What is the current water temperature at Big Bear Lake?

Current water temperature for Big Bear Lake is shown in the live forecast above. Most California lakes have no public real-time water-temperature sensor, so we estimate from recent and forecast air-temperature trends weighted by the lake's depth (72ft maximum).

Where is Big Bear Lake located?

Big Bear Lake is in California (San Bernardino County), with public access near Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin. Surface area is 2,971 acres.

How deep is Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake's maximum depth is 72 feet. Deeper lakes carry more thermal inertia and warm more slowly through summer; shallower lakes track the air temperature faster.

What is the current Big Bear Lake water temperature?

The live water temperature is shown above. Big Bear sits at 6,750ft elevation, so the water runs cooler than lowland California lakes. Expect summer highs in the low to mid 70s°F and winter readings near freezing.

When does Big Bear Lake freeze over?

Big Bear typically develops surface ice in December or January and can stay partially frozen through February. Full ice-over depends on the season; check the 30-day trend for current conditions.

California · San Bernardino County

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake · Big Bear City · Fawnskin

Loading live conditions for Big Bear Lake…

Surface area2,971acres

Max depth72feet

CountySan Bernardino

Data sourceEWMA modelAir-temp trend

Things to do

Tours & activities on Big Bear Lake

Boat cruises, fishing trips, kayak rentals, and guided adventures from local operators.

Browse activities on Viator

Places to stay

Lake houses & rentals

Vacation rentals right on the water.

Browse rentals on Vrbo

We may earn a commission on bookings made through these links.

"Southern California's mountain lake — a two-hour drive from LA into the San Bernardino Mountains at 6,750ft. Warmer than Tahoe, smaller crowds, and the same ski-town-in-winter rhythm that flips to lake-day in summer. Year-round resort community."

Seasonal pattern

When does Big Bear Lake warm up?

Big Bear Lake (max depth 72ft) typically reaches swim-comfortable surface temperatures (65°F+) by early to mid-June in California. The live forecast above shows current conditions.

Field notes

About Big Bear Lake

Sits at 6,750ft elevation — summer evenings cool fast
Shallow (72ft max) — warms quickly compared to Tahoe
The default lake for LA/Orange County weekenders
Ski resort in winter; fishing, boating, hiking in summer

Surface area: 2,971 acres
Max depth: 72 ft
County: San Bernardino
Water data: Modeled estimate from air-temp trends