Does it snow in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake, the little gem of San Bernardino County, California, is undoubtedly one of the best places on the West Coast of the United States for skiing and snowboarding. Thus, if you consider yourself a snow sports lover, Big Bear Lake is the place to go for a winter vacation.

Snow in Big Bear Lake? ❄

How is it possible that it snows in Big Bear Lake if the state in which it is located (California) is coastal and, therefore, hot in almost all its territory? This is undoubtedly the question that every visitor asks himself when contemplating the snowy landscapes of Big Bear Lake.

The enormous elevation (6,752 feet) of Big Bear Lake allows it to receive significant amounts of snow at lake level each year (on average, 58.6 inches per year).

These levels can get even higher as the elevation gets more prominent. For example, on the forested ridges that border the lake, whose height reaches 8000 feet, snowpacks can easily reach 100 inches of accumulation per year.

In short, Big Bear Lake is a very snowy city, snowy enough to see snowfall almost every month, except for July and August (this phenomenon does not happen every year, but it is possible). No wonder Big Bear Lake is considered one of the best places to ski on the West Coast of the United States.

The climate of Big Bear Lake ⛅

BIG BEAR LAKE WEATHER

According to the Köppen climate classification, Big Bear Lake has a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb). Although usually, it can be classified as a humid continental climate (Dsb) due to its characteristics.

Having a climate belonging to the temperate climates group (Köppen, Group C), Big Bear Lake's weather is relatively cold, with an average temperature per year of 47 °F (8.3 °C).

Its coldest and snowiest month is February, with an average daily temperature of 34.7 °F (1.5 °C), while the warmest month (despite remaining mild) is July, with an average daily temperature of 65.1 °F (18.3 °C).

Summer weather characteristics

• Highest record temperature: 98 °F / 36.6 °C (June 30^th, 1994).
• Mean maximum: 86  °F (30 °C).
• Average high: 76.63 °F (24.8 °C).
• Average low: 46.88° F (8.2 °C).
• Mean minimum: 36.25 °F (2.3 °C).
• Average precipitation per summer month: 0.52 (1.3 cm).
• Average precipitation days per summer month (≥ 0.01 inches): 2.25.
  

Winter weather characteristics

• Lowest record temperature: -15 °F (-26.1 °C) / (November 19^th, 1964)
• Mean maximum: 61.75 °F (16.5 °C).
• Average high: 47.3 °F (8.5 °C).
• Average low: 24.45 °F (-4.2 °C).
• Mean minimum: 10.75 °F (-11.8 °C).
• Average precipitation per winter month: 3.65 (9.2 cm).
• Average precipitation days per winter month (≥ 0.01 inches): 6.

Precipitation and other weather characteristics

• Average annual precipitation: 19.98 inches (50.7 cm).
• Average precipitation days (≥0.01 inches or 0.25 mm): 43.
• Average annual snowfall: 58.6 inches (148.8 cm).
• Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inches): 16.
• Average frost per year (times): 186.

When does it snow in Big Bear Lake? 🌨

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in October?

Yes, it might snow in October. Although these first snows do not exceed 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) of accumulation per day, they are frequent enough to accumulate more than an inch on average by the end of the month.

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in November?

Yes, it does! Compared to the previous month, the monthly average accumulation is almost three times greater (1.2→3.4 inches).

This increase in the monthly average of snowfalls is not manifested through an increase in intensity (more significant accumulation of snowfalls per day) but through an increase in frequency (more days of snowfall per month.)

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in December? 

Yes, it does! Once winter sets in, snowfall increases in frequency and intensity at Big Bear Lake, easily exceeding ten inches of accumulation on average by the end of the month.

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in January? 

Yes, it does! If snowfalls are typical in December, then, in January, they are even more so. Thus, if you will travel to Big Bear Lake in January, don't forget to check the weather data for the days you'll stay there.

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in February?

Yes, it does! February is the snowiest month in Big Bear Lake. During this month, little more than fourteen of snow is expected on average. 

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in March? 

Yes, it does! Despite being the last month of the winter season, snowfall is even higher in March than in December.

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in April?

Yes, it does! Oddly enough, the snow season remains active at Big Bear Lake in April. Indeed, the intensity and frequency of snowfall are similar to that of November.

Does it snow in Big Bear Lake in May?

Yes, it might snow in May. Although the chances of such a meteorological phenomenon occurring are minimal. 

How much does it snow in Big Bear Lake? 🌨

Next, we present an informative table on different climatological parameters of Big Bear Lake, which includes the average snowfall per month expressed in inches:

The above data comes from climatic data provided by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).