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Contents
- The climate of Fairbanks
- The Best Time to Visit Fairbanks
- The Worst Time to Visit Fairbanks
- Spring Weather in Fairbanks
- Summer Weather in Fairbanks
- Autumn Weather in Fairbanks
- Winter Weather in Fairbanks
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The scenic Fairbanks City in Alaska, seen from across the Chena River
The climate of Fairbanks
Positioned within a Subartic climatic zone, Fairbanks, Alaska, is characterized by its severe winters and cool summers. This type of weather falls into the Dfc category under the Köppen climate classification system. Due to its high latitude, a significant range in temperature, from 2.1°F (-16.6°C) to 70.7°F (21.5°C), can be observed throughout the seasonal cycles. January and December experience chillingly low temperatures, both falling in the slight negatives, showcasing the harsh climate in winter months.
Humidity levels do not show significant fluctuation, remaining generally high throughout the year. The range of humidity, from 57% to 93%, provides a crucial insight into the moisture content of the air. Rainfall further highlights the year-round presence of moisture, with August displaying the highest rainfall of 2.44" (62mm). Interestingly, the number of rainfall days is relatively consistent across the year, suggesting a similar frequency of precipitation events in all seasons.
When it comes to snowfall, a different trend is observed. December and January endure high snowfall conditions in the form of 2.72" (69mm) and 2.09" (53mm) respectively, depicting the severity of winters in the state. The region experiences frequent snowfall days in these two months, further corroborating the typical Arctic weather conditions.
Humidity levels do not show significant fluctuation, remaining generally high throughout the year. The range of humidity, from 57% to 93%, provides a crucial insight into the moisture content of the air. Rainfall further highlights the year-round presence of moisture, with August displaying the highest rainfall of 2.44" (62mm). Interestingly, the number of rainfall days is relatively consistent across the year, suggesting a similar frequency of precipitation events in all seasons.
When it comes to snowfall, a different trend is observed. December and January endure high snowfall conditions in the form of 2.72" (69mm) and 2.09" (53mm) respectively, depicting the severity of winters in the state. The region experiences frequent snowfall days in these two months, further corroborating the typical Arctic weather conditions.
The Best Time to Visit Fairbanks
Based on the trends observed, the period from May to July arguably serve as the best time to visit Fairbanks. During these months, the city enjoys the highest temperatures ranging between 59.4°F (15.2°C) and 70.7°F (21.5°C). This season also offers the most extended duration of daylight, peaking at 21.5 hours in June, to visitors keen on exploring the Alaskan wilderness or the fascinating phenomenon of the midnight sun.
The Worst Time to Visit Fairbanks
Unless one has an affinity for extreme winters, December to February might not be the best months to visit Fairbanks. With temperature plunging to the negatives and the shortest daytime hours dropping to 4 in December, these months provide an air of frosty desolation. Snowfall, particularly in December and January, can exceed 2" (51mm) while recording the most snowfall days, thus making navigation challenging.
Spring Weather in Fairbanks
Spring season in Fairbanks, from March to May, experiences a noticeable shift in climatic conditions. The temperature begins to rise from -2.6°F (-19.2°C) in March to a mellow 59.4°F (15.2°C) in May. An increase in rain is also observed during these months, where it steadily escalates from 0.55" (14mm) in March to 0.55" (14mm) by May. Snowfall begins to recede and by May is negligible. The daylight hours also see a significant increase by this time, jumping from 11.8 hours in March to 18.8 hours by May.
Summer Weather in Fairbanks
Summer in Fairbanks, spanning from June to August, sees temperatures ranging between 63.9°F (17.7°C) to 70.7°F (21.5°C). Rainfall dominates the scene with June observing 1.22" (31mm), peaking to 2.44" (62mm) by August. Snowfall is practically non-existent throughout these months. A remarkable feature of Fairbanks’ summer is its long daylight hours, with June boasting an impressive 21.5 hours.
Autumn Weather in Fairbanks
Autumn in Fairbanks, from September to November, witnesses a steady drop in temperature from 52.5°F (11.4°C) in September to 5.9°F (-14.5°C) by November. Rainfall too, gradually decreases from 1.26" (32mm) in September to a meagre 0.39" (10mm) in November. Snowfall, on the other hand, begins to increase from a slight 0.79" (20mm) in September to a hefty 2.72" (69mm) by November.
Winter Weather in Fairbanks
Winters in Fairbanks are long and severe, spanning from December to February. The city is in the grip of the cold with temperature ranging between -9°F (-22.8°C) and 2.1°F (-16.6°C). Rainfall dips to an extreme low of 0.31" (8mm) in December while Snowfall peaks with 2.72" (69mm) in December. Daylight hours in December plunge to the lowest at 4 hours, lending the winter days a bleak atmosphere.
