Coldest Places on Earth Are Ridiculously Cold

You’ll be amazed at the average temperatures and record lows of the coldest places in the world.

Not everyone hates the cold. While some people seek warm climates to escape the cold in winter, others live in bone-chilling areas that make your frigid temperatures seem bearable.

From destinations where snowfall occurs the majority of the year to others so cold the town has frozen over, you’ll be amazed at average temperatures and record lows. These are the coldest places on Earth.

25. Narva, Estonia

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Population: 57,130

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 20.8 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Narva Is So Cold

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Estonia’s easternmost and third-largest city, Narva borders Russia — the coldest country in the world. So it makes sense that Narva sees unbearable winter weather, too.

The lowest recorded temperature in Narva is -44.7 degrees.

24. Narsarsuaq, Greenland

Greenland Bay, icebergs in the ocean during summer

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Population: 123

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 18.9 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Narsarsuaq Is So Cold

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Narsarsuaq is home to long winters and expects freezing, snowy, windy and partly cloudy conditions during the year’s coldest months.

Despite being a tiny town of just 123 people, it boasts many tourism opportunities, including wildlife, gemstones, tours to glaciers and an airfield museum.

The lowest temperature in Narsarsuaq was recorded to be -36 degrees.

23. Golmud, China

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Population: 221,863

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 16.9 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Golmud Is So Cold

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The third-largest city in the Tibetan Plateau, Golmud has freezing and dry winter conditions. Temperatures have dropped to as low as -28 degrees in January, while the coldest month sees an average of 16.9 degrees.

The Tibetan Plateau overall sees such chilly weather in winter due to its altitude and the low air pressure that altitude brings.

22. Nuuk, Greenland

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Population: 17,635

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 16.5 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Nuuk Is So Cold

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The capital and largest city of Greenland, Nuuk makes the list for being a burgeoning city despite its frigid temperatures. Despite average temperatures hovering around 16.5 degrees in February, the city’s shops, hotels and department of tourism give it life.

The lowest recorded temperature in Nuuk is -19 degrees.

21. Abisko, Sweden

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Population: 89

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 13.1 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Abisko Is So Cold

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A small village in Sweden, Abisko experiences long and cold winters. Its location north of the Arctic Circle makes severe temperatures commonplace.

In fact, in Abisko, there are 219.8 snowfall days throughout the year. So bundle up.

20. Rovaniemi, Finland

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Population: 63,032

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 12.4 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Rovaniemi Is So Cold

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Located just 4 miles south of the Arctic Circle and sandwiched between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara, Rovaniemi promises frosty temperatures all winter long. The coldest recorded temperature is -53.5 degrees.

On the upside, the city is known for being the “official” hometown of Santa Claus.

19. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

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Population: 345

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 6.1 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Ittoqqortoormiit Is So Cold

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The tundra climate of Ittoqqortoormiit makes for bitterly cold winters.

The tiny town is home to just 345 people and is often described as one of the most remote settlements on Earth.

18. Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan

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Population: 1 million

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 5.9 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Nur-Sultan Is So Cold

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Located on the Ishim River in a very flat, semi-arid steppe region, Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana) is susceptible to the chilly weather brought on by the Siberian High.

The city’s coldest day in history is recorded as -56.9 degrees, while its daily mean in January is a mere 5.9 degrees.

17. Karasjok, Norway

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Population: 2,698

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 4.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Karasjok Is So Cold

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Cold air masses moving in from Greenland and Russia make the village of Karasjok and Norway, in general, extremely cold in the winter months. Temperatures often drop below zero degrees and can get down to -35 degrees.

The area holds the coldest record for all of Norway at -60 degrees.

16. Winnipeg, Canada

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Population: 762,700

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 2.5 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Winnipeg Is So Cold

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The capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba, Winnipeg’s flat landscape leaves it exposed to various weather systems, most notably extreme blizzards and cold Arctic high-pressure systems.

Temperatures average 2.5 degrees during January, Winnipeg’s coldest month. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Winnipeg was -49 degrees.

15. Harbin, China

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Population: 5.84 million

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 0.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Harbin, China Is So Cold

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With a nickname like “Ice City,” you can bet Harbin is one of the coldest places on Earth. The city sees a daily mean of 0.3 degrees in January, while the lowest recorded temperature is -35 degrees.

With weather influenced by the Siberian high and Harbin’s location above 45 degrees north latitude, the city is known for its cold, long winters.

14. Irkutsk, Russia

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Population: 601,993

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): 0.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Irkutsk Is So Cold

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Long and cold dry winters make for unpleasant temperatures in Irkutsk. Russia’s high latitudes (40 to 75 degrees north) and vast, unobstructed landmass make for arctic winds that can cause extreme temperature drops.

The lowest recorded temperature in Irkutsk is -57.5 degrees.

13. Fairbanks, Alaska

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Population: 31,551

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -5 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Fairbanks Is So Cold

Fairbanks Alaska Railroad Station in Winter

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Located at the bottom of the Tanana Valley, Fairbanks’ location results in cold air building up in and around the city. Meanwhile, warmer air rises to the tops of the hills north of the city.

