water sports and activities on Big Bear Lake.
Autumn in Big Bear (September to November)
Autumn in Big Bear (September to November)
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Big Bear, with the changing leaves and cooler temperatures making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. The average high temperature is around 70°F (21°C), while the average low is around 45°F (7°C).
Some popular autumn events in Big Bear include the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, the Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Autumn Concert Series, and the Big Bear Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Here are some tips for visiting Big Bear in the autumn:
- Book your accommodations and activities in advance, as autumn is a popular time to visit.
- Be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible rain showers.
- Take advantage of the fall foliage to explore the area’s many hiking trails and scenic drives.
Winter in Big Bear (December to February)
Winter is a great time to visit Big Bear if you want to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The average high temperature is around 45°F (7°C), while the average low is around 25°F (-4°C).
Some popular winter events in Big Bear include the Big Bear Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Winter Festival, and the Big Bear Lake Ice Fishing Tournament.
Here are some tips for visiting Big Bear in the winter: (See Also: When Is Best Time to Visit Moab – Plan Your Adventure)
- Book your accommodations and activities in advance, as winter is a popular time to visit.
- Be prepared for cold temperatures and possible snowstorms.
- Take advantage of the snow-covered landscape to enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Weather in Big Bear
The weather in Big Bear varies depending on the season, but it’s generally mild compared to other parts of California. Here’s a breakdown of the average temperatures and precipitation in Big Bear:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 63 | 43 | 3.5 |
| April | 68 | 48 | 2.5 |
| May | 73 | 53 | 1.5 |
| June | 82 | 58 | 0.5 |
| July | 85 | 62 | 0.5 |
| August | 84 | 61 | 0.5 |
| September | 78 | 55 | 1.5 |
| October | 70 | 48 | 2.5 |
| November | 63 | 43 | 3.5 |
| December | 48 | 32 | 4.5 |
Events and Festivals in Big Bear
Big Bear hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including:
- Big Bear Lake Fishing Derby (March)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Spring Fling (April)
- Big Bear Lake Festival of the Arts (May)
- Big Bear Lake Music Festival (June)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series (June to August)
- Big Bear Lake Fireworks Display (July)
- Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (September)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Autumn Concert Series (September to November)
- Big Bear Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Winter Festival (December to February)
- Big Bear Lake Ice Fishing Tournament (January)
Accommodations in Big Bear
Big Bear has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences, including:
- Hotels and motels
- Bed and breakfast inns
- Vacation rentals
- Cabins and lodges
- Camping sites
Getting to Big Bear
Big Bear is located about 100 miles (160 km) east of Los Angeles, and can be reached by car or public transportation. Here are some options:
- Driving: Take Highway 330 or Highway 38 to reach Big Bear.
- Public transportation: Take the Big Bear Transit bus from the San Bernardino Transit Center.
- Flights: Fly into the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and take a shuttle or taxi to Big Bear.
Recap
The best time to visit Big Bear depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. Spring and autumn are great times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather, while winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Summer is peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for outdoor activities. Be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance, and take advantage of the area’s many events and festivals throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Big Bear?
The best time to visit Big Bear depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. Spring and autumn are great times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather, while winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Summer is peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for outdoor activities. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Hokkaido for Seafood – Fresh Catch Delights)
What are the average temperatures in Big Bear?
The average temperatures in Big Bear vary depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown of the average high and low temperatures in Big Bear:
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 63 | 43 |
| April | 68 | 48 |
| May | 73 | 53 |
| June | 82 | 58 |
| July | 85 | 62 |
| August | 84 | 61 |
| September | 78 | 55 |
| October | 70 | 48 |
| November | 63 | 43 |
| December | 48 | 32 |
What are some popular events and festivals in Big Bear?
Big Bear hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including:
- Big Bear Lake Fishing Derby (March)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Spring Fling (April)
- Big Bear Lake Festival of the Arts (May)
- Big Bear Lake Music Festival (June)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series (June to August)
- Big Bear Lake Fireworks Display (July)
- Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (September)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Autumn Concert Series (September to November)
- Big Bear Lake Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December)
- Big Bear Mountain Resort’s Winter Festival (December to February)
- Big Bear Lake Ice Fishing Tournament (January)
How do I get to Big Bear?
Big Bear is located about 100 miles (160 km) east of Los Angeles, and can be reached by car or public transportation. Here are some options:
- Driving: Take Highway 330 or Highway 38 to reach Big Bear.
- Public transportation: Take the Big Bear Transit bus from the San Bernardino Transit Center.
- Flights: Fly into the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and take a shuttle or taxi to Big Bear.