Help me get a realistic view of average monthly weather in Anchorage

[SirLancelot911]

I'm not sure if Fairbanks would be up my alley. I could certainly go for the summer temperatures, but the winter extremes would likely be a bit too extreme for me and my family. My mom lived there for 4 years in the mid-60's and talks about frostbite, -50 and -60 temperatures, etc. I'm not sure I could hack cold weather that far south on the thermometer... Anchorage, yes. Fairbanks, probably not. It would seem any and all outdoor activities would pretty much be eliminated for a couple months out of the year.

[cjg5]

I've heard outdoor activity in and around Fairbanks happens all year long, except for in the most very extreme cold.

[cjg5]

If you like good seasonal variation, with snow in the winter and summers that are reliably clear, dry, and warm to hot, why not consider Spokane?

[heathen]

Originally Posted by cjg5

I've heard outdoor activity in and around Fairbanks happens all year long, except for in the most very extreme cold.

Most outdoor minded folks in the interior will go out down to about -20. The level of preparation for that is similar to getting out in Seattle when it's 40 above and raining. A little uncomfortable, but safe and worthwhile if you do it right. Some go out well below -20, but the fun:work ratio takes a real dive at that point... In southcentral (Anchorage), people seem to get out a lot less when it hits zero. Not just because we're wimps I guess.. The higher humidity and almost always slightly breezy weather make zero in Anchorage feel a lot like -20 in Fairbanks.

[cjg5]

Yes, -20 is what I'm sure I've heard before too. And that its a dry cold makes it easier, just as a dry heat is easier to tolerate than a humid heat.

Its interesting that you compare it to 40 above and raining in Seattle. I am so tired of the rain. Quite honestly, it can be as cold as it wants, as cloudy as it wants, it can snow or hail, just don't rain on parade! Lol. (Also detest humidity, especially when its hot).

I would love to experience a year (or more) in Fairbanks. Would be quite an experience with the temperature and daylight extremes, as well as just fun to explore and play, both in a winter wonderland, and also a nice, warm, tshirt and shorts day!

[SirLancelot911]

Originally Posted by cjg5

If you like good seasonal variation, with snow in the winter and summers that are reliably clear, dry, and warm to hot, why not consider Spokane?

The climate would probably be right up my alley, but it wouldn't have the frontier surroundings similar to Alaska that have such a pull on me right now. I've been to Spokane before and apart from being close to beautiful Idaho and Montana, I don't care for it.

[cjg5]

Originally Posted by SirLancelot911

The climate would probably be right up my alley, but it wouldn't have the frontier surroundings similar to Alaska that have such a pull on me right now. I've been to Spokane before and apart from being close to beautiful Idaho and Montana, I don't care for it.

Cle Elum, Roslyn, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Chelan, or something in Okanogan county (or any of the north eastern Washington counties) might be right up your alley then.

But I must admit, as stunningly beautiful as Washington state is, there is just something about Alaska that just screams out even more extreme beauty. A big part of what also draws me to the state.