You’ve seen the postcards of a snow-choked village, but honestly, the actual Big Bear weather update for mid-January 2026 is looking a lot more like "spring skiing" than a deep winter blizzard. If you're planning to head up the mountain today, Friday, January 16, or over the weekend, you need to ditch the idea of a massive powder day. It’s just not happening.
Instead, we’re looking at a stretch of high-pressure dominance that's keeping things incredibly crisp and clear.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
Right now, Big Bear Lake is sitting under a massive blue sky. Today, Friday, January 16, the daytime high is hitting 13°C, which feels surprisingly warm when that high-altitude sun is beating down on you. Humidity is hovering at a bone-dry 24%. Basically, it’s the kind of weather where you start the morning in a heavy parka and end up in a t-shirt by 1:00 PM.
The wind is coming out of the east at about 11 mph, so there’s a bit of a breeze, but nothing that’s going to shut down the lifts.
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Tonight, things take a turn toward the "chilly" side of the spectrum. We’re expecting the mercury to drop down to 2°C. It’ll also get a bit cloudy as the sun goes down, with a tiny 10% chance of rain—but don’t hold your breath for any actual accumulation.
The Weekend Outlook and Beyond
If you’re waiting for a massive storm to justify buying those new goggles, you’re going to be waiting a while. The long-range forecast for Big Bear Lake through late January shows a lot of "mostly sunny" and "partly sunny" days.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Mostly sunny with a high of 12°C.
- Sunday, Jan 18: A bit warmer, reaching 14°C with some clouds.
- Monday, Jan 19: Back to 13°C and mostly clear skies.
Basically, the mountain is in "maintenance mode." The resorts like Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are relying heavily on their snowmaking systems right now because there hasn’t been a significant fresh dump in the last 14 days. According to the latest J2Ski reports, there is no new snow forecast for at least the next two weeks.
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The Road Condition Trap
Here is where most people mess up. Just because the sun is out doesn't mean the roads are a free-for-all.
Highway 38 is currently the biggest headache. Due to emergency repairs from storm damage earlier in the season, there is a full closure between Mill Creek Road and Hills Ranch Road from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If you’re trying to use the "back way" during work hours, you’re going to hit a wall. It’s open on nights and weekends, but why risk the stress?
Stick to Hwy 330 through Running Springs or Hwy 18 through Lucerne Valley. The Lucerne Valley route (Hwy 18) is actually the secret weapon for locals—it’s the quickest climb and usually has the least amount of mountain driving.
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Even though it’s sunny, the law is still the law: carry tire chains. Caltrans isn't currently enforcing R-1 or R-2 restrictions because the roads are dry, but mountain weather is famously moody. You don't want to be the person stuck on a turnout because a freak cloud decided to dump two inches of slush while you were eating lunch.
Expert Tips for the Current Conditions
Since the snow is "packed" and "groomed" rather than "fresh and fluffy," the skiing is going to be fast. Real fast.
- Wax for the Warmth: Use a warm-weather wax. With temperatures hitting 14°C on Sunday, the snow can get "grabby" or "suction-y" if your base is dry.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: The UV index is currently at a 3. That sounds low, but at 6,700 feet, the atmosphere is thin and the snow reflects everything. You will get a "goggle tan" (or a burn) in about 45 minutes.
- Hydrate or Suffer: With humidity at 24%, you are losing water just by breathing. If you get a headache, it’s likely altitude-induced dehydration.
The bottom line? This Big Bear weather update confirms it’s a great weekend for hiking, patio dining at the Village, or hitting the groomed runs. Just don't expect to find any hidden powder stashes.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the Caltrans QuickMap before you leave the house to ensure no accidents have clogged Hwy 330. If you are heading up on a weekday, avoid Hwy 38 entirely during daylight hours to bypass the construction closures. Pack layers—you’ll need the heavy coat for the 2°C nights, but you'll be peeling it off the second you start moving in the 13°C afternoon sun.