04/01/2026
Fairbanks, we just lived through the history books. The numbers are in, and the December to March 2025-26 season will go down as the all-time record coldest for Fairbanks since records began in 1904. With an average temperature of -13.6°F, we’ve edged out the legendary winter of 1965-66 to take the #1 spot.
This season marks a dramatic reversal from a year ago. After experiencing the second warmest December to March stretch on record last year, we saw a significant drop in temperatures this year, down to the coldest ever in Fairbanks history. It’s a powerful reminder of how variable Northern Alaska’s weather can be.
This season wasn’t just about one cold snap; it was a marathon of sub-zero endurance. Here’s a look at how this winter stacked up:
The Deep Freeze by the Numbers:
Persistence: 150 consecutive days and counting at or below freezing, marking the longest stretch the Interior has seen since the early 1970s.
Extreme Cold: We saw 31 days at or below -40°F, the fourth-highest count on record and the most since 1965. Additionally, 72 days reached at or below -20°F, and 52 days fell to at or below -30°F, with 66 days not even getting above 0°F.
Deep Snow: On top of the cold, we tallied 92.6" of snow, making this the 12th snowiest season on record.
Whether you’re celebrating the end of a record breaking winter or already missing the crisp air, one thing is certain: we earned those spring temperatures. ☀️
