3 Days Chasing Lights: Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska
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The aurora capital of Alaska, this 3-day Fairbanks itinerary unfolds beneath the dancing northern lights. Chase swirling neon skies, thaw in steaming hot springs, and explore a winter wonderland in the far-north frontier.
The “Golden Heart City” famous for its prime aurora oval home, Fairbanks is the ideal domestic location to see the dreamy northern lights without pulling out a passport. Don’t be fooled, this winter wonderland is chock full of year-round outdoor adventures that make an extended trip worthwhile—which is especially important since a 3-night stay offers an 80-90% chance of spotting the aurora borealis!
Blending frontier spirit and modern charm, the snowy landscape of Alaska’s largest interior city beckons intrepid travelers to embrace the winter chill while soaring over Mt. Denali, driving a dog sled team, or participating in other cultural experiences which uniquely represent the unbound local experience of the 49th state. With many residents still living off the land in an unforgiving environment, visiting otherworldly Alaska is a one-of-a-kind way to experience pristine alpine beauty without leaving the country!
3 Days in Fairbanks Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed how to spend 3 days in Fairbanks travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🏔️ Soar over one of the “Seven Summits” on a Denali Winter Summit Flight (3 hr)
12:30 - 1:30 PM: 🥞 Taste innovative sweet and savory pancake combinations at The Crepery (1 hr)
1:50 - 2:35 PM: 🎅🏻 Explore the town where Christmas is a year-round event, the North Pole! (45 min)
3:00 - 5:00 PM: 😴 Nap before an extended night ahead chasing the northern lights (2 hr)
5:10 - 6:30 PM: 🇲🇩 Taste Moldovan cuisine from the least visited country in Europe at Soba (1 hr 20 min)
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM: 🌌 See the aurora, one of the 7 Natural Wonders, with a Northern Lights Tour (6 hr)
Day 2
8:45 - 9:15 AM: ☕ Start the morning with a tasty pastry and seasonal latte from Little Owl Cafe (45 min)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🦮 Learn the art of mushing during a “Drive Your Own Dog Sled” Tour (2 hr)
1:00 - 1:45 PM: 🥟 Enjoy a quick and hearty lunch after an active morning at GR’s Empanada House (45 min)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🧊 Ride down a frozen slide sculpture at the World Ice Art Championships (1 hr)
4:45 - 6:30 PM: 🦌 Interact with local wildlife during a Fireside Tea and Reindeer Tour (1 hr 45 min)
6:30 - 10:00 PM: ⛄ Relax in your igloo accommodation for the night (3 hr 30 min)
Day 3
12:00 - 1:00 PM: ❄️ Race through the backcountry on an electric snowmobile tour (1 hr)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: ♨️ Soak in the steamy natural geothermal pools of Chena Hot Springs (1 hr)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🐟 Try a quintessential catch digging into an Alaskan salmon burger from Trails End Lounge (1 hr)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: 🦴 Play with husky puppies who will eventually drive their own sleds during a kennel tour (1 hr)
4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🍏 Taste a sour appletini inside the Aurora Ice Museum bar (1 hr)
6:30 - 8:00 PM: 🦀 Leave with one final local taste of Alaskan king crab from The Pump House (1 hr 30 min)
Click the star next to the title of this interactive map featuring all the stops detailed in the 3-day Fairbanks itinerary above to add it to your Google account for easy navigation during your trip!
Where is Fairbanks?
Positioned directly beneath the aurora oval, Fairbanks is the epicenter of northern lights tourism in Alaska—a far-north city where clear skies, dry winters, and long nights create some of the world’s most reliable aurora sightings. With roughly 32,000 residents in the city proper and over 95,000 in the surrounding borough, it stands as the largest interior hub of the 49th state. While Anchorage sits 360 miles south, Fairbanks is worlds away, closer to the inland tundra of the Arctic Circle. The Yukon River corridor stretches west into roadless backcountry, and just a few hours north along the Dalton Highway find Coldfoot and the Arctic’s stark, treeless landscape—one of the closest jumping-off points for aurora chasers seeking absolute darkness.
