How cold does it get during the winter months?
Question & Answer about Alaska
Updated April 26, 2026
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Alaska State Facts
State Flag
Alaska
Capital
Juneau
State Bird
Willow Ptarmigan
Statehood
January 3, 1959
State Flower
Forget-Me-Not
Population
740,000 (2020)
Answer
Winter temperatures in Alaska can vary widely depending on the region, but generally, it gets extremely cold, especially in the interior and northern parts of the state. In these areas, winter temperatures often drop below -40°F (-40°C), with some locations experiencing even colder extremes. Coastal regions, such as Anchorage and Juneau, tend to have milder winters due to the moderating influence of the ocean, with temperatures typically ranging from the teens to low 30s Fahrenheit (-10 to 0°C).
The interior city of Fairbanks is known for its harsh winters, where average lows in January often hover around -20°F (-29°C), and it is not uncommon for temperatures to plunge below -50°F (-46°C) during cold spells. Meanwhile, the northernmost parts of Alaska, like Barrow (Utqia?vik), experience prolonged periods of darkness and bitter cold, with winter temperatures frequently below -30°F (-34°C). Snow cover is persistent, and the cold season can last from October through April or May depending on the area.
Key Points:
- Interior Alaska can reach below -40°F (-40°C) in winter.
- Coastal areas have milder winters, typically between 10°F and 30°F (-12
The interior city of Fairbanks is known for its harsh winters, where average lows in January often hover around -20°F (-29°C), and it is not uncommon for temperatures to plunge below -50°F (-46°C) during cold spells. Meanwhile, the northernmost parts of Alaska, like Barrow (Utqia?vik), experience prolonged periods of darkness and bitter cold, with winter temperatures frequently below -30°F (-34°C). Snow cover is persistent, and the cold season can last from October through April or May depending on the area.
Key Points:
- Interior Alaska can reach below -40°F (-40°C) in winter.
- Coastal areas have milder winters, typically between 10°F and 30°F (-12
