Fairbanks North Star Borough Climate

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec28.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

28.5°F

Annual Precip

14.3"

Annual Snowfall

60.1"

Extreme Heat Days

0.26315789473684215

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.6"
0.5"
0.5"
0.4"
0.8"
2.1"
2.8"
2.7"
1.7"
0.9"
0.8"
0.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring13°48°1.6"Summer55°61°7.6"Fall6°44°3.4"Winter-5°4°1.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 0% of US counties
Wetter than 6% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 95% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Fairbanks North Star Borough Weather

A Subarctic Climate Far Below National Norms

Fairbanks North Star Borough records an average annual temperature of just 28.5°F, nearly 25 degrees colder than the national median. This subarctic environment experiences significantly lower temperatures than most of the United States.

Colder than the Alaska State Average

With an annual average of 28.5°F, this borough is notably cooler than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It represents the colder interior of the state, away from the moderating influences of the coast.

Interior Cold vs Coastal Moderation

The borough is much drier and colder than maritime neighbors like Juneau, which enjoys a warmer 41.9°F average. While Fairbanks sees only 14.3 inches of precipitation, coastal counterparts often receive three to four times that amount.

Deep Winter Freezes and Dry Snow

Winter temperatures average a frigid -0.6°F, with January lows often plunging to -4.6°F. Despite the extreme cold, the borough sees a moderate 60.1 inches of annual snowfall and zero days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Prepare for the Great Interior Cold

Residents must install engine block heaters for vehicles and prioritize high-efficiency heating systems for the long winter. Specialized cold-weather gear is essential for the months-long stretch where temperatures remain well below freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Fairbanks North Star Borough?
The average annual temperature in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK is 28.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Fairbanks North Star Borough get?
Fairbanks North Star Borough receives an average of 14.3 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Fairbanks North Star Borough?
Yes, Fairbanks North Star Borough receives an average of 60.1 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Fairbanks North Star Borough get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Fairbanks North Star Borough is 58.2°F. The county experiences an average of 0.26315789473684215 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Fairbanks North Star Borough?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Fairbanks North Star Borough is -0.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages -4.6°F.

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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