Though remote by Lower 48 standards, Fairbanks is far from sleepy: the winter season surges with visitors hoping to witness emerald ribbons sweep across the polar night. Its location—deeper inland, colder, and clearer than Anchorage or other coastal towns—makes it unmatched for aurora reliability, a bucket list gateway for those willing to brave subzero temperatures and claim a front-row seat to nature’s greatest light show.
How to Get Around Fairbanks?
When visiting Fairbanks, renting a car is a non-negotiable. I was hesitant about the premise of manning a rental vehicle myself on icy winter roads, but that’s the only way to reach some of the best things to do in Fairbanks outside the immediate downtown including the “Drive Your Own Dog Sled” Tour, Denali Winter Summit Flight, and Chena Hot Springs. In the long run, this transportation choice is also drastically more convenient and economical.
Fortunately, local providers are acutely familiar with the extreme seasonal conditions and ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for snow-covered side roads. Unlike legacy rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, or Alamo, Alaska Auto Rentals does not charge extra to provide safe and reliable vehicles that can handle Alaskan winters. Their Winter Vehicle Standards—which all rentals come equipped with—include high traction winter tires, advanced winterization packages, cold-weather-rated fluids, extension cords, ice scrapers, and snow brushes.
When booking flights into Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), you’ll notice that an unusually high number of arrivals are scheduled to land past midnight. While I was initially apprehensive about finding a ride from the airport to my rental vehicle pickup point after a 2:00 AM arrival, the town stays quite active late into the night given the abundance of northern lights tours. Taxis wait outside the baggage claim even during these early morning hours.
Relying on Uber or Lyft isn’t advisable, as a shortage of drivers following the COVID-19 pandemic results in relatively long wait times. If you can’t personally man a vehicle, some accommodations like the Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch offer regular shuttle services from various hotels around town to more remote destinations such as Chena Hot Springs.
Where to Stay in Fairbanks?
HOMEY HOSTEL: Billie’s Backpackers Hostel (Barry’s Room, $254.88 for 2 nights)
IGLOO-INSPIRED DOME: Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch (Mulchatna igloo, $390.00 for 1 night)
RELIABLE MID-RANGE: Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center (Standard room, $169.01 for 1 night)
Billie's Backpackers Hostel
A true local stay offering a warm welcome since 1991 as the oldest hostel in Alaska, quaint Billie’s Backpackers Hostel feels like home, filled with the loving touches only a grandmother can provide. This cost-effective accommodation is ideal if your flight touches down in the early morning or during the night of a northern lights tour, since you won’t spend much time in the room anyways!
Shared and private rooms with storage tubs for personal items accommodate various circumstances, while all travelers can expect hot showers, Wi-Fi, linens, and memory foam mattresses on their beds. The communal kitchen is stocked full of free coffee and tea, oatmeal, rice, and cereal with laundry services offered for $15. Visitors with late departures are encouraged to hang around for as long as needed with complimentary storage available in the securely locked garage.
I stayed in private Barry’s Room on the upper level which shares a bath with other travelers. A simple, quiet stay with a personal table and reading light, this no-frills option suited my late night needs during my first 2 days in Fairbanks for quite a reasonable rate.
Pro Tip:
If your flight arrives after 7:00 PM, provide Billie with advance notice of your travel plans so self-service check-in instructions can be provided prior to your arrival.
Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch
On the other end of the spectrum, you can travel in luxury by staying in a fiberglass igloo. Offering an immersive boreal experience, Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch is the ideal upscale provider for this quintessential Alaskan accommodation type—unlike the prohibitively expensive Arctic Igloo Resort or Borealis Basecamp that cost an arm and a leg.
