Discover the Coldest Countries in the World

Are you an adventurer who loves skiing down a snowy mountain or ice skating on a frozen lake rather than lazing on a sunny beach? The coldest countries in the world will make a perfect destination for some snow-laden fun that can take your breath away (literally).

However, some of these countries might be extremely cold and probably not what you’d want to walk into. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, there’s no denying the breathtaking landscapes and remarkable beauty that can leave you in awe.

Bundle up and explore the world’s coldest countries that stand out as frozen wonders.

Antarctica

Taking up the number one spot on this list is Antarctica (and it comes as no surprise). Antarctica is the coldest country on Earth, with average temperatures ranging from -40oC to -70oC (-40oF to -94oF).

Technically, Antarctica is a continent. But it has no separate countries, making it the only country on the continent.

Did you know Antarctica’s Vostok Station recorded the lowest temperature on July 21, 1983? At -89.2oC (-128.6oF), the place was bound to have been wildly cold beyond imagination.

All you’ll find in Antarctica is a mass of land covered with layers of polar ice; definitely not a vacation spot!

Russia

Russia, the world’s largest country, is spread across two continents – Asia and Europe- and is the second coldest country. For such a widespread area, not every part of Russia is cold around the clock.

The northernmost parts of Russia, including Siberia, experience frigid winters, with temperatures dropping below -50oC (-58oF).

The village of Oymyakon in Siberia, Russia, is a record-holder for the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with temperatures dropping as low as -67.7oC (-90oF). The residents have adapted surprisingly well to the cold. Even the schools close only when the mercury dips below -52oC (-61.6oF).

Russia sees long and frosty winters and below-freezing temperatures lasting seven months of the year, while the summers are brief and mild. At least you’ll enjoy the “White Nights” in St. Petersburg.

Fun fact: Lake Baikal in Russia, the deepest lake in the world, remains frozen for a significant part of the year.

Canada

Right behind Russia is the second-biggest country in the world. Some parts of the country experience mild temperatures and are even hot in the summertime. However, some places stay cold for most parts of the year.

Canada’s Arctic region experiences frigid temperatures, especially in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The temperatures in these northern territories can go below -50oC (-58oF).

The village of Snag in Yukon holds the record lowest temperature for continental North America at -63oC (-81.4oF), recorded in 1947.

Cities like Whitehorse and Yellowknife face temperatures as low as -30oC (-22oF). Winter sports enthusiasts can have a blast here, and you can also witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Greenland

Greenland, the autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world’s largest island. But don’t be fooled by its name, for Greenland’s bitterly cold temperatures are anything but sunny meadows and verdant valleys.

It’s known for its icy landscapes, with over 80% of its landmass occupied by the Greenland Ice Sheet.

The country has a polar climate with freezing temperatures throughout the year.

With its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Greenland’s average winter temperatures range from -20oC to -30oC (-4oF to -22oF).

Despite its towering glaciers and chilling temperatures, you can’t help but feel attracted to this otherworldly environment, especially if you’re a nature lover or an adventurer.

Mongolia

Mongolia, a landlocked country in Northeast Asia, made its mark in history as home to the warrior-ruler Genghis Khan.

Also known as the ‘Land of the Eternal Blue Sky,’ Mongolia has an arid continental climate with long, chilly winters and brief summers. This and its high altitude are why it’s one of Asia’s coldest countries.

Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is one of the coldest capitals in the world, experiencing harsh winters and temperatures plummeting below freezing. The average January temperature is about -19oC (-2oF).

The coldest temperature ever recorded in the country was in the Mongolian province of Tsetsen Uul. In February 2021, the temperatures had dropped to -54.7oC (-66.5oF).

Are you visiting here in the winter? You’ll likely need three or probably even four layers of warm clothing.

Kazakhstan

Located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan is among the coldest countries in the world. With a vast territory, it experiences continental climates and has scorching summers and harsh winters.

Several areas of this country stay covered in snow all year round. Winter temperatures typically hover around -20oC (-4oF).

It witnesses winters with sub-zero temperatures, particularly in Astana and Almaty. Heavy snowfall is also fairly common.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Kazakhstan was -57oC (-70oF) in Atbasar.

Nature enthusiasts and photographers will be treated to a visual feast in Kazakhstan, with diverse landscapes, including the Altai Mountains and the frozen steppes.

Finland

Situated in Northern Europe, Finland has abundant natural beauty and icy winters. It’s also the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ Owing to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, the winters of Finland are long and cold.

