Weather & Climate in Knik-Fairview, AK
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Knik-Fairview has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 62.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 164 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 37.0°F |
| 31% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
| Area | 84.3 sq mi (218.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 257/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5076°N, 149.6226°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively High |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | No Rating |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
| Tsunami | Relatively Low |
| Volcano | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,459 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M6.3.
| May 1, 1991 | Central Alaska | M6.3 | 142 km | 115 km |
| May 31, 2021 | 73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska | M6.1 | 127 km | 44 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 | 46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska | M5.8 | 125 km | 114 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 | 20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska | M5.8 | 68 km | 64 km |
| May 24, 1995 | 26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska | M5.5 | 62 km | 39 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 | 33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska | M5.4 | 74 km | 54 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 | 19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska | M5.4 | 108 km | 49 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 | 36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska | M5.4 | 75 km | 65 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 | 33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska | M5.4 | 127 km | 98 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 | 29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska | M5.4 | 75 km | 67 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 | 54 km NE of Chase, Alaska | M5.4 | 150 km | 84 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 | 13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska | M5.3 | 29 km | 39 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 | 8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska | M5.3 | 107 km | 87 km |
| May 6, 1997 | 8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska | M5.3 | 8 km | 31 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 | 5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska | M5.3 | 27 km | 46 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 | 5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska | M5.3 | 27 km | 46 km |
| May 30, 2004 | 57 km W of Tyonek, Alaska | M5.3 | 147 km | 125 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 | 14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska | M5.2 | 40 km | 38 km |
| May 30, 2017 | 32 km WNW of Nikiski, Alaska | M5.2 | 139 km | 81 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 | 19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska | M5.2 | 72 km | 59 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF0.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 | EF0 | 42 km | 0.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1964 | PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK | Eruption + Earthquake | 51.8 m | 139 | 139 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Spurr (142 km).
| Name | Type | Elevation | Last Eruption | Distance |
| Spurr | Stratovolcano | 3,374 m (11,070 ft) | 1992 | 142 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP).
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | SU RIVER | 7,050 | 58 km |
| 2015 | SOCKEYE | 6,538 | 41 km |
| 2019 | MCKINLEY | 3,436 | 58 km |
| 2010 | EKLUTNA | 1,941 | 40 km |
| 2014 | TYONEK | 1,668 | 92 km |
| 2019 | DESHKA LANDING | 1,285 | 35 km |
| 2002 | THURSDAY CREEK | 1,046 | 61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| May | 49°F (9°C) | 0.8 in | |
| June | 57°F (14°C) | 1.5 in | |
| July | 60°F (16°C) | 1.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 58°F (14°C) | 2.8 in | Wettest |
| September | 49°F (9°C) | 2.3 in | |
| October | 35°F (2°C) | 1.6 in | |
| November | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in | |
| December | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.6 in |
Knik-Fairview has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 14°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.8") and April the driest (0.5").