Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Big Bear Lake, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Big Bear Lake
- Important essentials for Big Bear Lake
- Activities for Big Bear Lake
- Big Bear Lake in January: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in February: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in March: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in April: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in May: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in June: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in July: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in August: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in September: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in October: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in November: weather and what to pack
- Big Bear Lake in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Big Bear Lake, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Big Bear Lake, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Big Bear Lake. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Big Bear Lake is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Big Bear Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Big Bear Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Big Bear Lake is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Big Bear Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April here is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Big Bear Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you go to Big Bear Lake in May, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
June
If you go to Big Bear Lake in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
July
July in Big Bear Lake is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
August
If you go to Big Bear Lake in August, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
September
September in Big Bear Lake is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
October
Traveling to Big Bear Lake in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Big Bear Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
Traveling to Big Bear Lake in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Big Bear Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
If you go to Big Bear Lake in December, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Big Bear Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Big Bear Lake has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Check out our guides for these other locations: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Totnes, England, United Kingdom, Angolemi, Northern Cyprus, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia, Bellary, India, Towson, Maryland, United States of America, Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Belize, Jeongdongjin, South Korea, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Saffron Walden, England, United Kingdom, and Southeast Wisconsin, Wisconsin, United States of America.