You’re looking at the forecast for Big Bear Lake today and thinking, "Wait, 55 degrees? In the middle of January?" It feels a bit weird. You pack the heavy parka, then you see that high of 55°F and wonder if you should’ve brought a t-shirt instead.
Honestly, Big Bear weather is a bit of a trickster. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and while the valley floor is soaking up some unseasonable warmth, the mountain reality is a different beast entirely. If you're heading up for the MLK holiday weekend, you've gotta play the layering game or you're going to have a bad time.
The Current Situation in the Village
Right now, it’s early morning and things are crisp. We’re sitting at 37°F, but with a light 7 mph breeze coming out of the east, it actually feels like 32°F. It’s clear and still dark, but the transition into daytime is going to be fast.
Basically, the "Big Bear Lake weather today" vibe is all about that "Partly Sunny" energy. We aren't looking at any fresh snow falling from the sky today—the chance of precipitation is sitting at a measly 10%. So, if you were hoping for a fresh powder dump to cover the trails, you’re out of luck.
What to expect as the sun goes up:
- High Temperature: A very mild 55°F.
- UV Index: It’s a 3. That sounds low, but at 6,700 feet, that sun hits different. Wear the sunscreen.
- Humidity: Bone dry at 26%. Drink way more water than you think you need.
- Wind: Expect a steady east wind around 10 mph. It’s enough to make the chairlift ride feel chilly even if the sun is out.
Skiing Conditions: Machine-Made is the Hero Today
Since Mother Nature isn't delivering the goods today, the crews at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have been working overtime. The snow quality is listed as "Machine Groomed" and "Artificial Snow." Don't let the "artificial" tag bum you out, though. It’s actually pretty solid for carving when the temps are like this.
The last real snowfall was back on January 8th, so we are riding on a base that’s about 46 cm (around 18 inches) at the bottom and up to 91 cm (36 inches) at the peaks.
Here is the thing most people get wrong: they see 55 degrees and think the snow will be slush by noon. At Big Bear, the north-facing slopes stay shaded longer, keeping the "hero snow" (that perfect, grippy corduroy) intact for a good chunk of the morning. However, by 2:00 PM, expect things to get a little "mashed potato-y" in the high-traffic areas.
The Highway 38 Headache
If you are driving up today, pay attention. This is super important. Highway 38 has been a mess since that storm damage from Tropical Storm Mario.
Good news: Since it’s Saturday, the road is fully open. Usually, they close it during the day on weekdays for repairs between Mill Creek Road and Hills Ranch Road, but they pause that for the weekend crowds.
Still, the smart move is usually taking Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley if you want to avoid the "Running Springs Crawl" on the 330. It’s a bit longer in miles but often faster in minutes because everyone and their mother takes the 330 from San Bernardino.
Pro Tip: Even if the roads look bone dry and it’s 50 degrees, California law says you must carry chains in your vehicle through April 30. R-0 conditions are in effect right now (no restrictions), but if a rogue cloud decides to drop something, the CHP won't care about your excuses.
💡 You might also like: The Truth About Hurricanes in the Outer Banks: What Locals Know That Tourists Don't
Why Tonight is the Real Highlight
When the sun dips behind the ridge, the temperature is going to crater. We’re looking at a low of 37°F and it’s going to get cloudy.
But check this out: today is the big Winter Explosion celebration. Since it's a holiday weekend, they’re running "Night Sessions" from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM at both Snow Summit and Snow Valley.
If you’ve never done the torchlight parade, do it. There’s going to be a fireworks show tonight once the lifts stop turning. Just remember that once that sun goes down, that 55-degree high will feel like a distant memory. The "feels like" temp will probably be in the 20s while you're standing around watching the sky light up.
Actionable Strategy for Your Trip
To make the most of the weather in Big Bear Lake today, follow this simple plan:
- Arrive by 7:30 AM: Get your parking spot before the "55-degree weather" seekers show up at 10:00 AM.
- Layer Like a Pro: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add a light fleece, and top it with a windproof shell. You’ll be stripping layers by noon.
- Hydrate Early: The 26% humidity will give you a "mountain headache" before you even finish your first run if you aren't chugging water.
- Check the QuickMap: Before you leave the house, check the Caltrans QuickMap app. Even though 38 is open, a single fender-bender on the 330 can turn a 2-hour drive into a 4-hour nightmare.
Don't let the warm numbers fool you into laziness. It's still winter in the San Bernardinos, and the best riding happens before the sun has a chance to soften the deck. Grab your gear, head up early, and enjoy the bluebird sky while it lasts.