Fairbanks North Star Borough Climate
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
28.5°F
Annual Precip
14.3"
Annual Snowfall
60.1"
Extreme Heat Days
0
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
873
Limited to cold-tolerant varieties
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Fairbanks North Star Borough
Climate Verdict
Fairbanks North Star Borough has a cold, with an average annual temperature of 28.5°F, arid conditions receiving just 14.3 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 0.26315789473684215 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 60.1 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are severe, with January averaging a frigid -4.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 60.8°F. Residents experience a substantial 65°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.
Regional Context
Fairbanks North Star Borough is 7.2°F cooler than the Alaska statewide average of 35.7°F, it is also noticeably drier, receiving 39.3 inches less precipitation than the state average.
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
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.