BEST SEASONS to visit Big Bear
What is the best season to visit Big Bear?
Winter ( December to March)
While personal preference is key, Winter is one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear, California. This popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports is winter playground for many. The area receives an average of 100 inches of snowfall each year, making it a winter wonderland. During the winter months, you can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, snowshoeing, ziplining and more! Winter in Big Bear is special for several reasons:
Big Bear transforms into a winter wonderland with its snow-covered landscapes, making it a picturesque destination during the colder months. The surrounding mountains and forests become blanketed in white, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Winter’s scenic beauty offers excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning winter landscapes, snow-covered trees, and frozen lakes. Winter provides unique opportunities to observe wildlife in Big Bear. Animals such as bald eagles, mule deer, and other species may be spotted more easily against the snowy backdrop.
Winter Activities
Big Bear is home to two popular ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. These resorts offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The snowy slopes attract winter sports enthusiasts from Southern California and beyond. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Big Bear offers various snow play areas and tubing parks for families and individuals looking for winter fun. Sledding down the snow-covered hills is a favorite activity for both kids and adults. For those seeking a more serene winter experience, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities in the area. Trails meander through the forests, providing a peaceful way to connect with nature. Again, winter activities help make this the Best seasons to Visit Big Bear
Winter Festivals
Big Bear hosts several winter-themed festivals and events during the winter months. These can include holiday celebrations, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, and New Year’s Eve festivities. These events add to the festive spirit and bring the community together. The winter season is the perfect time to enjoy the cozy ambiance of cabins and lodges in Big Bear. Many accommodations are equipped with fireplaces and amenities that enhance the winter experience, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere after a day in the snow.
Winter Holiday Traditions
Many families have established holiday traditions in Big Bear, making it a cherished destination for spending time together during the festive season. Local restaurants and cafes offer seasonal dishes and beverages during the winter. Enjoying hot chocolate or mulled wine by the fireplace or indulging in hearty winter cuisine adds to the overall winter charm.
Overall, winter in Big Bear offers a unique blend of snowy adventures, winter sports, festive events, and cozy accommodations, making it a special destination for enjoying the magic of the winter season, voted as one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a quieter time to visit Big Bear, as the snow begins to melt, the blooms begin to arrive and the crowds thin out. The weather is mild, and the wildflowers start to bloom, making it a beautiful time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. There are many seasonal activities to enjoy as well! Spring in Big Bear is special for several reasons:
Spring Blossoms
Eventually, when the winter snow melts away, the natural beauty of Big Bear begins to emerge in full force during the spring. The surrounding mountains and forests come alive with colorful wildflowers, including lupines, daisies, and Indian paintbrushes. The fresh green foliage and blooming landscapes create a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. There are various seasonal events and festivals during the spring. These events can include garden tours, Easter celebrations, and outdoor concerts. These festivities add to the charm of the area and provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the local community.
Spring Temperatures
Spring in Big Bear brings milder temperatures compared to the winter months, making it a comfortable time to explore the outdoors. The days are pleasant, and the evenings are still cool, providing a perfect balance for various activities. With the snowmelt, many hiking trails become accessible in the spring. Hikers can enjoy exploring the diverse range of trails that offer stunning vistas, wildflower-filled meadows, and the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and squirrels.
Spring Wildlife
Spring is a time of increased wildlife activity as animals come out of hibernation and begin their seasonal routines. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will have a chance to spot various bird species and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Spring also marks the opening of the fishing season in Big Bear Lake. The lake is stocked with trout, and anglers can enjoy casting their lines and trying to catch a prized fish. Fishing enthusiasts find this time particularly exciting and rewarding.
Spring Tourism
Spring is considered the shoulder season in Big Bear, meaning it sees fewer tourists compared to the busy summer and winter months. Visitors can enjoy a more tranquil and uncrowded experience while still taking advantage of the area’s attractions and activities. Because spring is not peak tourist season, visitors may find more affordable lodging rates and special deals on activities, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.
Overall, spring in Big Bear offers a delightful combination of blooming landscapes, pleasant weather, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a quieter atmosphere, making it a special time to experience the natural beauty and charm of this mountain destination.
