FloridaNatural lake, 1,028 acres, Monroe County
Bear Lake wind forecast
7-day outlook
Daylight hours, 8am to 7pm local time. Wind in knots.
-
TodayOct 26
18-21kt
NNE, gusts 29
High 81°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
TueOct 27
18-21kt
NNE, gusts 28
High 82°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
WedOct 28
10-14kt
NE, gusts 19
High 82°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
ThuOct 29
5-6kt
E, gusts 10
High 82°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
FriOct 30
5kt
E, gusts 9
High 82°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
SatOct 31
5-8kt
E, gusts 12
High 83°F, storms possible
Stay ashore -
SunNov 1
5-6kt
E, gusts 10
High 83°F, storms possible
Stay ashore
Hour by hour, next 3 days
This week on Bear
Over the next 7 days on Bear Lake, the windiest stretch looks like Monday, with gusts to about 29 kt. Friday is the calmest day in the outlook, topping out near 5 kt.
None of the next few days looks comfortable for sailing or paddling, so check the hourly strip for a short calm window before you go.
Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Plan to be off the water before the first rumble; lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.
Reading a lake wind forecast
Sustained wind is the average over a couple of minutes; gusts are the short peaks. On inland water the gap between the two matters as much as the average. A steady 12 kt is a pleasant sail, while 8 kt gusting 20 kt knocks small boats flat and tires out paddlers.
On a lake the size of Bear, waves stay modest, but nearby hills, trees and buildings bend the wind. Expect shifts and puffs, especially close to shore, and treat the forecast speed as an average across open water.
The National Weather Service forecast covers a 2.5 km grid, so local effects like a sea breeze off a big lake, a cold front or afternoon thunderstorms can arrive earlier or stronger than shown. Check the forecast again on the morning you go, and keep an eye on small craft advisories.
Bear Lake forecast questions
What is the wind forecast for Bear Lake this weekend?
In the National Weather Service forecast from October 26: Saturday: E wind 5 to 8 kt, gusts to 12 kt, high near 83°F, thunderstorms possible. Sunday: E wind 5 to 6 kt, gusts to 10 kt, high near 83°F, thunderstorms possible. The live cards above always show the latest update.
When is the best day to sail on Bear Lake this week?
Based on the National Weather Service forecast from October 26, Monday looks best, with NNE wind around 18 to 21 kt and gusts near 29 kt. Forecasts beyond three days shift, so check the live day cards above and look again the night before.
Where does the Bear Lake wind forecast come from?
From the National Weather Service gridded forecast for the 2.5 km cell over the lake. It is the same forecast local NWS offices use, updated several times a day. We convert wind to knots and add our own go or no-go call for each activity.
What wind is too strong for a kayak or paddleboard?
We flag paddling as risky once sustained wind passes about 8 kt or gusts pass 12 kt, and advise staying ashore above 12 kt sustained or 18 kt gusts. Offshore wind is the most dangerous because it pushes you away from the launch.
Nearby lakes
If Bear is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their wind forecasts.