Fairbanks or Yellowknife in February?
On climate data, Yellowknife comes out ahead overall in February. See the per-criterion details below.
FairbanksPhoto: Brady Riemenschneider · CC BY 2.0
YellowknifePhoto: Sebastian Schlaeger · CC BY-SA 2.0Key figures in February
| Criterion | Fairbanks | Yellowknife |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | -13 °C | -23 °C |
| Average daily low | -21 °C | -31 °C |
| Rainy days | 7 rainy days (est.) | 4 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 1 h/day | 1 h/day |
| Humidity | 94 % | 96 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Fairbanks is about 10 °C warmer by day.
- Yellowknife is drier, with about 2 fewer rainy days.
Fairbanks or Yellowknife in February: the short answer
In February, Yellowknife comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Fairbanks 38/100 vs Yellowknife 41/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on February as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Fairbanks averages a climate score of 42/100, Yellowknife 51/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in February, side by side
The average daily high is about -13 °C in Fairbanks and -23 °C in Yellowknife — warmer in Fairbanks. Average daily lows are around -21 °C versus -31 °C.
On rain, Fairbanks sees about 7 rainy days in February and Yellowknife about 4 — drier in Yellowknife. Sunshine is comparable (1 vs 1 hours a day).
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Fairbanks records roughly 127 rainy days and Yellowknife about 85 — the drier of the two overall is Yellowknife. At their sunniest, Fairbanks reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (June) and Yellowknife about 8 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Fairbanks has no month that stands clearly above the rest, while Yellowknife peaks in June, July and August. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the February scores for each travel style:
City breaks: Yellowknife scores higher in February (Fairbanks 42 vs Yellowknife 45).
Active & hiking: Yellowknife scores higher in February (Fairbanks 35 vs Yellowknife 39).
Family: Yellowknife scores higher in February (Fairbanks 38 vs Yellowknife 40).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In February, Yellowknife leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Yellowknife carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.