Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Chena Hot Springs in September
Chena Hot Springs cools off: highs slip to 49°F (10°C), from 61°F in August, with lows of 36°F (2°C) and about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 57/100, 5th of 12.
- Avg high
- 49°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 36°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 57/100 · Fair
What September feels like
It's cool, with highs near 49°F (10°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights cool to an average low of 36°F (2°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.9 in (74 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around September
September sits mid-table; the best months are June & July.
- Comfort slips from 71/100 in August to 57/100.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Insulated jackethighs only 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Chena Hot Springs in September
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Aurora viewing tour
Night tours from the resort by snowcoach to a ridgetop above the valley, with heated yurts to wait in between displays.
Aurora Ice Museum
Year-round museum built from ice and snow, with carved sculptures, ice chandeliers and a bar serving drinks in glasses of ice.
Chena River State Recreation Area
Large state recreation area along Chena Hot Springs Road with trails, frozen river views and public-use cabins.
Rock Lake hot spring
The resort's outdoor, rock-lined hot spring pool, fed by natural springs and steaming in air far below zero.
Nearby in September
- Fairbanks in September~51 mi · highs 52°F, 2.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Talkeetna in September~226 mi · highs 54°F, 5.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Anchorage in September~291 mi · highs 55°F, 4.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~590 m to Chena Hot Springs's ~354 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Chena Hot Springs in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Chena Hot Springs?
It's middling, scoring 57/100. The best months are June & July, at up to 80. Expect highs of 49°F (10°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain. Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so September is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Chena Hot Springs in September?
Average highs are 49°F (10°C) and average lows 36°F (2°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Chena Hot Springs in September?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.0 in (687 mm).
What should I pack for Chena Hot Springs in September?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Chena Hot Springs
Planning Chena Hot Springs in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.