Each dome sits on a wooden deck with lounge chairs. Inside, find a queen bed, full bathroom, breakfast bar, fully equipped kitchenette, and Wi-Fi. Large windows offer glimpses of the backyard reindeer herd during the day and aurora borealis at night, with complimentary Aurora Alerts and wake-up calls available to optimize your viewing probability. Park directly in front of your dome, explore seasonal activities at nearby Chena Outdoor Collective, and lounge the night away with a board game and cup from the North Pole Coffee Roasting Company.
Each of the four igloo reference local caribou, with my Mulchatna stay named after the Bristol Bay herd whose traditional calving grounds are near the upper Mulchatna River. Given the available kitchen equipment, I recommend using these more expensive amenities to the fullest and preparing a cozy meal for dinner within the cabin. Otherwise, the Missing Moose Cafe and Wagner's Pizza Bus are located nearby.
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
Last but not least, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center is a standard mid-range stay guaranteeing generic comfort and hospitality for a typical nightly rate. Guests staying in one of the 400 rooms gain access to the fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, coin-operated laundry facilities, hot breakfast from October through April, and can dine at either in-house restaurant—seasonal Northern Latitudes pairs aurora art with fine dining while Red Lantern Steak & Spirits serves reindeer meatloaf!
No matter where you stay, ensure you can sleep soundly at night by securing travel medical insurance before you go.
I prefer SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for convenient coverage across borders, since I’m always looking to maximize an international flight with multiple passport stamps collected along the way.
The Essential plan is best suited for mid- to short-term travelers like me balancing a 9-5 with unexpected medical and travel risk coverage.
What to Do in Fairbanks Alaska
Day 1
Denali Winter Summit Flight
Begin day 1 in Fairbanks by soaring over North America’s contribution to the “Seven Summits” with a Denali Winter Summit Flight operated by the Northern Alaska Tour Company. Assuming you’re not preparing to scale Mt. Denali yourself, this is the best way to see the towering 20,310-foot snow-capped peak within the larger Denali National Park and Preserve—especially since Denali Park Road is closed for repair following a major landslide near Pretty Rocks.
Flying in a multi-engine non-pressurized plane, oxygen masks are required above 12,000 feet to avoid the effects of hypoxia felt at such extreme elevations. Your professional pilot will set course for the summit, but ultimately weather, winds, and visibility dictate the final flight route. Along the way, gaze at the vast and remote land below, including the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the Alaska Range.
90-minute scenic tours run nearly year-round, excluding June, July, and August.
Pro Tip:
Inquire early if this excursion piques your interest. Flights operate on a somewhat erratic schedule depending on whether the minimum number of guests is met for a particular date.
Brunch - The Crepery
After a chilly morning, warm up with sweet and savory crepes from the menu of 35+ imaginative flavors at The Crepery. Prepared to order from scratch, this Fairbanks staple is ideal for a quick yet satisfying ‘feel good’ brunch—the sweet turtle with Nutella, walnuts, and caramel as well as the savory prosciutto bleu fig crepe were my picks!
North Pole
Drive 20 minutes outside town to the community of North Pole, Alaska where the spirit of Christmas lives year round! The main holly jolly feature is the Santa Claus House filled with every kind of holiday tchotchke imaginable and complete with a 42-foot tall St. Nick statue out front. Inside, the man in the red suit listens to children’s wishes daily while the working trading post mails millions of letters from Santa each winter season.
While you’re in the area, the Polar Expresso is a drive-through coffee hut nearby serving frozen frappes aligned with the overall “North Pole” theme.
Dinner - Soba
Nap in the late afternoon before a long night ahead—spoiler alert: you’ll be chasing the northern lights—then head back downtown to dig into authentic cuisine from the least visited country in Europe. Soba serves Moldovan comfort food with hearty Eastern European flavors you can't get anywhere else in Fairbanks, or in the Lower 48 for that matter! Made to order from scratch with only fresh, high-quality ingredients, dig into Moldova’s favorite corn polenta dish mămăligă under the cozy twinkling lights.
