Fairbanks, AK Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Fairbanks
Located in Alaska, United States, Fairbanks experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 71°F (22°C) in July and dip to about 5°F (-15°C) in January, with around 18.2 inches (462 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 71°F (22°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 5°F (-15°C)
- Record high: 90°F (32°C) · Record low: -52°F (-47°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (15 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (14.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 29 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 71°F (22°C) and overnight lows stay near 55°F (13°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 5°F (-15°C) and lows around -7°F (-22°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 90°F (32°C) and dropped as low as -52°F (-47°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain over 15 days, while January is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 14.5 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 29 days in a typical year, mostly from October through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5° | -7° | 5 | 0.6 in | 2.5 h/day | 75% |
| February | 13° | -2° | 6 | 0.8 in | 4.9 h/day | 74% |
| March | 26° | 7° | 5 | 0.6 in | 8.0 h/day | 70% |
| April | 43° | 23° | 5 | 0.7 in | 11.5 h/day | 63% |
| May | 60° | 40° | 8 | 1.2 in | 13.4 h/day | 58% |
| June | 70° | 52° | 10 | 2.1 in | 14.5 h/day | 58% |
| July | 71° | 55° | 12 | 3.1 in | 11.8 h/day | 67% |
| August | 64° | 50° | 15 | 3.6 in | 7.8 h/day | 76% |
| September | 53° | 40° | 11 | 2.1 in | 7.0 h/day | 77% |
| October | 36° | 26° | 7 | 1.3 in | 4.9 h/day | 73% |
| November | 17° | 6° | 8 | 1.0 in | 2.5 h/day | 76% |
| December | 9° | -3° | 7 | 1.1 in | 1.1 h/day | 77% |
Fairbanks month by month
Fairbanks weather in January
January brings highs around 5°F (-15°C), lows near -7°F (-22°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks weather in February
February brings highs around 13°F (-11°C), lows near -2°F (-19°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days.
Fairbanks weather in March
March brings highs around 26°F (-4°C), lows near 7°F (-14°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Fairbanks weather in April
April brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 23°F (-5°C), about 5 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Fairbanks weather in May
May brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 8 wet days.
Fairbanks weather in June
June brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 10 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks weather in July
July brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks weather in August
August brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 15 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks weather in September
September brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 40°F (4°C), about 11 wet days.
Fairbanks weather in October
October brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 26°F (-4°C), about 7 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Fairbanks weather in November
November brings highs around 17°F (-8°C), lows near 6°F (-14°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days.
Fairbanks weather in December
December brings highs around 9°F (-13°C), lows near -3°F (-19°C), about 7 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days.
Seasons in Fairbanks
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Fairbanks is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 43°F (6°C) and nights around 23°F (-5°C); rain falls on about 17 days over the three months, plus around 6 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Fairbanks brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 52°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Fairbanks brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 35°F (2°C) and nights around 24°F (-4°C); expect showers on roughly 26 days across the season, plus around 9 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Fairbanks is bitterly cold, with daytime highs averaging 9°F (-13°C) and nights around -4°F (-20°C); expect showers on roughly 18 days across the season, plus around 14 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Fairbanks?
Is Fairbanks hot in summer?
Is Fairbanks cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Fairbanks get in a year?
Best time to visit Fairbanks
The best time to visit Fairbanks is generally May to September, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 64°F (18°C).
Pack for Fairbanks with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 55°F (13°C).
Fairbanks temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.