Top 16 Coldest Places on Earth You Should Know About

Verkhoyansk, Russia, is a remote town deep in Siberia with a population of just 1,434 people (according to the 2002 census). This isolated settlement is one of the eight coldest places on Earth. Located more than 2,400 km from the Arctic Circle, Verkhoyansk was historically used as a place of exile for political prisoners in the early 20th century. During spring, the temperature in Verkhoyansk typically drops to around -45°C. Currently, the temperature is -40°C, with rain. The locals here rely on livestock farming, tin mining, and gold extraction. Winter temperatures average around -48°C, with the coldest temperature ever recorded being -66.7°C.

Verkhoyansk is particularly notable for its extremely low winter temperatures and the largest temperature variation on Earth between summer and winter. Monthly average temperatures range from −45.4°C (49.7°F) in January to +16.5°C (61.7°F) in July. From October to April, temperatures remain below freezing, while summer temperatures exceed 10°C (50°F) between June and August, with May and September being short transitional months.

Despite being within the Arctic Circle, Verkhoyansk experiences an extreme subarctic climate (Köppen Dfd), lasting much of the year due to a high-pressure system. This cuts the area off from the warming effects of the winter sun, and the lack of cloud cover results in significant heat loss during colder months. Verkhoyansk has a dry climate with minimal precipitation or snowfall. The average annual rainfall is only 180 millimeters (7.1 inches). While no month can be considered truly wet, there is a significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with summer being much wetter than winter. Winter precipitation is extremely low, mainly due to the dominance of Siberian high-pressure systems during this period.

The North Ice research station, located in Greenland under the sovereignty of the United States, is another extremely cold place, comparable to those mentioned above. The lowest temperature ever recorded here was -66°C. Currently, only about 10 scientists reside at the station, conducting research, with no permanent civilian population.

Greenland is an autonomous country within Denmark and holds the title of the world's largest island. Geographically and ethnically, it is considered a part of the Arctic region, connected to North America, but historically it shares strong ties with Europe.

Approximately 81% of Greenland's surface is covered by ice, known as the Greenland Ice Sheet. The weight of this ice has compressed the land beneath it, creating a basin that lies over 300 meters below sea level. Almost all of Greenland's population lives along the fjords in the southwestern part of the island, where the climate is milder.

The majority of Greenland's inhabitants are descendants of both the Kalaallit (Inuit) and Scandinavian people, with Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) being the primary language spoken. Most of Greenland's population is Inuit...

Eismitte is one of the coldest places in the Northern Hemisphere, with an average annual temperature of −30.0°C (−22°F), recorded throughout the duration of the expedition. The name Eismitte translates to 'Ice-Center' because of its location in the Arctic region of Greenland, situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters.

This area is covered in ice all year round, which is why it is called the Ice-Center. No people live here. The lowest temperature ever recorded in February reached -64.9°C. The climate is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and low precipitation. It occurs at a latitude of 65° N and on the ice sheets of Greenland, Antarctica, and the permanent ice cover of the Arctic Ocean.

In these polar climates, temperatures remain below freezing year-round, with a significant temperature range, although not as extreme as in continental climates. The winters are harsh, with the lowest temperatures occurring during the long polar nights. Precipitation is minimal, mainly caused by occasional cyclonic activity bringing snow and strong winds, resulting in snowstorms.

Strong winds also occur in the outer regions of Greenland and Antarctica's EF climate zone, where dense, cold air escapes from the higher central parts of the ice sheets. This EF climate zone is responsible for some of the lowest recorded temperatures on Earth, especially in Antarctica. Eismitte receives an average annual rainfall of 4.3 inches (109.2 mm). The month with the highest average rainfall is December, with 1.0 inch (25.4 mm), while the driest month is May, averaging only 0.1 inch (2.5 mm).

One of the coldest places in Canada is a region known as Snag. This place is notorious for its bone-chilling temperatures year-round. Snowstorms and harsh winds frequently sweep through, making the area dry, desolate, and almost lifeless. Few dare to explore this inhospitable land.

