🇺🇸 Fairbanks vs 🇺🇸 Chicago

Weather Comparison

Current Weather Right Now

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Fairbanks

overcast clouds

10°F

Overcast Clouds

Feels like 10°F

H 10°F / L 10°F

Humidity: 95%

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Chicago

broken clouds

43°F

Broken Clouds

Feels like 38°F

H 45°F / L 41°F

Humidity: 60%

Climate Overview

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Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of the coldest cities in the United States, experiencing subarctic continental climate extremes. Winter temperatures regularly drop below -40°F and extreme cold snaps can reach -60°F. The city also sees the most extreme seasonal day length variation with nearly 22 hours of daylight in summer and only 3.7 hours in winter.

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Chicago

Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms

Best monthsMay, June, September
AvoidJanuary, February, March (brutal cold)
Annual rain38 inches (965 mm)

Chicago lives up to its Windy City nickname. Lake Michigan creates its own microclimate — cooler summers and heavier lake-effect snow in winter. Summers are warm but brief; winters are among the harshest of any major American city.

Seasonal Comparison

Season🇺🇸 Fairbanks🇺🇸 Chicago
Spring

35–65°F

March–May

Summer

70–84°F

June–August

Fall

45–68°F

September–November

Winter

17–32°F

December–February

Fairbanks vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fairbanks or Chicago have better weather?

Fairbanks and Chicago have very different climates. Fairbanks is one of the coldest cities in the United States, experiencing subarctic continental clim Chicago: Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.

When is the best time to visit Fairbanks vs Chicago?

Best time for Fairbanks: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.

More Comparisons

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