Next door to Soba is The Red Fox. Selling traditional fine furs, keep warm in the Arctic Circle with an authentic souvenir paying homage to Alaska’s colonial fur trade.
Northern Lights Tour
Assuming your guide gives the green light that it’s a prime night for aurora hunting, gear up in your warmest winter clothes for a celestial late night adventure. The aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, is a natural phenomenon where charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field create colorful, dynamic displays of light in the skies of high-latitude regions.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Fairbanks sits under the aurora oval with relatively low light pollution, making it the ideal destination to maximize your chances of witnessing this dancing green spectacle firsthand! The aurora can be seen anytime there’s adequate darkness, which generally entails a late August through mid-April viewing opportunity.
Pro Tip:
Avoid the deep winter months. November through January nights entail the longest stretches of darkness, but they also come with the harshest temperatures and a higher chance of cloud cover — conditions that can limit visibility even during peak viewing hours.
Hitting the road with Greatland Adventures, the evening begins with a forecast call from the aurora team between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. confirming the tour pick-up time—a confirmed expedition proceeds if there’s a 90% or greater probability of success based on the forecast, aurora strength, and drive time from Fairbanks. Based on personal experience, I can attest that Greatland Adventures guides do everything in their power to ensure you see the dazzling lights if they appear the night of your tour.
Once all small-group members have been picked up by the complimentary shuttle, your professional Alaskan Aurora Guide will drive to a strategic viewing location—sometimes up to 3 hours outside Fairbanks—to find the clear, dark skies maximizing your chances of seeing the lights. The intimate experience is elevated with hot cider and cocoa along the way, web-quality photographs provided after the tour, and experienced insights only a local guide can provide. Tours generally depart between 8:00 - 11:00 P.M. and return between 3:00 - 6:00 A.M., depending on the season and forecasted conditions.
Pro Tip:
Schedule this tour on your first night to guarantee an aurora sighting. If the nightly conditions are unfavorable you will be rebooked to the next, and if no photographic evidence is produced a complimentary tour for any future night with no expiration date is granted.
Day 2
Breakfast - Little Owl Cafe
Assuming you spent the night at Billie’s Backpackers Hostel, cozy Little Owl Cafe is conveniently down the road where you can grab a quick coffee and pastry combo for breakfast. With an extensive craft beverage menu, endless syrup flavors, and mouth-watering home baked goods that will keep you coming back for more—I had to return for another rose cardamom donut—this quaint coffeehouse has something suited for every sweet tooth.
"Drive Your Own Dog Sled" Tour
Embrace the tradition of the Iditarod by driving your own dog team during this authentic Alaskan mushing experience offered by Arctic Dog Adventure Co. from November through the beginning of April! Rather than sitting as a passenger or being guided by a tag sled, this is a true active adventure with your own team of 4-6 Siberian huskies—one of the original Arctic sled dog breeds—racing around 6 miles of twisty snow-covered trails over the hills north of Fairbanks.
Upon your arrival after a 45 minute drive up the Elliot Highway, suit up in the provided cold weather outerwear and boots before meeting the team of sled dogs who will be your partners for the day. The professional dog sledding guides, including 3x Iditarod finisher Lisbet Norris, will demonstrate the proper techniques for harnessing the team before instructing you on how to safely drive your sled, including how to slow down, stop, and steer the team on the trail.
Pro Tip:
Above all else, the one thing to avoid is letting go of the sled. As the guides will repeatedly emphasize, a loose team is a dead team.
Glide through the old-growth boreal forest to the summit of a ridge with breathtaking panoramic views of the White Mountains and Chatanika River Valley below. Guides will snap photos of the group while leading the pack on the trail, which includes elevated portions requiring some balance and cardio output as you assist the dogs uphill. The entire experience lasts 2.5 hours, with a minimum of 1 hour on the dog sled and extra time talking, bonding with the dogs, and taking pictures.