Temperatures here can drop as low as -63°C. Located in the Yukon Territory, Snag is one of Canada's coldest points, situated in the White River valley. Snag holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in North America, reaching a frigid -81°F (-27°C) on February 3, 1947. The village of Snag is home to only about 8 to 10 people. The average temperature in Snag typically peaks at 32°F (0°C) and drops to an average low of 10°F (-12°C). The extreme cold of -63°C makes it a challenging place for meteorologists to work.

Snag was once the site of a military airport, established as part of the Northwest Staging Route, which closed in 1968. In 1947, the village had a population of just eight to ten indigenous people and fur traders. A small team of airport personnel, including meteorologists, radio operators, and aircraft maintenance workers, also lived in the area. On February 3, 1947, Snag recorded the lowest temperature ever in North America: −63.0°C (−81.4°F). That winter, two other records were set, one in December, which also recorded strange phenomena such as voices being clearly heard from their sources. The sky was clear (except for a bit of frozen fog), and winds were light. Snowfall of 38.1 cm (15.0 in) was on the ground, but it was gradually diminishing. A town 180 km (112 miles) northeast of Snag, Fort Selkirk, reportedly recorded even lower temperatures, at −65.0°C (−85.0°F), but the claim couldn't be verified.

Prospect Creek is located about 290 km north of Fairbanks and around 40 km southeast of Bettles, Alaska. This place holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States, with a low of -62°C.

Today, the area's climate has only become more extreme, and the local vegetation is increasingly limited. No one lives here now. Prospect Creek was once a small settlement situated 180 miles (290 km) north of Fairbanks and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Bettles.

Many years ago, this area was a hub for exploration and the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). Today, it is the location of Pump Station 5 (Jim River Station) of TAPS. On January 23, 1971, Prospect Creek set a U.S. record for the lowest temperature ever recorded at −79.8°F (−62.1°C), which rounded to −80°F (−62°C). Despite the extreme temperatures, wildlife such as black and brown bears and bald eagles are still found here.

Prospect Creek has a subarctic climate, having recorded some of the coldest winters in U.S. history. There are no residents today, and the camp was abandoned in the early 1990s. The site has a small airstrip, Prospect Creek Airport (IATA: PPC, ICAO: PAPR, FAA LID: PPC).

Prospect Creek is 220 miles north of Fairbanks via Steese and Elliot highways. The drive typically takes about 4-5 hours under good weather conditions and clear roads, but the journey can be hazardous during the winter. Commercial group tours visit this area in the summer. Nearby to the northwest is the Koyukuk River, a major Alaskan river that flows west into the Yukon. Prospect Creek's climate continues to hold records for some of the coldest winters in U.S. history.

Fort Selkirk is another remote location in Canada known for its extremely cold temperatures, ranking among the coldest places on earth. Situated along the Yukon River, it has been a crucial stop for adventurers seeking a challenging destination. Since there's no road access, the only way to reach Fort Selkirk is by helicopter or boat.

The coldest month here is January, with a record low temperature of -74°F (-58.9°C). Fort Selkirk, located in the Yukon region of Canada, was once a trading post at the confluence of the Pelly River. It was abandoned in 1950 due to the harsh climate. Travelers can only reach this remote spot via boat or aircraft. January is the coldest month, and the lowest temperature recorded here was -74°F (-58.9°C).

Fort Selkirk is the heart of the North Tutchone people's homeland and their cultural traditions, such as hunting, trade, and tourism. For thousands of years, it has served as a traditional gathering and harvesting site. Nestled in a beautiful river valley rich in natural resources, the area is surrounded by majestic mountains and a dynamic geological landscape.

The Fort Selkirk trading post was abandoned in the mid-1950s due to the extreme weather conditions. It holds the record for the lowest temperature recorded at -74°F (-58.8°C). Once an important stop along the Yukon River, it remains a challenging and adventurous destination for thrill-seeking travelers.

Reaching this cold but fascinating location is possible only by helicopter or boat, making it a unique destination for those who enjoy extreme cold and exploring new, adventurous places.

