© Amy J. Johnson Photography
© Frank Stelges/Aurora Bear Photography School
WHY FAIRBANKS? Fairbanks is enjoying a renaissance fueled by entrepreneurial attractions, activities and events that celebrate life in the Far North as well as public arts and spaces, coffee shops and food trucks, restaurants and locally made libations. A spirited place populated by independent, kindhearted, tough-as-nails, creative residents, Fairbanks’ cool factor has flourished in recent years and inspires and intrigues residents and guests alike. Geographically situated in a sweet spot in the Tanana Valley, Fairbanks has the Brooks Range to the north keeping the Arctic winds at bay and the Alaska Range keeping the wet, coastal weather to the south. You can expect dry weather, dramatic clouds, blue skies, little wind, warm summers and cold winters. Make sure you pack a sense of adventure as well as seasonal, casual clothing and shoes for your trip. Dressing in layers is recommended regardless of the season as temperatures fluctuate. Summer wear includes shorts, short-sleeved shirts and sandals, but also plan to pack pants, long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket. Winter gear includes parkas, boots, hats, mittens and snow pants for your outdoor adventures. Check out explorefairbanks.com to view the fun How to Dress for Winter video.
Midnight Sun Season
April 22 through August 20 Fairbanks experiences 24 hours of sunlight Average Daylight for seventy Hours and days from May Temperature 17 to July 27. Check out the online Midnight Sun Tracker that calculates the number of daylight hours, also known as civil twilight, 365 days a year in multiple locations.
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Aurora Season
August 21 through April 21 In the Fairbanks region, the aurora borealis (northern lights) almost always appears when the sky is relatively dark and clear. Check out the online Aurora Tracker that correlates aurora forecast, weather conditions and time of day to determine aurora viewing possibilities in multiple locations.
Population: Fairbanks North Star Borough, including the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole, has a population of nearly 100,000 residents. Time Zone: The state of Alaska is in the Alaska Standard Time Zone (AKST), four hours behind Eastern Standard Time and makes adjustments for daylight savings time. Mobile and WiFi: Available carriers include GCI, AT&T, Verizon and Cricket Mobile. SIM cards can be found at respective store locations. WiFi and cell coverage is abundant in cities but can be limited in rural areas. Money: Major credit cards and travelers checks are widely accepted and ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.
Winter Season
Mid-October through March During this time period, the Fairbanks Average region has Snowfall and reliably colder Temperature temperatures and snow cover. Winter offers remarkable activities and events like dog mushing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing and ice sculpting.