Lunch - GR's Empanada House
Head 45 minutes back into Fairbanks for a quick lunch, this time stopping at unassuming GR’s Empanada House for handmade Bolivian empanadas that hit the spot after a tiring outdoor excursion. Baked fresh to order with scratch-made dough and thoughtful fillings, there’s a flavor for every appetite. Whether ordering staples like cheeseburger empanadas loaded with beef, cheese, and onions from the everyday menu or testing a seasonal special like the corned beef St. Patrick’s variety I tried, these turnovers are the real deal considering the Carrasco gang has been crafting homemade empanadas since 2002!
World Ice Art Championships
If visiting from mid-February through the end of March, head 8 minutes over to the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds to bear witness to the 100+ frozen sculptures competing in the World Ice Art Championships. Fairbanks’ connection to ice art dates back to the 1930s, when winter carnivals featured carved ice thrones and small sculpting displays to celebrate the arrival of spring as an outdoor activity for residents to enjoy.
Another one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience leaning into the local culture, today unique pieces carved from blocks of ice create a whimsical winter playground complete with ice games like table hockey and slides you can slip down in the Kids Park—simply trade in your ID as collateral to use a free sled!
Fireside Tea and Reindeer Tour
When your nose begins to feel nippy, drive 40 minutes to check into your accommodations for the night—which I highly recommend should involve an igloo at Pleasant Acres Reindeer Ranch! Assuming you secure one of these fiberglass domes, the Fireside Tea & Reindeer Group Tour is an educational 1.5 hour experience offered next door.
Begin in the Chena Outdoor Collective yurt for a debrief on the history of Arctic animals in Alaska, reindeer anatomy, and the difference between reindeer and caribou. Stroll down the enchanting black spruce trails illuminated by twinkling holiday lights to mingle with the herd, who become much more personable once their favorite snack—lichen—is handed out. A cozy campfire and traditional tent provide warmth as well as 2 cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows you can sip while snapping shots of your firsthand reindeer encounter.
Relax in your igloo accommodations for the night, monitoring the complimentary aurora alerts in case the northern lights happen to dance across the polar sky once more!
Day 3
Chena Hot Springs
Since you’re already a fair distance outside town, continuing pressing onwards for another 40 minutes through the alpine tundra to reach Chena Hot Springs. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM, this relaxing geothermal getaway is notable for its steamy pools. Natural mineral water is heated to 106° F while circulating deep underground before shooting to the surface through fractures in the granite rock underneath the springs.
A $20 day pass unlocks use of the 4-foot-deep hot springs lake, indoor heated pool, outdoor and indoor hot tubs, plus use of the locker area and shower facilities—no hotel room reservation required. A dressing room, lockers, hair dryers, and lavatories are located in the pool house and swimsuits are available for sale if you happen to forget packing one.
Pro Tip:
Towels for day guests are offered for $5, however use of lockers requires coins on hand as the storage spaces only accept quarters to pay the $0.50 fee.
Aside from the healing properties of the springs, the best part about a trip to Chena is that you can fill your time with as many activities as you desire. Visiting in the winter, I began with a guided single rider electric snowmobile tour around the Monument Creek trail. Gently gliding through 3-6 miles of icy wilderness was the perfect 50-minute adventure to kickstart my morning, complete with scenic, snow-covered views and the thrill of racing over hills and bridges. No prior experience is necessary, and required gear like helmets as well as complimentary cold weather parkas, snow pants, and bunny boots are provided.
After snowmobiling and soaking, learn more about mushing with a 40-minute kennel tour complete with Alaskan husky puppy play time if any are living in the yard! An experienced musher provides educational insights about the sport as you explore a working mushing kennel with over 50 dogs.
Last but not least, a trip to Chena wouldn’t be complete without a stop inside the world's largest year-round ice environment! The 45-minute Aurora Ice Museum experience allows you to step inside the frozen castle crafted from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow and maintained at a cool 25° F inside. Pick up a free-of-charge parka before entering, snap pictures of the intricate ice sculptures, and sip an appletini in an ice glass if over 21—be sure to bring a valid ID for age verification!
