Home / Main Relocate / Climate and lifestyle Click for larger image Summer means visiting the Tanana Valley Farmers Market! Photo credit: Beth Deutsche Most of the year Fairbanks enjoys sunny skies and well-defined seasons. Hot summer days are balanced by cool winter nights. The Brooks Range protects the Interior from Arctic winds while the Alaska Range keeps the wet, humid coastal weather at bay. We’ll let you in on a secret - the summers are wonderful and the winters are actually less intimidating than their reputation! Fairbanksans love spring! Spring marks the return of the geese and swans, and the literal bursting of tree buds overnight! It’s a marvelous time to watch the aurora borealis (northern lights), and enjoy winter sports on warm sunny days. In summer, Fairbanksans are always doing something outside. The days are warm and long, the gardens are blooming, and our schedule is full of outdoor and community activities! During fall, Fairbanks is awash with golden leaves and brilliant, crisp sunny days. Berry pickers can be found on most hillsides. This is a wonderful time for hiking, camping, hunting, and soaking in hot springs. Click for larger image Click for larger image The return of the geese marks spring in Fairbanks Photo credit: Joyce Kelso Enjoy idyllic winter weather with a dip in a local hot spring! Photo credit: David Hayter When winter strolls around, Fairbanksans don’t close up shop, we just change our gear. Our parkas, gloves, boots and scarves all become a fashion statement! Bundled up we take part in a variety of community events and activities. Whether it’s skiing, snow boarding, snow machining, or just enjoying a night out, Fairbanks, knows how to keep warm. Winter weather doesn’t typically slow the daily commute. To combat potentially slick winter driving conditions, many Fairbanksans choose to drive all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles (though 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with seasonal snow tires work just fine). As with all activities taking place outside during our cold winter months, it is a good idea to dress for the weather and to take other safety precautions such as packing a car emergency kit—especially if you plan to drive a long distance in a less-populated area. For more information about winter driving, visit: http://www.roadandtravel.com/safetyandsecurity/winterdrivingtips.htm http://wwwa.accuweather.com/winter-tips.asp?partner=courierpress&tip=driving http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm http://www.statefarm.com/ For more information on recreational opportunities, click here.   Copyright 2004 - 05 ©, Come to Fairbanks, all rights reserved. This site is brought to you by: Fairbanks North Star Borough, Economic Development Division PO Box 71267, Fairbanks, Alaska 99707. Phone: 907-459-1300 The preparation of this strategy was financed in part by funds received from the State Department of Community and Economic Development, Division of Community and Business Development and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. Questions, suggestions and recommended links may be sent to: info@cometofairbanks.com. Acknowledgements Web Site by Sundog Media.