Late summer · Weather & things to do
Fairbanks in August
Fairbanks cools off: highs slip to 64°F (18°C), from 69°F in July, with lows of 49°F (9°C) and about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain.
At 79/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (86 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~16 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What August feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 64°F (18°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 49°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.4 in (86 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Long days help: there are roughly 16 h 12 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around August
August is one of Fairbanks's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by September, the score drops to 63/100.
- Comfort holds steady from July (77 → 79/100).
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Fairbanks in August
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Santa Claus House
Christmas store in North Pole, open since the 1950s, with a giant Santa outside and letters from Santa you can order.
Cleary Summit
High pass on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, with wide views of the northern sky.
Why now August scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Creamer's Field
Wildlife refuge on an old dairy farm on the edge of town, with trails for skiing, snowshoeing and walking in winter.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Museum of the North
University of Alaska museum on a hill above Fairbanks, with Alaska Native art, natural history and a mummified steppe bison.
Nearby in August
- Chena Hot Springs in August~51 mi · highs 61°F, 4.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Talkeetna in August~189 mi · highs 64°F, 6.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Anchorage in August~260 mi · highs 63°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~367 m to Fairbanks's ~136 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.
Fairbanks in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Fairbanks?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 79/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain. Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so August is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Fairbanks in August?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Fairbanks in August?
Some: about 3.4 in (86 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.9 in (556 mm).
What should I pack for Fairbanks in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Fairbanks
Planning Fairbanks in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.