Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Fairbanks in September
Fairbanks cools off: highs slip to 52°F (11°C), from 64°F in August, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 63/100, 5th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 63/100 · Good
What September feels like
Cool days top out near 52°F (11°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 38°F (3°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.4 in (60 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around September
September sits mid-table; the best months are May – August.
- Comfort slips from 79/100 in August to 63/100.
- Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Fairbanks in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Fairbanks Depot
Alaska Railroad station on the edge of town, where the Aurora Winter Train leaves for Talkeetna and Anchorage.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Free downtown visitor center on the Chena River with exhibits on Interior Alaska and Athabascan life.
Why now September scores 63/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Cleary Summit
High pass on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, with wide views of the northern sky.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
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 One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in September
- Chena Hot Springs in September~51 mi · highs 49°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Talkeetna in September~189 mi · highs 54°F, 5.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Anchorage in September~260 mi · highs 55°F, 4.6 in rain · 2°C (3°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Fairbanks?
It's middling, scoring 63/100. The best months are May – August, at up to 82. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain. Our Fairbanks, Talkeetna & Anchorage route recommends Dec – Mar, so September is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Fairbanks in September?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Fairbanks in September?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.9 in (556 mm).
What should I pack for Fairbanks in September?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Fairbanks
Planning Fairbanks in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.