The city’s coldest temperature ever recorded is -66 degrees.

12. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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Population: 1.45 million

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -6.9 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Ulaanbaatar Is So Cold

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The lowest recorded temperature is -36 degrees in the capital city of Mongolia. Meanwhile, the city has an average winter temperature of -6.9 degrees.

The landlocked country is located in the middle latitudes, allowing powerful winds to cool down the land. The absence of bodies of water helping to balance temperatures also keeps a chilly environment.

11. Fraser, Colorado

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Population: 1,532

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -11.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Fraser Is So Cold

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Fraser is situated in a valley nearly 6 miles downhill from the base of the Winter Park ski area. During the winter months, cold air sinks into the valley, making Fraser an icebox.

The coldest temperature ever recorded is -53 degrees, while temperatures average -11.3 degrees in January.

10. Erzurum, Turkey

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Population: 440,000

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -13.6 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Erzurum Is So Cold

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Situated 6,400 feet above sea level in a fertile plain surrounded by high mountains, Erzurum is subject to devastatingly cold winters.

The lowest recorded temperature in Erzurum is -40 degrees.

9. Snag, Canada

Kluane National Park and Reserve, south of Snag

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Population: 8-10 native families

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -13.9 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Snag Is So Cold

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Located in a bowl-shaped valley of the White River, Snag is a small village in the Yukon Territory that features a subarctic climate. Known for its severely cold winters, the lowest recorded temperature here is -81 degrees!

On average, the village is subject to -13.9 degree temperatures in January.

8. Yellowknife, Canada

Aurora Borealis over tepees in Yellowknife

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Population: 19,569

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -14.1 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Yellowknife Is So Cold

Old Town of Yellowknife at Great Slave Lake

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Considered the coldest city in Canada, Yellowknife’s lowest temperature ever recorded was -60.2 degrees. Despite having the sunniest summers in Canada, this city only sees about five hours in winter.

It’s the only city in the Northwest Territories and lies just 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle, making for frigid winters. On a positive note, the Northern Lights are typically visible 240 nights of the year here!

7. Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Population: 56,500

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -14.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Grand Forks Is So Cold

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Void of nearby mountain ranges or bodies of water, Grand Forks lies exposed to cold Arctic high-pressure systems.

The lowest temperature ever recorded was -43 degrees, while you can expect an average temperature in January to be a cool -14.3 degrees!

6. International Falls, Minnesota

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Population: 5,981

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -15 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why International Falls Is So Cold

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Called the “Icebox of the Nation,” International Falls features winter temperatures that are frequently the lowest in the contiguous 48 states. The jet stream flows southward directly over the area, resulting in cold, Arctic and northern Canadian air temperatures.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in International Falls was -54.9 degrees.

5. Dudinka, Russia

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Population: 21,015

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -16.4 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Dudinka Is So Cold

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Located above the Arctic Circle, Dudinka is one of the most northern towns in the world, so you can bet winter temperatures get uncomfortably cold. Winter averages in January hover around -16 degrees.

Several years ago, a series of pipes burst amid -40 degree weather. This caused the streets to flood, resulting in parts of the town literally freezing over.

4. Norilsk, Russia

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Population: 177,506

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -17 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Norilsk Is So Cold

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The world’s most northerly city, Norilsk sees a cold period that lasts about 280 days per year. It’s also normal to see more than 130 days of snowstorms.

Meanwhile, summers are short, cool and mostly cloudy. Expect average temperatures of -17 degrees in February. The lowest recorded temperature is -63.6 degrees.

3. Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska

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Population: 4,927

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -24.4 degrees

Coldest month of the year: February

Why Utqiagvik Is So Cold

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Located north of the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik is one of the northernmost cities and towns in the world and the northernmost in the U.S. It was established on permafrost measuring up to 1,300-feet deep in some places.

The town averages a daily temperature of -24.4 degrees in February — the coldest month of the year there. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Utqiagvik is -56 degrees.

2. Yakutsk, Russia

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Population: 282,419

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -34.4 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Yakutsk Is So Cold

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A remote city in Eastern Siberia, Yakutsk is famous for being the coldest city on Earth. The bone-chilling temperatures are the result of a combination of factors, most notably the city’s vast landmass and high altitude.

Siberia, in general, has a hefty snow and ice cover that keep the region cool, with incoming solar radiation reflected back into space. Its lowest recorded temperature was -83.9 degrees, while the coldest average temperature of the year is -34.4 degrees.

1. Oymyakon, Russia

Winter landscape of the village Oymyakon

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Population: 500

Coldest average temperature (Fahrenheit): -50.3 degrees

Coldest month of the year: January

Why Oymyakon Is So Cold

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Located near the Arctic Circle, Oymyakon is home to just 500 full-time residents (and we can understand why). Oymyakon has two main valleys beside it that trap wind inside the town, resulting in frigid temperatures.

A permafrost region, Oymyakon features ground that continuously remains below 32 degrees. Winter temperatures in Oymyakon average -50.3 degrees, while the lowest temperature recorded was -153 degrees!