Lunch - Trails End Lounge
Between your soak in the springs and scheduled outdoor activities, pop into the Trails End Lounge for lunch, which is pretty much the only dining option on the property. With cozy log cabin ambiance, this greenhouse-to-table establishment ensures you’ll taste the “freshest lettuce in Alaska” year-round! Compliment this crunchy green with a quintessential Alaskan catch by ordering a grilled salmon burger on a toasted bun.
Dinner - The Pump House
Reward yourself after the grueling 1 hour and 30 minute trek back to town over slick, ice-covered roads with a sophisticated final meal at The Pump House. A portal back to the bygone ‘Gold Rush’ era, this historic surf 'n' turf specialist offers locally sourced Alaskan-style cuisine alongside the picturesque Chena River.
Showcasing the best of Alaska’s bountiful waters, indulge in a bowl of King crab mac and cheese combining the freshest products possible with the region’s unique culinary heritage. Hearty meals and a warm ambiance where rip-roaring adventure meets Victorian elegance sets the stage for one last memorable meal in Fairbanks.
How Much Do Three Days in Fairbanks Cost?
Following the above what to see in Fairbanks Alaska itinerary totaled $3,350.11, costing me $837.53 per day as a young 20-something on a solo trip:
Transportation — $532.91
Food — $223.11
Activities — $1,665.39
Lodging — $813.89
Souvenirs — $114.81
Totaling my expenses was somewhat of a shocking revelation given I spread the charges out over a few months, but ultimately I wasn’t willing to compromise on any facet of my ideal Alaskan experience. Solo traveling inherently made my accommodations more expensive, with my single night in an igloo costing nearly $400—which could’ve easily been split with another guest if I wasn’t traveling alone. However, it’s worthwhile to note this is the cheapest igloo-type stay offered around Fairbanks!
My activity expenses were also outrageous, with each major excursion costing nearly $400—and even more in the case of the Denali scenic flight! That said, these are one-of-a-kind experiences based on local cultural traditions like the Iditarod, so I’m typically more willing to splurge when a particular activity truly can’t be replicated anywhere else. I had initially expected Fairbanks to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, however this incorrect assumption failed to account for the elevated pricing of food in a remote location with high operational costs baked into retail prices as well as the unavoidable need for a rental vehicle during the duration of your stay.
What to Wear in Fairbanks?
Packing for a winter trip to Fairbanks is no trivial feat; the extreme chill requires a thoughtful approach suited for the northern climate. The key to staying comfortably warm is layering correctly.
Starting at the innermost pieces, both base and mid layers are required for proper insulation. Cotton should be avoided at all costs given it won’t keep you warm when wet from the snow or sweat, and it dries slowly. Warm and wicking wool or fleece long sleeves, leggings, and thick socks are much better suited for retaining body heat. An oversized puffer is ideal for active outdoor excursions like dog sledding in a successively larger size to ensure it fits over your layers underneath. When strolling around town, a long fur coat is a more fashion-forward choice that can keep you just as bundled with a comfy robe silhouette. Baggy boyfriend bottoms are loose enough to pull over less flattering long johns, which absolutely need to be worn regardless since warm legs ensure warm feet. Waterproof boots are the safest bet to ensure you’re not damaging any suede in the snow plus fuzzy ear coverings—and even a neck gaiter in some cases—top off the optimal winter weather outfit formula.
Long Fur Coat
bring a splash of elegance to the frontier in a luxurious long fur coat that feels like being bundled in a warm robe
Oversized Puffer
a waterproof, oversized puffer is the perfect piece of functional fashion to wear over your other insulating layers
Mid & Base Layers
fleece-lined mid and base layers are a non-negotiable when it comes to staying warm in the subzero Alaskan winter chill
Boyfriend Bottoms
baggy denim and cargo boyfriend bottoms are loose enough to pull over insulating layers while still looking stylish
Waterproof Boots
prepare for winter outdoor activities with waterproof boots that won’t get damaged when snow melts on them
Fuzzy Ear Coverings
keep your head warm with fuzzy ear coverings—whether you prefer muffs, headbands, or Alaskan trapper hats
Discover where I purchased my pictured pieces with curated Alaska winter outfit inspiration to help you pack your own winter wonderland travel wardrobe!
