When Does Alaska Start to get Cold?

news image
Special Stories
27 Sep 2018 8:17 AM
Think of Alaska and you'll probably picture snow, moose, wilderness and COLD! But that's not the case for our northernmost state all year. The summer brings almost endless daylight during its peak. So when does it really start to get cold in Alaska... and how cold does it actually get?   The change in the weather really takes a dramatic turn in October. Average highs fall from 45 in Fairbanks to just 19 degrees between the 1st and the 31st of the month. Lows dip to the single digits. By January it is bitterly cold...  this month typically holds the coldest temperatures of the year on record. Average highs for the month sit at just over 1 degree for Fairbanks with lows well below zero.  The record low for Fairbanks occurred in January of 1934 at only -66. The lowest temperature on record in Alaska also occurred in January at Prospect Creek in 1971 at 80 below zero. That's 111 degrees BELOW the freezing mark. It's not all cold though. Record highs across the state have reached into the 90s.   For Weather Nation: Meteorologist Emily Roehler
All Weather News
More
Flossie Strengthens to Hurricane Status

Flossie Strengthens to Hurricane Status

EASTERN PACIFICThe National Hurricane Center

1 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

Severe Storms For the East Coast Through Tuesday

A cold front is tapping into a moist air mass

1 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Hurricane Center Monitoring Florida for Tropical Development

Residents and visitors to the Southeast will

1 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

Where Rain Could Dampen Holiday Travel Plans

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

1 Jul 2025 12:50 AM
Extreme Heat Continues Out West

Extreme Heat Continues Out West

An upper-level ridge is building into the Des

1 Jul 2025 12:45 AM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

It has been an active, severe season across t

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM
Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

Thunderstorms Possible in the Southeast Overnight

SOUTHEAST - Strong thunderstorms have develop

28 Jun 2025 2:40 AM