Rogers Pass is located in the northern part of Montana, USA. The area is home to a diverse range of plant life and wildlife, including swans, eagles, and migratory geese. The coldest months here are March and April, with temperatures often dropping as low as -56.5°F. The most extreme cold recorded occurred on January 20, 1954, when temperatures plummeted to a staggering -70°F (-57°C).

With such severe temperatures, it’s a place where only the most adventurous can endure. However, due to its high and treacherous mountain pass, few people venture to this remote location.

Barrow, Alaska is a city located about 2,000 km south of the Arctic Circle and over 500 km north of the nearest major city. Built on permafrost that can reach depths of 396 meters (1,300 feet), it experiences extremely cold and harsh winters.

The sun sets in late November and doesn't rise again until late January. Even during the summer, the temperatures remain chilly. By June, the ice begins to thaw, and the average temperature in the summer hovers around 3°C. Alaska, a state of the United States, shares a border with Canada to the east.

Barrow is known for its extreme climate, with temperatures as low as -62°C. The city is one of the coldest places on Earth, and its year-round frozen conditions make it a unique destination for ice and snow tourism, attracting many visitors each year. Due to the harsh environment, the population is sparse, with Barrow primarily focused on developing its ice tourism industry.

Famous for its unusual location, Barrow sits on the northern coastline of Alaska along the Arctic Ocean, about 2,100 km from the North Pole. Because it's located above the Arctic Circle, there are times of the year when the sun never sets, and other times when it never rises. During the summer, the sun circles above the horizon, while in winter, it stays below the horizon for about 65 days. Around the winter solstice (December 21-22), the sky remains dark for most of the day, except for about three hours of twilight. The climate in Barrow is extremely cold, with temperatures below freezing from October to May. For approximately 120 days per year, temperatures stay above freezing, while on average, 160 days each year experience temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). Snowfall and freezing temperatures can occur at any time during the year.

Hell, Norway is famously known for its chilling proximity to the Arctic. In January 2016, the temperature in Hell averaged around 25°F (-4°C). With a population of just 1,500 people, the village has become a surprising destination for travelers seeking to experience its bone-chilling cold.

For about a third of the year (from December to March), the entire area is frozen solid. For the residents of Hell, temperatures as low as -4°C are considered mild. The village has earned its reputation as the 'hell' of Norway, located in Nord-Trøndelag with a population of around 2,000.

The name 'Hell' has attracted tourists eager to witness its frozen landscapes. In mid-February, temperatures can drop to -6.7°C. The village remains in a state of winter from October to March, with the surrounding environment perpetually frozen.

During winter, the average temperature hovers around -3.9°C, with the coldest recorded temperature reaching -25°C. Local resident Ingvild Overmo explains that Hell stays frozen nearly all year, leading to the common saying, 'Hell is frozen over.'

Interestingly, the villagers enjoy playing with the theme of their village's name. Many of their landmarks are humorously named after 'hell,' including 'Hell Bridge,' 'Hell Hotel,' and 'Hell Airport.' In 1990, when a local woman, Mona Grudt, won the Miss Universe title, the media playfully crowned her the 'Beauty Queen from Hell.'

The city of Yakutsk in Yakutia, Russia holds the title of the coldest city on Earth. Located in the Russian Far East, just south of the Arctic Circle, Yakutsk experiences brutal winters. On ‘warmer’ winter days, temperatures hover around -40°C, but on the coldest days, they can plunge to an astonishing -64°C. From September to May, everything in the city is frozen solid.

Despite the extreme weather, Yakutsk is home to a population of 270,000 people, about a quarter of the population of Siberia. The temperature differences between winter and summer are extreme, requiring residents to have extraordinary endurance to cope with the rapidly changing weather. During summer, temperatures can soar above 30°C. The people of Yakutsk are incredibly resilient to the freezing cold.

Known as the 'Land of Ice,' Yakutsk is one of the coldest places on Earth, with the lowest recorded temperature being -63°C. Even in winter, temperatures often drop below the freezing point, reaching around -37°C. Despite its harsh climate, over 200,000 people call this city home. In winter, the entire city is blanketed in snow, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland, like something out of a fairy tale.