When is the Best Time to Visit Fairbanks?
Tucked beneath the aurora oval, Fairbanks runs on extreme seasonal rhythms—midnight sun in summer, polar darkness in winter, and wildly different experiences depending on when you visit. Your ideal trip time depends on what you want to see: glowing northern lights, warm-weather wilderness, or both.
Autumn (Late August–October): Prime Aurora Season & Milder Conditions
The best time of year for northern lights in Fairbanks is the fall shoulder season, especially late September around the autumn equinox when geomagnetic activity naturally peaks. Nights grow darker and longer, temperatures are still manageable (often 25–45°F / –4–7°C), and roads remain easy to navigate before deep winter snow arrives. This season strikes the perfect balance: strong aurora potential, crisp air, clear skies, and a heavily-forested landscape turning gold. Hotels and tours are fully operational, making autumn the ideal season for the average visitor.
Winter (November–January): Harsh Temperatures & Lower Success Rates
While winter technically offers the longest nights, it’s surprisingly not the best time to visit Fairbanks for aurora hunting. This is the coldest stretch of the year, with brutal temperatures plunging to –20°F to –40°F (–29°C to –40°C) and frequent cloud cover obscuring the sky. Icy roads become incredibly slick, extended tours run well into the early morning, vehicle issues are common, and outdoor activities are significantly limited.
Unless you're an extreme cold enthusiast, this mid-winter window is not recommended—you’ll face more, potentially dangerous logistical challenges and fewer ideal viewing nights.
Early Spring (February–March): Best Northern Lights Conditions
For those set on seeing the aurora while there’s snow on the ground, February and March are widely considered the optimal months. Days are sunnier, skies are clearer, and nights remain long—though temperatures ease into a more tolerable range compared to mid-winter. The spring equinox in March is one of the strongest annual aurora periods, offering a top-tier combination of high geomagnetic activity, dark nights, and drivable roads. Fairbanks is still snowy and cold, but the experience is dramatically more comfortable than that of December or January.
Summer (May–August): Midnight Sun & Warm-Weather Adventures
If northern lights aren’t a priority, summer is the most pleasant time to visit Fairbanks. From late May to mid-July, the midnight sun keeps the sky bright 24 hours a day, revealing an entirely different Alaska. Expect blissful highs in the 60s–80s°F (16–27°C) and access to activities impossible in winter such as river floats, wildlife viewing in boreal forests, and summer solstice festivals. Summer in Fairbanks feels like an entirely different destination—warm, lively, and full of energy.
If your goal is to see the northern lights, aim for late August through October for the best combination of comfort and aurora reliability. Otherwise, visit in February or March when you’re sure to find clear skies, long nights, and peak equinox activity. Avoid November through January unless you’re prepared for severe cold and lower viewing odds, which defeats the whole purpose of the trip anyways. For outdoor adventurers who have already seen the aurora, June through August provide endless daylight, warm weather, and the widest range of summer experiences.
How Many Days in Fairbanks?
When visiting Fairbanks in the winter, staying for at least 3 nights is critical if you’re serious about seeing the northern lights. Aurora viewing isn’t guaranteed on any single night—cloud cover, solar activity, and weather conditions all have to align. By giving yourself a minimum three-night window, you significantly increase the statistical likelihood that at least one night will be both geomagnetically active and clear enough to see those emerald ribbons, raising your chances to roughly 90% during the aurora season.
