Top 10 Coldest Places In The World: The world is full of extreme weather conditions, and there are certain places on earth where the temperature can plummet to bone-chilling levels. From icy tundras to frigid mountain ranges, these regions experience some of the most extreme cold weather conditions on the planet.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 coldest places in the world, ranked by their average annual temperatures. Whether you’re a climate enthusiast or just curious about the world’s most extreme weather patterns, this list is sure to amaze and inspire.
As said earlier, the world is a diverse and fascinating place, with many different climates and environments. While some areas of the planet are known for their sunny beaches and warm weather, there are other regions where the temperature can plummet to bone-chilling levels.
From snow-covered tundras to icy mountain ranges, these places experience some of the most extreme cold weather conditions on the planet. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 coldest places in the world, based on their average annual temperatures.
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Top 10 Coldest Places In The World
Here is a table of the Coldest Places In The World:
Rank | Location | Average Annual Temperature (°F) |
---|---|---|
1 | Oymyakon, Russia | -58 |
2 | Verkhoyansk, Russia | -56.2 |
3 | Snag, Yukon, Canada | -48.4 |
4 | Yakutsk, Russia | -41 |
5 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | -35.5 |
6 | Harbin, China | -17.8 |
7 | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada | -15.8 |
8 | International Falls, Minnesota, USA | -10.6 |
9 | Astana, Kazakhstan | -8.6 |
10 | Helsinki, Finland | 35.6 |
1. Oymyakon, Russia
Top 10 Coldest Places In The World
Oymyakon is the coldest place in the world and is a remote village in Russia located in the northeastern part of the country, in the Republic of Sakha. It is known as the coldest inhabited place on earth, with an average annual temperature of -58°F (-50°C).
The village has around 500 people who have adapted to the harsh environment over the years. Despite the freezing temperatures, life in Oymyakon goes on as usual, with locals going about their daily activities such as hunting, fishing, and herding reindeer.
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It is a fascinating destination for travellers looking to experience extreme cold weather conditions and witness the resilience of human beings in the face of adversity.
The village has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, with visitors from all over the world coming to see the breathtaking landscapes and experience the unique culture of the Sakha people. Despite its remote location and extreme temperatures, Oymyakon offers a warm welcome to those brave enough to venture into its frozen embrace.
2. Verkhoyansk, Russia
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Verkhoyansk is a small town located in the Sakha Republic of Russia, known for its extremely cold temperatures. The town has a population of around 1,300 people and is situated in a remote area of northeastern Russia.
The town is known for its record-setting low temperatures, with the lowest recorded temperature of -89.2°F (-67.8°C) occurring in 1892. Despite the harsh climate, people still live in the town and engage in traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, and reindeer herding. The region is also home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, brown bears, and reindeer.
The town is also home to a number of cultural institutions and museums that provide a window into the past and customs of the native Yakut population. Verkhoyansk is a warm city that gives tourists the chance to see how the human spirit can persevere in the face of adversity despite its distant position and harsh climate.
3. Snag, Yukon, Canada
Snag is another small village among the coldest places in the world. It is located in the Yukon Territory of Canada, known for its extremely cold temperatures.
The town has a population of only a few dozen people and is situated in a remote area of the country. Snag is known for its weather station, which recorded the lowest temperature ever recorded in North America (-81.4°F or -63°C) in 1947.
Despite the harsh climate, people still live in the village and go about their daily activities such as hunting, fishing, and logging. The region is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and vast expanses of wilderness.
The village is also home to the Snag Airport, which is used by bush pilots and serves as a hub for air transportation in the region. While Snag may not be the easiest place to reach, those who make the journey are rewarded with an unforgettable experience of Canada’s northern wilderness and a glimpse into the resilience of those who call it home.
4. Yakutsk, Russia
Yakutsk is the capital city of the Sakha Republic in Russia and is known for being one of the oldest cities in the world. The city has a population of around 300,000 people and is located in a remote area of northeastern Russia.
With an average January temperature of -38.6°F (-39.2°C), Yakutsk has a hard winter. Yakutsk residents continue to participate in age-old pastimes like reindeer herding, dog sledging, and ice fishing despite the bitter cold.
In addition to being one of the coldest places in the world, the city is home to a number of museums, cultural centres, and historical sites that provide tourists with the chance to learn more about the long history and rich traditions of the area.
The city also acts as a transit hub and a point of entry into the nearby wilderness. Yakutsk is a place that has something to offer everyone, whether they want to explore the area’s natural beauty, learn about the local culture and history, or simply enjoy the excitement of experiencing extreme weather.
5. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Coldest Places In The World
Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia, known for its extremely cold temperatures in the winter. The city has a population of over 1 million people and is located in the northern part of the country.
The town is home to several museums, cultural centres, and historical sites, which offer visitors a chance to learn about the region’s rich history and traditions. Despite the cold weather, Ulaanbaatar is a vibrant and bustling city with a unique culture and friendly locals.
6. Harbin, China
Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang province in China and is known for its extremely cold temperatures and winter festival. The city has a population of over 10 million people and is located in the northeastern part of the country.
The town experiences harsh winter conditions, with average January temperatures of -13.8°F (-25.4°C), but it also offers a unique winter wonderland experience with its famous Ice and Snow Festival, which attracts millions of visitors every year. The festival features intricate ice sculptures, colourful light displays, and a variety of winter sports and activities.
The city is also home to several museums, cultural centres, and historical sites, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditions. Despite its harsh winter climate, Harbin is a welcoming destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of winter and the resilience of the human spirit.
7. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital city of the Northwest Territories in Canada and is known for its extremely cold temperatures and stunning northern lights. The city has a population of over 20,000 people and is located on the shores of Great Slave Lake. Yellowknife experiences harsh winter conditions, with average January temperatures of -22°F (-30°C), but it also offers a unique winter wonderland experience with its annual Snowking Winter Festival and the chance to witness the spectacular northern lights.
The city is also home to several museums, cultural centres, and historical sites, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditions. Despite its harsh winter climate, Yellowknife is a welcoming destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of winter and the natural wonders of the far north.
8. International Falls, Minnesota, USA
International Falls is a city in northern Minnesota, located on the border with Canada. The city has a population of around 6,000 people and is known for its extremely cold temperatures and scenic natural beauty.
It experiences harsh winter conditions, with average January temperatures of -7°F (-22°C), making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. Despite the cold weather, the city offers a variety of winter sports and activities, including ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing.
The city is also home to several museums, cultural centres, and historical sites, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditions. Despite its harsh winter climate, International Falls is a welcoming destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of winter and the natural wonders of the Northwoods.
9. Astana, Kazakhstan

10 Coldest Places In The World
Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan, located in the northern part of the country. The city has a population of over 1 million people and is known for its extreme temperature fluctuations, with hot summers and cold winters.
The town is one of the world’s coldest capital towns, undergoing severe winters, with average January temperatures of -4°F (-20°C). The city, which has a number of museums, cultural centres, and historical monuments, offers a distinctive fusion of modern architecture with traditional Kazakh culture despite the freezing climate.
Astana is a popular destination for travellers looking to experience extreme cold weather conditions and immerse themselves in the local culture. Visitors can explore the city’s unique architecture, which includes modern structures such as the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, as well as traditional Kazakh yurts and mosques.
The city is also home to several parks and nature reserves, which offer a glimpse into the region’s stunning natural beauty. Despite its harsh winter climate, Astana is a welcoming destination that offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of winter and the resilience of the human spirit.