Snow, Ice, and Adventure

A winter visit to Fairbanks is like a trip inside a snow globe. With a landscape covered in ice and snow from November through March, Fairbanks has the coolest outdoor activities including ice skating, ice sculpting, hockey, curling, sledding and more! 

Adventure-filled winter days are spent enjoying ultimate outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling followed by enchanted evenings under the northern lights. Journey above the Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North Pole, learn about local Alaska Native culture, stroll with reindeer or discover the warmth of an Alaska hot spring.  

Plan for a truly memorable winter expedition in this sparkling land of aurora, ice and snow.  

A sunlit snowscape with trees and long blue shadows

 

What’s the weather like? 

Fairbanks may be cold, but with the right preparation it’s not only manageable, it can also be truly enjoyable. The region’s subarctic climate is surprisingly comfortable with low humidity and very little wind. Visit in winter and you’ll discover breathtaking aurora displays and unforgettable snowy adventures. 

Keep in mind that weather varies significantly across Alaska, so be sure to regularly check the forecast, especially for travel that extends beyond Fairbanks.  

A graphic with information about the average daylight, snowfall and temperature during winter in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

Temperature

Situated in the Tanana Valley, the Brooks Range north of Fairbanks keeps the harsh Arctic winds at bay, and the Alaska Range keeps the wet, coastal weather to the south. These two mountain ranges protect Fairbanks from a lot of harsh weather like gale force winds along with some snowstorms and rain.  

Due to unique atmospheric inversions and occasional warm Chinook winds, Fairbanks’ winter climate is a fascinating blend of extremes. Travelers who venture to the surrounding hills can find surprisingly warmer temperatures, while lower areas are typically colder.  

Experiencing the extreme cold is part of the fun! People often line up at UAF’s temperature sign to take a picture and prove they braved the cold. It’s a fun and memorable way to capture the spirit of an authentic Fairbanks winter. 

A group of people posing for a photo in front of the University of Alaska Fairbanks temperature sign. The temperature is -34°F.

 

Snow

During winter in Fairbanks, snow is pretty much guaranteed. The first snow typically falls in September or October, with an average snowfall of 2 inches in September and 8 inches in October. From November through February, snowfall is consistent, with averages ranging from 13 inches in November to 10 in February (U.S. Climate Data). Each year, Fairbanks gets an average of 6.5 feet of snow. Snow in Fairbanks is typically dry and fluffy, the perfect consistency for gliding on skis, snowmachines, and dog sleds. 

 

Ice

Fairbanks’ dry, cold and snowy winters create the perfect environment for beautiful ice. Icicles hang from the edge of roofs, and frozen lakes are perfect for ice skating and fishing. Fairbanks also hosts the World Ice Art Championships where you’ll find large scale ice sculptures, mazes, slides and more. 

  • Pro tip: Ice can create some slippery situations. Travel prepared with winter boots that have great traction and be mindful as you walk on icy ground. For extra traction on ice, or for more rugged ice adventures, visit a local outfitter, and try adding traction to your boots with ice cleats.  

 

Freezing Rain and the Pineapple Express

Typically, cold air settles in the Fairbanks valley while warmer air rises to higher elevations. During a Pineapple Express, a stream of warm, moist air from the Pacific (often originating near Hawaii) moves over Alaska. As snow falls through this warm layer and then encounters the cold valley air, it melts and re-freezes into intense freezing rain. When Fairbanks experiences weather closures, it is usually during freezing rain events like the Pineapple Express. These closures help keep visitors and locals safe and allow emergency responders to focus on the most pressing situations. Don’t worry though, Pineapple Expresses are few and far between. 

 

Daylight Hours

Fairbanks is famous for its dramatic shifts in daylight throughout the year. On the shortest day of the year, Fairbanks gets less than four hours of direct sunlight. As daylight grows shorter, the sky fills with other kinds of light: aurora, stars, alpenglow, light pillars and more. There is never a lack of beautiful light in Fairbanks. Extended periods of darkness are one of the many factors that make Fairbanks stand out as one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing. 

A person walking through a forest of snow-covered trees under a bright, clear blue sky, with a clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.

There is nothing quite like winter in Fairbanks, Alaska. Plan a winter trip to Fairbanks for the experience of a lifetime. The area is full of one-of-a-kind events, exciting things to do, cozy places to stay, delicious food, and local shopping.  

Check back soon for part two of our “winter” blog series! Next up: What to pack for a winter trip to Fairbanks, your guide to staying warm, comfortable, and adventure ready.