Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Fairbanks, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Fairbanks
- Important essentials for Fairbanks
- Activities for Fairbanks
- Fairbanks in January: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in February: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in March: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in April: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in May: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in June: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in July: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in August: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in September: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in October: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in November: weather and what to pack
- Fairbanks in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Fairbanks, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Fairbanks, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Fairbanks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Fairbanks can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a cap at night in this weather like this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Fairbanks, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
If you are traveling to Fairbanks in February, you will notice that it is biting cold. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heated gloves
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Neck warmer/ski mask
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Fairbanks, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
March in Fairbanks is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heated gloves
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a head warmer at night in this climate like this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Fairbanks, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
April in Fairbanks can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Fairbanks, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
If you vacation in Fairbanks during May, you may notice that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
If you are traveling to Fairbanks in June, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
If you go to Fairbanks in July, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
August in Fairbanks is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
September can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
In October, Fairbanks can be extremely cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Fairbanks, with several of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Fairbanks, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
November is biting cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a cap at night here like this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Heated gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Fairbanks, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
December in Fairbanks is biting cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated gloves
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Thick pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head protector at night in this weather like this
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Fairbanks, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
If you go to the University of Alaska Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Fairbanks.
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