This buffer is especially important in Interior Alaska, where one night might be perfectly clear while the next is completely cloudy or too windy for comfortable viewing. A multi-night stay helps you hedge against these natural variables and ensures you’re not relying on a single, make-or-break evening. Many tours take these uncontrollable forces into account and offer flexible rebooking terms if your excursion is cancelled or worse—the group drives around all night and doesn’t catch a glimpse of anything.
Fortunately, there’s more than enough in and around Fairbanks to keep you occupied during the day! From dog sledding, ice sculpture parks, and reindeer encounters to geothermal hot springs, scenic flights over Denali, and charming North Pole attractions, winter in Fairbanks offers endless adventure. With a mix of daytime activities and multiple opportunities for nighttime hunting, three nights (or more!) maximizes your chances of aurora success.
Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering what is there to do in Fairbanks Alaska and if it’s even worth a visit, the answer is undoubtedly yes! Truth be told, Fairbanks wasn’t originally on my travel bucket list; I only ended up going because an international northern lights trip to Finland or Iceland didn’t make sense for me logistically.
Now having visited during the prime aurora season, every expectation I had going into my solo Alaska venture was exceeded—from the food to the accommodations and of course the once-in-a-lifetime activities I had the pleasure of indulging in. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to fly over the tallest mountain on a particular continent, see an otherworldly natural wonder, and attempt an esoteric sport like dog mushing—but that’s Fairbanks for you!
The extreme environment rewards with equally extreme experiences. Even though you’ll need to dress in a minimum of three layers each day while exploring this winter wonderland, the hassle is worth the resulting memories. I saw similarly negative online reviews of Fairbanks food while planning my trip, and I could not disagree more with this sentiment. Not only was I able to taste Moldovan cuisine for the first time—something I’ve never seen represented in the Lower 48—but even the lowkey spots had truly delicious, authentic food that was clearly prepared with love and local ingredients.
That said, the endless merits of Fairbanks truly blew me away. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to see the northern lights without leaving the country—especially since you’ll feel as though you’ve landed on another planet!
Fairbanks for First-Timers: FAQs
What to do in Fairbanks Alaska in March?
In March, Fairbanks offers late-winter wonderland adventures: chase the northern lights during peak equinox activity, admire freshly carved ice sculptures from the World Ice Art Championships, go dog sledding, meet reindeer, sleep in an igloo, explore North Pole, Alaska, and relax in the geothermal waters of Chena Hot Springs.
What is the weather like in Fairbanks Alaska in winter?
Winter in Fairbanks is intensely cold, with subzero temperatures often between –10°F and –30°F. Aurora viewing is challenging during the deep winter months of late November through February due to extreme, cloudy conditions. March offers clearer nights, tolerable cold, and still snowy landscapes, making it a more comfortable time to experience winter weather and the northern lights.
What are Fairbanks travel tips?
Top Fairbanks travel tips include packing successively larger layers to stay warm and booking your aurora tour on your first night so you have multiple chances to see the northern lights. For the best viewing conditions, aim for the March or September equinoxes rather than the deep winter.
Can you rent an igloo in Alaska?
While you can’t rent an actual dome made of ice, igloo-shaped accommodations are available around Fairbanks, Alaska. Glass igloos can cost upwards of thousands of dollars per night, while fiberglass variations offer a more budget-friendly way to enjoy an igloo-style stay.
Do you need a car to explore Fairbanks Alaska?
Yes, you need a car to explore Fairbanks, Alaska. Most of the top activities and outdoor attractions begin outside the city center, so a rental car outfitted with a winter package is essential for safely experiencing the area’s pristine natural beauty.
How to spend 3 days in Fairbanks?
Spend 3 days in Fairbanks by taking a winter summit flight over Denali, exploring the North Pole, and chasing the northern lights on your first night. Follow with dog sledding, reindeer encounters, and a relaxing evening in an igloo stay. On your final day, ride snowmobiles, soak in the Chena Hot Springs, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, and end with classic yet upscale Alaskan cuisine.
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Add this Fairbanks map to your phone for easy navigation during your trip (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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