If you're looking at your weather app in Los Angeles or Orange County right now and seeing mid-70s, don't let it fool you. The mountains are a different beast. Honestly, the Big Bear weather this weekend is shaping up to be one of those weird "Bluebird Holiday" stretches where the sun is blindingly bright, but the air still bites if you aren't moving.
We are looking at Saturday, January 17, through Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. If you've been waiting for a massive powder dump to justify those new fat skis, I've got some bad news: it's not happening this weekend. But if you want comfortable, predictable riding conditions with zero chance of getting stuck in a blizzard, you're in luck.
The actual forecast for Big Bear Lake
Basically, it’s going to be dry. Really dry.
Saturday is starting off with some leftover clouds from the night before, but it’ll clear up to be mostly sunny. We’re looking at a high of 56°F and a low of 37°F. That’s actually pretty warm for January in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Sunday (January 18) is the warmest day of the bunch. Expect a high of 59°F. If you’re hiking the Castle Rock Trail or just walking around the Village, you’ll probably be stripping down to a t-shirt by 1:00 PM. Just don't forget that as soon as the sun dips behind the ridge, it drops fast. Sunday night hits a low of 39°F.
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Monday, the holiday itself, stays sunny but trims a few degrees off the top with a high of 56°F. Winds are staying light across the board, mostly around 5 to 7 mph, so you won't have to deal with those miserable wind chills at the top of the lifts.
Snow conditions and what’s actually open
Let’s talk about the "White Ribbon of Death." Since there hasn't been a fresh storm in the last few days, Big Bear Mountain Resort is relying heavily on its snowmaking tech.
- Bear Mountain: They’ve got a base depth of about 18 inches. It’s machine-made, so expect it to be firm in the morning and "mashed potatoes" by the afternoon given those high 50-degree temps. Currently, 3 out of 7 lifts are spinning.
- Terrain: 5 out of 7 beginner runs are open, but the expert terrain (0/2 runs) is still closed.
- The Vibe: It’s MLK weekend. It’s going to be packed. If you haven't bought your lift tickets yet, you might be out of luck or paying a massive premium.
The SR-38 mess and getting there
This is the part most people mess up. You probably know that Highway 38 is the "back way" that’s usually less crowded. Well, thanks to the damage from Tropical Storm Mario, it’s been a headache.
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Technically, SR-38 is open this weekend. Caltrans has it closed for repairs on weekdays (7:00 AM to 5:00 PM), but they open it up for the weekend crowds starting Friday night. Even so, it’s a construction zone. Use caution.
Highway 330 through Running Springs is the fastest route for most, but honestly, on a holiday weekend with these clear skies, it becomes a parking lot. If you aren't through Highland by 7:30 AM, prepare to spend two hours staring at the bumper in front of you. Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley (the "desert side") is your best bet if you hate stop-and-go traffic, even if it adds miles to the trip.
What you need to pack
Since it's so warm during the day but still freezing at night, layering is the only way to survive.
- High-SPF Sunscreen: At 6,700 feet, a 59-degree day will fry your face faster than a day at the beach.
- Chains: "But it's sunny!" Doesn't matter. It is the law to carry them in the mountains during winter (Nov 1–April 30). If a freak patch of black ice causes an accident and you don't have them, the ticket is a nightmare.
- Polarized Sunglasses: The glare off the machine-made snow is intense.
Is it worth the trip?
If you're a hardcore powder hound, maybe stay home and wait for the "unsettled weather" that's rumored for late January. But if you’re looking for a getaway with the family, the Big Bear weather this weekend is actually perfect. You get the mountain aesthetic without the "frozen toes and terrifying driving" part.
The Village will be buzzing, the fire pits will be going, and the lake looks great even if it’s a bit chilly for a boat. Just keep your expectations realistic about the snow quality—it's spring skiing in the middle of January.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check the Caltrans QuickMap app before you leave your driveway to see if there are any fresh accidents on the 330. If the line is already reaching the base of the mountain, pivot immediately to the Highway 18 Lucerne Valley route to save yourself an hour of frustration.