Weather in January
The snowy month of January in Fairbanks, Alaska, proves to be both mild and moist. As Fairbanks settles into the heart of winter, the temperature dips to lows of -9°F (-22.8°C) while reaching highs of modestly warmer 2.1°F (-16.6°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
February in Fairbanks experiences a temperature rise, albeit slight, ushering in a small respite from the biting winter. Expect lower snowfall at 3.31" (84mm) when compared to the previous month. Despite the limited daylight of 8.5 hours, the sun offers stellar views piercing through the white landscape. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March brings a warming trend to Fairbanks along with an average highest temperature of 20.5°F (-6.4°C) and a low of 1.9°F (-16.7°C). Notably, the snow accumulation sees a spike to 3.82" (97mm), highlighting the continuity of winter patterns. Weather in March »
Weather in April
Fairbanks marks the onset of spring in April, characterized by milder temperatures, decreased snowfall, and extended daylight. A notable reduction in snowfall to 2.95" (75mm) compared to March indicates a shift from winter conditions. Weather in April »
Weather in May
A manifestation of true spring, May in Fairbanks sees a remarkable jump in temperatures and a decrease in snowfall. With snowfall dropping drastically to 0.43" (11mm) and temperatures scaling upwards, the weather takes a turn for the warmer. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Fairbanks is synonymous with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Warmer temperatures reach a welcome high of 68.9°F (20.5°C), offering a stark contrast to the earlier freezing conditions. More than 21 hours of daylight parallel the summer solstice, making it the city’s longest daylight period. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings to Fairbanks, its warmest weather, offering a high temperature average of 70.7°F (21.5°C). Simultaneously, the rainfall starts increasing, recording a high of 1.34" (34mm), granting a humid touch to the otherwise warm conditions. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August signals the approach of the fall season in Fairbanks as temperatures begin to drop. The city witnesses its highest rainfall during the year, accounting for a significant 2.44" (62mm). Although the weather patterns subtly hint at the upcoming fall, the temperature remains on the warmer side. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September in Fairbanks displays an eminent shift from summer to fall. A surge in the cloud percentage and a slight increase in snowfall indicates the incoming season change. Despite shorter daylight hours and the cooling trend, Fairbanks retains much of its warmth from the summer. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Fairbanks embraces the autumn season completely, characterized by falling temperatures and increasing snowfall. A noteworthy rise in snowfall to 1.85" (47mm) reflects the onset of the colder season. The daylight hours further decrease, alluding to the imminent winter and the climate takes a definitive turn towards colder days. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Snowy November in Fairbanks is a prelude to the harsh upcoming winter, accompanied by plummeting temperatures. A significant jump in snowfall to 6.5" (165mm) sets the ground for winter activities. With a reduced number of daylight hours, the city prepares for the winter season. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Fairbanks welcomes the winter season in all its glory. Temperatures drop to painfully chilly levels with daily averages dipping to minimum values around -4.9°F (-20.5°C). The snowfall is dense, recording a lower quantity of 2.72" (69mm) compared to the previous month. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 26, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months?
January, known for its average high temperature of 2.1°F (-16.6°C) and an average low temperature of -9°F (-22.8°C), is the coldest month.
What is the driest month?
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 3 days and accumulates 0.31" (8mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Fairbanks?
In Fairbanks, during the entire year, the rain falls for 100.5 days and collects up to 10.87" (276mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
Months with snowfall are January through May, August through December.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 74.3 snowfall days, and 24.49" (622mm) of snow is accumulated.
When is the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What is the most humid month in Fairbanks?
With an average relative humidity of 93%, March is the most humid month.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.
What is the least humid month?
June is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 56%.
When it does not snow?
In Fairbanks, snow does not fall in June and July.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 21h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What month has the most sunshine?
June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What month is the hottest?
The warmest period tends to be July, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 70.7°F (21.5°C) and a low of 50.5°F (10.3°C).
What is the wettest month in Fairbanks?
The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 16.4 days and typically aggregates up to 2.44" (62mm) of precipitation.
What is the snowiest month?
November is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 6.5" (165mm) of snow.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 4h and 0min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
With an average of 2h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
Average temperature
Fairbanks, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (70.7°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (2.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (50.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-9°F).
Average pressure
Fairbanks, AK
- Average pressure in January:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in March:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.87"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.82"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.9"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.83"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.77"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.79"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.85"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.86"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (29.97"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (29.77"Hg).
Average wind speed
Fairbanks, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
4.3mph - Average wind speed in February:
4.4mph - Average wind speed in March:
4.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
4.7mph - Average wind speed in May:
5mph - Average wind speed in June:
4.7mph
- Average wind speed in July:
4.6mph - Average wind speed in August:
4.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
4.4mph - Average wind speed in October:
4.2mph - Average wind speed in November:
4.2mph - Average wind speed in December:
4.2mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is May (5mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are October, November and December (4.2mph).
Average humidity
Fairbanks, AK
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (93%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (56%).
Average rainfall
Fairbanks, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
0.31" - Average rainfall in February:
0.43" - Average rainfall in March:
0.55" - Average rainfall in April:
0.83" - Average rainfall in May:
0.55" - Average rainfall in June:
1.22"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.34" - Average rainfall in August:
2.44" - Average rainfall in September:
1.26" - Average rainfall in October:
0.71" - Average rainfall in November:
0.83" - Average rainfall in December:
0.39"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.44").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.31").
Average rainfall days
Fairbanks, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
4.2 days - Average rainfall days in April:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
12.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
3.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (16.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (1.8 days).
Average snowfall
Fairbanks, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
2.09" - Average snowfall in February:
3.31" - Average snowfall in March:
3.82" - Average snowfall in April:
2.95" - Average snowfall in May:
0.43" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is November (6.5").
The months with the least snowfall are June and July (0").
Average snowfall days
Fairbanks, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
9.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.7 days - Average snowfall days in March:
11.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
8.9 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1.7 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in September:
1.6 days - Average snowfall days in October:
6.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
13.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
11.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is November (13.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June and July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Fairbanks, AK
- Average daylight in January:
5h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 5min - Average daylight in June:
21h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 0min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 21h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 1min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
11h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
12h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
2h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Fairbanks, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
21.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
18.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
12.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
14.1 days - Average sunshine days in October:
18.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
18 days - Average sunshine days in December:
19.7 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (21.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (12.2 days).
Average UV index
Fairbanks, AK
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Fairbanks, AK
The months with the most cloud cover are March, April and November (Cloud cover 53).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 39).
Average visibility
Fairbanks, AK
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, November and December (4mi).
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
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