Fairbanks is a city in the interior region of Alaska, United States. It is known for its extreme seasonal daylight changes, cold winters, and as one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Fairbanks follows Alaska Standard Time (AKST), which is 9 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC−9). During daylight saving time, the city switches to Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), UTC−8.
Quick Facts
- City: Fairbanks
- State: Alaska
- Country: United States
- Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST)
- Timezone (system): America/Anchorage
- UTC Offset: UTC −9
- Daylight Saving Time: Yes (AKDT – UTC −8)
- Population: ~30,000
Time Difference From Major Cities
- Sydney: +20 hours ahead
- London: +9 hours ahead
- New York: +4 hours ahead
- Dubai: +13 hours ahead
- Tokyo: +18 hours ahead
Daylight Saving Time
Fairbanks observes Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Starts: Second Sunday in March
- Ends: First Sunday in November
During this time, the city uses Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT – UTC−8).
Best Time to Call Fairbanks
Typical business hours:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Fairbanks time)
Recommended times:
- Australia: Early morning or midday
- United Kingdom: Afternoon Fairbanks / late evening Europe
- United States (East Coast): Midday to evening
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone is Fairbanks in?
Fairbanks uses Alaska Standard Time (AKST) and switches to AKDT during daylight saving time.
Is Fairbanks colder than Anchorage?
Yes. Fairbanks is located inland and often experiences colder winter temperatures than coastal cities like Anchorage.
Does Fairbanks observe daylight saving time?
Yes. The city follows the U.S. daylight saving schedule.
Where Is Fairbanks Located?
Fairbanks is located in interior Alaska, along the Chena River, about 320 miles (515 km) north of Anchorage.
What Is Fairbanks Famous For?
Fairbanks is known for:
- Viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
- Extremely cold winters
- Midnight sun during summer
- Outdoor activities like dog sledding and ice fishing
- Being a gateway to Arctic Alaska
Additional Note
Fairbanks experiences some of the most dramatic daylight variations in the world. In summer, the sun can stay up for nearly 24 hours, while in winter, daylight may last only a few hours per day.
