Home to one of the best lakes in the country and famous for its adorable family of eagles, this place is probably the favorite getaway for Angelenos who love alpine weather. Perfect all year round, winter is ideal for hitting the slopes, fall brings colorful foliage, spring bursts with blooming flowers, and summer is the best time to swim in its crystal-clear waters.
A town that shines brighter than the rest
But beyond all that we know this place has to offer, which is already reason enough to visit whenever we get the chance, this beloved SoCal spot has earned a new honor. A recent study from the accommodation website Lake, officially crowned Big Bear Lake as the sunniest lakeside destination.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers started with a list of 102 lakeside destinations from Booking.com, selecting only one town or city per lake, usually the closest to the water. Each location was then analyzed using data from the National Solar Radiation Database to measure the amount of direct sunlight it receives, known as Direct Normal Irradiance.
Big Bear Lake boasts an impressive 335 DNI score, surpassing even desert areas like Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Interestingly, Big Bear averages 33% more direct sunlight than the very own L.A.
Sun-drenched winter wonderland
Big Bear Lake has just welcomed its first snowfall of the season on October 13, covering the mountains in a sparkling blanket of snow while. Winters here are usually sunny and mild, with clear skies most days. This year, due to La Niña, Almanac explains that a slightly warmer, drier conditions are expected.
This combination of snow and sun is what makes Big Bear Lake so special. Even in winter, visitors can ski, snowboard, or hike under bright, sunny skies. Whether carving down the slopes or exploring the trails, Big Bear Lake offers the perfect mix of snow and sunshine.