Early winter · Weather & things to do
Fairbanks in December
Fairbanks cools off: highs slip to 8°F (-13°C), from 12°F in November, with lows of -2°F (-19°C) and about 1.2 in (30 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 8°F (-13°C)
- Avg low
- -2°F (-19°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.2 in (30 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~3 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 8°F (-13°C).
Average lows of -2°F (-19°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 1.2 in (30 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Only about 3 h 07 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – August.
- Shortest days of the year, about 3 h 07 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (48 → 50/100).
- December sits inside the Dec – Mar window our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around -2°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Fairbanks in December
With highs near 8°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Fairbanks Depot
Alaska Railroad station on the edge of town, where the Aurora Winter Train leaves for Talkeetna and Anchorage.
Museum of the North
University of Alaska museum on a hill above Fairbanks, with Alaska Native art, natural history and a mummified steppe bison.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 8°F.
Cleary Summit
High pass on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, with wide views of the northern sky.
Santa Claus House
Christmas store in North Pole, open since the 1950s, with a giant Santa outside and letters from Santa you can order.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in December
- Chena Hot Springs in December~51 mi · highs 7°F, 1.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Talkeetna in December~189 mi · highs 21°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Anchorage in December~260 mi · highs 26°F, 2.5 in rain or snow · 10°C (18°F) warmer by day, 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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Fairbanks?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – August. Expect highs of 8°F (-13°C) and 1.2 in (30 mm) of rain or snow. December is inside the Dec – Mar window our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends.
How cold is Fairbanks in December?
Average highs are 8°F (-13°C) and average lows -2°F (-19°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Fairbanks in December?
Not much: about 1.2 in (30 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 21.9 in (556 mm).
What should I pack for Fairbanks in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around -2°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Fairbanks
Routes in season in December
- Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage Dec – Mar
Planning Fairbanks in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.