If you’re staring at your phone in Redlands or Riverside right now, seeing 75 degrees and thinking about a quick trip up the hill, hold on a second. Big Bear is doing that weird thing it does in mid-January. It’s basically two different seasons fighting for dominance over a single zip code.
People always assume January means "frozen tundra," but the current big bear weather 10 day forecast is actually leaning into a surprisingly warm, spring-like vibe before a potential reality check hits later in the week. Honestly, if you aren't checking the overnight lows, you’re going to have a very bad time at your Airbnb when the sun goes down.
The 10-Day Reality Check: Sun, Slush, and Sudden Shivers
Right now, we are looking at a stretch of high-pressure dominance that's keeping things suspiciously pleasant. For the next several days, you can expect daytime highs to hover around 54°F to 57°F. That’s "hoodie and sunglasses" weather. It’s perfect for walking through The Village with a hot chocolate, but it’s a bit of a headache for the local ski resorts.
When the sun is out, it feels great. But look at the numbers for tonight. We’re talking a drop down to 25°F. That is a 30-degree swing. You've basically got to pack like you're visiting two different planets.
Here is the breakdown of what the next week and a half looks like:
- The Weekend (Jan 17-18): Saturday and Sunday are looking like winners for anyone who just wants to see the scenery. Highs will stay near 54°F on Saturday and even bump up to 57°F by Sunday. It’s mostly sunny, though Sunday might see a few more clouds rolling in.
- The Mid-Week Drift (Jan 19-21): Monday starts a very slow cooling trend. Highs drop to 53°F and then settle into the low 50s. It’s still dry, still clear, and honestly, kinda boring if you’re a powder hound.
- The Turn (Jan 22-25): This is where things get interesting. By Thursday, we see the high temperature dip below 50 degrees for the first time in a while. Thursday night brings a 35% chance of snow, which continues into Friday with a mix of rain and snow. By Saturday, January 24, the high struggles to reach 43°F.
If you're planning a trip, aim for the 22nd or 23rd if you want even a sniff of fresh flakes. Otherwise, you’re looking at a lot of "machine-groomed" (a.k.a. man-made) snow at the resorts.
What This Means for the Slopes
I’ll be real with you: the skiing right now is a bit of a mixed bag. Since we haven't had a massive dump of natural snow recently, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are leaning heavily on their snowmaking teams.
They are currently reporting about an 18-inch base. That’s enough to keep about 7 lifts spinning, but don’t expect the back-country or expert terrain to be in prime shape. Because the daytime temps are hitting the mid-50s, the snow gets soft and "corny" by 1:00 PM. It’s classic California spring skiing in the middle of winter.
If you’re a beginner, this is actually great. Soft snow is much more forgiving when you inevitably catch an edge. If you’re looking for icy, fast morning runs, you need to be at the lift at 8:30 AM sharp before the sun starts cooking the mountain.
The Highway 38 Headache (Read This Before You Drive)
This is the part most people miss because they just look at the temperature and forget the logistics. Highway 38 is a mess right now.
Because of ongoing repairs from previous storm damage, there is a full closure on State Route 38 between Mill Creek Road and Hills Ranch Road. This happens Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you try to take the "back way" up through Redlands on a Tuesday morning, you’re going to be staring at a barricade. You’ve basically got two choices:
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- Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley: This is the "desert side" route. It’s less curvy, usually has less traffic, and is the safest bet if you hate mountain driving.
- Highway 330/18 through Running Springs: This is the fastest route from LA or OC, but it gets incredibly congested on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Kinda regardless of the route, you must carry chains. Even if the forecast says it's 55 degrees, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can—and will—turn you around or ticket you if you don't have them in your trunk during the winter season. It’s the law from November 1st through April 30th.
Survival Tips for the 10-Day Window
Since the humidity is sitting at a bone-dry 22% to 25% for the first half of this forecast, you are going to feel the altitude. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
Also, don't trust the sun. A "mostly sunny" 54-degree day at 7,000 feet feels warm because of the UV intensity, but as soon as you step into the shade of a pine tree, it feels ten degrees colder. Layering isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival strategy.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Pack for the "Swing": Bring a heavy parka for the 25-degree nights and a light windbreaker or hoodie for the 57-degree afternoons.
- Check the 38 Closure: If your GPS tries to send you through Mentone/Redlands on a weekday, ignore it and head toward Running Springs or Lucerne Valley.
- Book Your Lift Tickets Early: Even with limited natural snow, the holiday weekends and clear-weather Saturdays sell out fast.
- Hydrate and Protect: Bring high-SPF sunscreen. That "mostly sunny" forecast will give you a goggle tan (or burn) faster than you’d think in 50-degree weather.
The weather is looking stable for the next week, but keep an eye on that January 23rd window. That’s when the "spring break" vibes might finally get evicted by a proper winter storm. Until then, enjoy the clear roads and the soft snow.