With neighbors like Norway, Sweden, and Russia, it’s obvious that Finland must also stay cold.

Finland is the second coldest Scandinavian country, with a mean annual temperature of 1.7oC (35.06oF). The winter season typically lasts around 100 days in the southwestern regions and about 200 days in the Lapland region.

The coldest day in Finland had the mercury dipping to -51.5oC (-60.7oF) on January 28, 1999, in Kittilä. 

Want to experience a magical winter wonderland? The Finnish Lapland, with frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, and the mystical Northern Lights, will make a memorable winter getaway.

Cities like Rovaniemi, Santa Claus’ official hometown, embrace the winters with festive joy. Where else can you experience reindeer sleigh rides and ice hotels in the same place?

Norway

This may come as a surprise, seeing as most of Norway’s counties border the coastline. Theoretically, this should be among Northern Europe’s warmer climates. However, a majority of Norway’s land lies above the Arctic Circle.

While the south sees a temperate climate, the north experiences a subarctic climate.

Norway’s northern regions have a subantarctic climate characterized by extremely low winter temperatures, with an average temperature of 1.5oC(34.7oF).

Untouched wilderness, glaciers, and polar bears cover the Svalbard archipelago. Cities like Alta and Tromsø offer excellent views of the Northern Lights.

To experience Norway’s captivating winter beauty, visit the iconic Lofoten Islands, and explore its snow-capped peaks and charming fishing villages.

Iceland

Despite its name, the land of ice and fire, Iceland, isn’t covered in ice. It is located on the edge of the Arctic Circle and is commonly known as the land once settled by Vikings.

While Iceland has a cool oceanic climate, it can still get quite cold during winter because of its high latitude location. The winters here are bitterly cold, and temperatures commonly fall below freezing.

Apart from glaciers, you can also find hot springs and geysers in Iceland, making it a popular tourist destination. The mean annual temperature stays around 1.75oC (35.15oF).

Reykjavik, the capital, has a rich cultural scene and is a gateway to Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon and the must-see Aurora Borealis when you visit Iceland.

Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is known for its icy weather conditions during winter.

Some of the coldest cities and towns in the United States are in Alaska, including Barrow (Utqiaġvik), which experiences long periods of extreme cold throughout the year. When the sun sets here around November 18 or 19, it doesn’t rise over the next 65 days.

Places like Barrow and Fairbanks regularly experience temperatures as low as -40oC (-40oF) during winter.

The lowest temperature recorded in the USA was -62.2oC (-80oF) in Prospect Creek, Alaska. 

Some Alaskan winter highlights include the breathtaking glaciers, pristine national parks, and the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.

Fun Facts About the Coldest Countries in the World

Now that you’ve read about the coldest countries, here are some amusing facts about them. These will especially benefit you if you visit any of these countries.

  • Harsh winter conditions: The world’s coldest countries typically have long, harsh winters with strong winds and heavy snowfall. Don’t forget to stock up on appropriate clothing and gear to stay warm and protected.
  • Extremely low temperatures: With temperatures often reaching below -40oC, the winters in these countries can be chilling to the bone if you aren’t accustomed to such extreme cold.
  • Short daylight hours: These countries have limited daylight hours during winter, sometimes as little as a few hours of sunlight per day. This can likely affect daily routines, requiring adjusting schedules accordingly.
  • Importance of insulation: Extreme winters in these countries make proper insulation in homes and buildings crucial. This will help retain the heat during the cold months. If you’re moving to one of these places, ensure your accommodation is well-insulated.
  • Winter sports culture: Here’s the fun part – most cold countries embrace winter sports like skiing, ice hockey, or ice skating. Don’t miss out on participating in these deeply ingrained activities in the local culture.
  • Unique natural phenomena: You can witness breathtaking natural wonders like the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in some of these countries, owing to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. While pictures of the Northern Lights seem magnificent, witnessing this phenomenon makes an awe-inspiring experience.

Summing It Up

While visiting the coldest countries in the world isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, these destinations offer a memorable experience.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, exploring the beauty and resilience of these countries will leave you with a deep appreciation for the incredible wonders of our planet.

So pack those layers of clothing and the right gear, and you’re all set for your journey into these enchanting winter wonderlands.

Jude Uchella

Jude Uchella is a passionate research writer whose work has been published on many reputable platforms, including MSN, Wealth of Geeks, and more! He prioritizes research, writes comprehensively, and only shares factual and helpful content. He is a reader’s delight!

Recent Posts