The best time of the year to see the aurora in Fairbanks is February-April. This is due to the clear weather and proximity to the equinox. Equinoxes occur in March and September and for the months surrounding (August-October and February-April), auroral activity is enhanced. March is the single best month for aurora chasing in Fairbanks. Early September is a close second place. The warm weather means skies are clear and roads are bare. If you don't like the cold, then come to Alaska to see the auroras in early September. Due to the midnight Sun, auroras can't be seen from the second week in April until the last weekend in August. In late September to early October, we get our first snow in Fairbanks and the weather usually turns cloudy until late November. This doesn't mean auroras can't be seen during this time of the year, it is just statistically more cloudy during October and November than in other months. By the second or third week of February, usually the snow has blown off the black spruce trees and the weather turns warmer and windier. If you want to photograph the aurora with snowy tres, come in December or January.

I recommend at least 4-7 nights in Fairbanks to see the aurora. There is no way to predict cloud cover or auroral activity reliably in Fairbanks. Remember that clear skies are necessary to see the aurora. Every night, there is some level of northern lights in Fairbanks, but on very low activity nights, this may only amount to a glow to the north. To maximize your chances of clear skies and a great display, of aurora, you need time, and the more. time the better!

Temperatures in Fairbanks can reach down to -60 °F (-51 °C). These conditions can kill you if you are outside and not dressed properly. If you don't have the following items, you should either purchase the gear when you arrive in Fairbanks or ideally, rent from an outfitter like Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental.

For extreme cold weather, I always dress in layers.

Bottom half:

• Wool baselayer (long johns/long underwear)
• Sweat pants/lined jeans
• Snowpants (ideally bibs)

Top half:

• Wool baselayer
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Sweatshirt/hoodie
• Parka

Extremities (feet, head, hands):

• Wool socks
• Winter boots (not shoes; I wear BAFFIN)
• Balaclava
• Hat
• Glove liners
• Mitten shells

It's very important you try to stick to wool fabrics as much as possible. Wool is breathable and does not get cold when wet. Even in extreme cold weather, you will sweat. Cotton will get wet and you will get cold. Also, buy a size up for any outside layers (e.g., parka). Layers only work at keeping you warm when there is warm air sandwiched between them. Tight-fitting layers will let the cold seep right through them.

I always recommend renting a good off-road-capable or winterized car no matter the season, but if you only stick to paved roads, you don't need anything special if you are coming to Fairbanks in early-mid September. Once the first snow falls, you want an AWD/4WD car. You also want to check the tread of your tires. Most rental car companies will give you a new car with a fancy AWD/4WD system but with bald tires. Good winter tires are the make or break factor when driving on ice and snow - not even the best driving systems can compensate for bald tires.

If you notice your tires are bald on your assigned rental car, let the rental car company know, or try and find a different car in the same "class" as your original car.

Alaska4x4 Rentals is a popular option for renting a car capable of handling winter roads in Fairbanks.

This advice also applies for Anchorage, although, road conditions vary more in the winter there. In Fairbanks, the roads are packed ice/snow from October until April without much change.

You don't need to book an aurora tour, but it is recommended to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.

Learn why this is in my blog article!

If you want to book an aurora tour, check out the different packages I offer in partnership with Greatland Adventures and Face the Outdoors, two of the best aurora tour companies here in Alaska offering tours in both Fairbanks and Anchorage.

If you want to aurora chase on your own, consider buying my aurora chasing locations guide for Fairbanks as well as my Beginner's Guide to Aurora Chasing e-books.

While the aurora is definitely the primary attraction in Fairbanks during the winter months, there's so much more to do and see in the Golden Heart of Alaska. Here are my favorite attractions:

1. Museum of the North
2. Flightseeing tour to Denali
3. Tour to the Arctic Circle
4. Chena Hot Springs
5. Dogsledding
6. Castner Ice Cave
7. Santa Claus House
8. Winter sports at Ski Land or Moose Mountain

Check out explorefairbanks.com for tons of information on things to do in Fairbanks with recommendations for specific outfitters.

Even though Fairbanks is a small town, there is a wide variety of good food available! Here are my favorite spots:

Breakfast/Lunch:

• Little Owl Cafe
• Great Alaska Roasting Company
• Lulu's Bagels
• The Crepery
• The Cookie Jar

Dinner:

• Gallo's (Mexican)
• East Ramp Pizza
• Hungry Robot (Pizza)
• Salty's on 2nd (American)
• Brewsters (American)
• Chicken Town (Korean)
• Seoul Gate (Korean)
• Lemongrass (Thai)
• Noodle House (Thai)
• Yes! Noodles (Thai)
• 49th State Brewery (American; one hour away in Healy)

Bars/Breweries:

• HooDoo
• Black Spruce
• Latitude 65
• The Oasis
• The Spur
• Midnite Mine

Fairbanks can get cold.

During winter, the average low temperatures range from -15 °F to -25 °F, although it's common for temperatures to reach -40 °F, or even -50 °F.  The record cold temperature in Fairbanks, according to the National Weather Service, is -66 °F.

Fairbanks is beautiful every part of the year. If you are trying to see the aurora, you should be visiting in the winter, but the summer offers fantastic hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Fairbanks is the gateway to many remote wilderness areas like the Gates of the Arctic National Park. In the summer, it is also easy to travel around the state and on roads that are normally closed during the winter (e.g., Top of the World Highway and Denali Highway). Every summer solstice, there is a huge festival in Fairbanks to celebrate the longest day of the year.

There are direct flights from Anchorage and Seattle to Fairbanks all year. In the summer and fall months, there are direct flights from Minneapolis (MSP), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), and sometimes other cities. These routes usually end by October. You can also drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks which takes 5-6 hours depending on road conditions. The Alaska Railroad also runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks but takes a full day to make the journey. This is a good scenic and relaxing way to make the journey from Anchorage, though.

Book air travel to Fairbanks as early as you can since last minute tickets, even simple round trip tickets from Seattle, can reach upwards of $1000 USD.