Overall Anchorage is the best choice when deciding where to start your trip. If you plan your visit for the Northern Lights, then Fairbanks is a better choice.
Is Anchorage or Fairbanks better for Northern Lights?
Although Fairbanks is known as the best place to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, you can also get a pretty good show in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. You may need to get a bit outside of the south coastal city to really see the lights, but guides like Salmon Berry Tours can take you to all the best spots.
Is Fairbanks Alaska worth visiting?
Fairbanks is the hub for Alaska’s Interior and Arctic and is known for its first-class accommodations and restaurants, museums, concerts, historic sites, Alaska Native culture, and access to the Alaskan wilderness. It is also famous for it’s incredible long summer days, where the sun never seems to set.
Is Fairbanks more expensive than Anchorage?
The cost of living in Anchorage, AK is 9.8% higher than in Fairbanks, AK.
Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks?
Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. The US average is 27.8 inches of snow per year.
What is the best place in Alaska to see the northern lights?
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
The city of Fairbanks, in Alaska, is often cited as the best place to see the Northern Lights in the United States. It’s home to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, which issues forecasts on Aurora viewing conditions.
Can you see northern lights from Anchorage?
Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage – but not in the summer. The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April. Winter is the prime viewing time.
Is Anchorage worth visiting?
Anchorage is absolutely worth visiting! There are tons of activities including arts and crafts, dining, fishing, hiking, museums, and scenery – and that’s without even leaving the city. What is this? Outside the city, there is more opportunity for hiking, skiing, diving, and all sorts of other activities.
How many days do you need in Fairbanks?
With three days in Fairbanks, you’ll be able to see the city’s most popular sights and still have time for an adventure above the Arctic Circle. Guided outdoor excursions offer a chance to reach remote areas and enjoy the outdoors in every season.
What should you avoid in Alaska?
20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs
- Farmed seafood. Flickr/fs999.
- Or buying fish in general.
- Even feeding your dogs farmed fish.
- Eating hot dogs.
- Camping without a view.
- Snacking on chips from the lower 48.
- Shopping at big corporate box stores.
- Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage?
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Anchorage, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall.
Is Fairbanks a nice place to live?
Known as the “Golden Heart City,” Fairbanks Alaska boasts diverse culture, rich history, a thriving population and economy, and plenty to explore! In the summer, go adventure in the land of the midnight sun. In the winter, take in breathtaking views of the aurora dancing in the night sky.
Is there a train from Anchorage to Fairbanks?
The railroad’s prized Denali Star train runs the scenic 350-mile route from Anchorage to Fairbanks once daily. After passengers board and settle into comfortable seats in either Adventure Class or GoldStar Dome cars, the train promptly departs the historic Anchorage Depot.
Is it always cold in Fairbanks Alaska?
Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Fairbanks Alaska, United States. In Fairbanks, the summers are long, comfortable, and mostly cloudy and the winters are frigid, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -13°F to 73°F and is rarely below -39°F or above 83°F.
Why is Fairbanks so warm in the summer?
Fairbanks, Alaska’s Sun feels like a very different sun, because of our high latitude. The atmosphere is thinner and direct sunshine on a 70 degrees F in Fairbanks feels much warmer than it does in the lower-48 or in Germany. You can get an uncomfortable sunburn if you aren’t careful.
Why is it so cold in Fairbanks?
The icy chill is the result of an upper-level low pressure system containing a lot of cold air that is locked into place over western Alaska, Brettschneider told Alaska’s Energy Desk. “We’re kind of under the bulls-eye,” he said in an interview.
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Fairbanks Alaska?
If you’re headed to Alaska to catch a glimpse of the aurora, experts advise the best time to see the northern lights in the Land of the Midnight Sun is from late August through April, with Fairbanks known as one of the top places in the world to watch the spectacular natural light show.
Can you see northern lights from Fairbanks?
Fairbanks’ location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is under the “Auroral Oval,” a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, Fairbanks’ low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights.
Is Iceland or Alaska better for northern lights?
If you’re wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities. Ideally, you should be north of the 65 degrees latitude on a cloudless night, away from the light pollution of a major city.
Where is the prettiest place in Alaska?
Unspoiled Alaska: The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- Denali National Park.
- Katmai National Park and Preserve.
- Matanuska Glacier.
- Kodiak Island.
- Tatshenshini-Alsek River.
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
- Wrangell St.
How many days should I spend in Anchorage?
Most people plan at least three days in Anchorage during their Alaska travels. No matter how long you have, there are many ways to explore. Eat your way through Anchorage, dive into Alaska Native cultures, enjoy the great outdoors, search for bears, or see just how much you can fit into one day under the midnight sun.