Summer (June – September)
Summer is another peak season in Big Bear, as the weather is warm, and the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and much more in the summer months. The evenings can be cool, so be sure to bring layers but during the day the weather is perfect for swimming and relaxing! Summer in Big Bear is special for several reasons:
Summer Temperatures
Big Bear offers a refreshing escape from the scorching summer heat found in many other parts of Southern California. At an elevation of around 6,750 feet (2,060 meters), the mountainous region enjoys cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands, making it a popular destination for those seeking relief from the summer heat. The centerpiece of Big Bear’s summer charm is its namesake lake. Big Bear Lake offers numerous water-based activities such as swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The clean and clear waters of the lake are perfect for aquatic fun, and visitors can also enjoy picnics along the lakeshore.
Summer Activities
The surrounding San Bernardino National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. There are various trails catering to different difficulty levels, and hikers can explore scenic vistas, forests, and even waterfalls. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing are other popular outdoor activities enjoyed during the summer months. Summer allows for better opportunities to spot wildlife in the region. While hiking or exploring the area, visitors might encounter deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species, adding to the natural beauty and charm of the surroundings. During the summer, Big Bear buzzes with activity as tourists and locals alike enjoy the various attractions, shops, and restaurants. The lively atmosphere creates a sense of camaraderie and community, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
Summer Festivals
Summer brings a plethora of events and festivals to Big Bear. From music concerts and outdoor theater performances to art shows and car shows, there is always something happening in the area during the summer. The annual Renaissance Faire and the Old Miners’ Days are among the popular events that draw both locals and visitors alike.
In summary, summer in Big Bear is special because of its cooler temperatures, the abundance of outdoor activities, the beauty of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding nature, the vibrant events and festivals, and the overall vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a cherished destination for summer vacations.. Summer could easily be voted as one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear,
Fall (September – November)
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Big Bear, as the leaves change color and temperatures cool. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. Also, you can also take scenic drives to see the fall foliage. Big Bear is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, which is known for its diverse and vibrant fall foliage. As the temperatures start to drop in the autumn months, the leaves on the trees change color, creating a breathtaking display of red, orange, and yellow hues. The scenic beauty of the area during this time attracts many visitors who come to witness the stunning fall colors.
Fall Temperatures
Fall in Big Bear brings cooler temperatures, making it a welcome escape from the scorching heat of the summer. The days are usually mild and enjoyable, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the nature trails. Compared to the busy summer season, fall sees fewer tourists in Big Bear. As schools are back in session and the summer vacation rush subsides, visitors can enjoy a more tranquil and peaceful experience while exploring the area. Fall is also the time when various wildlife species in the area become more active. Observing animals like squirrels, deer, and birds preparing for the winter season can be a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Fall Activities
Big Bear Lake offers a range of recreational activities in the fall, such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. The lake’s serene beauty combined with the colorful fall backdrop makes these activities even more enjoyable. Seasonal events and festivals during the fall months are frequently hosted in Big Bear. These events can include Oktoberfest celebrations, craft fairs, and Halloween-themed activities. These festivities add to the charm of the area and provide opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Fall Foliage
Overall, the unique combination of fall foliage, pleasant weather, reduced crowds, seasonal events, wildlife sightings, and recreational opportunities makes fall in Big Bear a special time to visit and experience the beauty of nature in this mountainous region, and could easily be voted as one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear,
Stay in a Beautiful Mountain Cabin
With every season being one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear Lake, it’s always the perfect time to visit!
Here at Big Bear Lakefront Cabins, we have beautiful properties throughout all the best locations in Big Bear. You can be right on the lake with your boat dock, have views of the ski slopes at Big Bear Mountain Resort, or be within walking distance from the Village. It’s all up to you!
Our gorgeous cabins feature luxurious amenities like fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and more. In addition, we often feature specials like discounts on kayaks or bike rentals when you book with us.
Look at our spacious cabins and book your Big Bear Vacation today! Be sure to book direct so that you can save your money for experiences, not unnecessary fees.