Fairbanks in September

In September, Fairbanks averages 12°C (53°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (49 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in Fairbanks during September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

12°C
Avg high
4°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
49 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Fairbanks

5th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
13 h 6 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Fairbanks (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (4°C). September runs 6°C cooler than August (18°C) and cools 10°C in October (2°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Fairbanks

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:13 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:19 PM
Day length
13 h 6 min

Times shown for Fairbanks local time (America/Anchorage), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Fairbanks — September

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Fairbanks's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:13 AM – 6:53 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:53 AM – 7:53 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:39 PM – 8:39 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:39 PM – 9:19 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.
Aurora visibility
Good
Fairbanks is auroral-friendly this month; check 3-day Kp forecasts and head somewhere dark when activity spikes.

📅 When to book — Fairbanks in September

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on September's tier (Off-peak) and Fairbanks's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — September in Fairbanks

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Fairbanks — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Fairbanks

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
4.7
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Fairbanks in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -14°C / 6°F -21°C / -5°F 13 mm 10
February -11°C / 13°F -19°C / -2°F 20 mm 11
March -3°C / 26°F -13°C / 8°F 14 mm 9
April 6°C / 44°F -5°C / 23°F 16 mm 10
May 16°C / 61°F 5°C / 41°F 30 mm 15
June 21°C / 69°F 11°C / 52°F 62 mm 19
July 22°C / 71°F 13°C / 55°F 74 mm 18
August 18°C / 64°F 10°C / 50°F 88 mm 20
September 12°C / 53°F 4°C / 39°F 49 mm 16
October 2°C / 35°F -4°C / 25°F 29 mm 13
November -8°C / 17°F -14°C / 7°F 24 mm 13
December -12°C / 10°F -19°C / -2°F 27 mm 13

Other cities with similar September weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Fairbanks in September →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Fairbanks in September?

In September, Fairbanks averages a high of 12°C (53°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Fairbanks in September?

September is quite rainy in Fairbanks, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Fairbanks?

September is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Fairbanks in September?

Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Fairbanks for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Fairbanks on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.