The lowest recorded temperature outside of Antarctica was recorded in the Yana River Basin, northeast of Yakutsk, making it the coldest major city on the planet. Although winters are freezing and long, with temperatures never rising above freezing between November 10 and March 14, summers are surprisingly warm (though brief), with daily highs sometimes exceeding 30°C (86°F). This results in the largest seasonal temperature difference in the world, with a staggering range of 105°C (189°F).

Fraser, Colorado is a small town situated at over 2,600 meters in elevation in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, with a population of about 1,000 people (according to the 2000 census). Located near the famous Winter Park ski resort, Fraser is one of the coldest towns in the United States during winter.

The town has an average annual temperature of 0°C (32.5°F). Even in mid-June, temperatures can drop to -1°C. Fraser, with an average annual temperature of 32.5°F (0.3°C) (or 34.8°F (1.6°C) based on another weather station in the town), is the coldest town in the lower 48 states. It also has the shortest growing season, averaging only 4 to 7 days, depending on the weather station used, and experiences frost throughout the year, with over 300 nights below 32°F (0°C). This is only rivaled by Utqiagvik, Alaska, among currently inhabited places in the U.S.

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Fraser has a subarctic climate (Dfc). The highest temperature recorded in Fraser was 98°F (36.7°C) on August 1, 1969, and the lowest was -53°F (-47.2°C) on January 10, 1962. The wettest year on record was 1957, with 30.33 inches (770.4 mm) of precipitation, and the driest was 1944, with 11.04 inches (280.4 mm). The heaviest snowfall recorded was 142.5 inches (3.62 m), which increased to 82.4 inches (2.09 m) in February 1936 and 275.5 inches (7.00 m) from July 1926 to June 1927.

Known as the "Icebox of the Nation" due to its frigid temperatures year-round, International Falls is one of the coldest places in the United States. Situated along the US-Canada border, this town has a population of 6,703 people, according to the latest census.

Winters here are long and harsh, with an average annual temperature of -3.3°C. In January, temperatures typically hover around -16°C, and there are about 60 nights each year when the mercury drops to 0°C or lower. The coldest temperature ever recorded was -48°C. Heavy snowfall is common, with the town accumulating an average of 1.6 meters of snow annually. In contrast, July temperatures only reach about 18°C, and hot days over 32°C are rare.

International Falls is no stranger to extreme weather, with its continental climate bringing both long winters and hot summers. The temperature difference between the record low of -51°C on February 2, 1996, and the record high of 46°C on July 6, 1936, is an astounding 96°C. The area also experiences a range of weather phenomena, including rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derecho, and tornadoes.

The growing season is typically around 90 days, but in the southeast part of Minnesota near the Mississippi River, it can extend up to 160 days. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 9°C, with average dew points between 9°C and 14°C in the southern regions. Annual rainfall averages between 48 to 89 cm, and droughts occur every 10 to 50 years.

According to The Sunday Times, researchers from the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center used advanced satellite technology to measure temperatures in Antarctica and identified a spot where temperatures dropped to -91.2°C at an altitude of over 3,700 meters on Dome Fuji Mountain.

If you were to be at this location, your eyes, nose, and lungs would freeze almost instantly within minutes. The scientists confirmed this as the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures falling below -91°C, where human body parts could freeze in mere minutes.

The coldest recorded location on Earth is situated on Dome Fuji Mountain in Antarctica, which also hosts the highest research station in the continent, standing at 3,786 meters above sea level. The team used satellites and cutting-edge technology to measure temperatures on the mountain's slope, located at over 3,779 meters in elevation.

On July 31, 2013, after three years of data collection, the lowest temperature recorded in the area was a shocking -93°C. Ted Scambos, the lead researcher, explained that this new low broke the previous record of -89.2°C set in July 1983 at Russia's Vostok Station. The new record was about 50°C colder than temperatures in Alaska or Siberia, and roughly 30°C colder than in Greenland.

Researchers also noted that this temperature is preliminary, and further analysis of thermal sensor data might reveal even lower readings. The coldest spot was identified while analyzing global surface temperature maps using satellite data, including from NASA's Landsat 8. The findings confirmed temperatures in this region dropping below -91°C.

At such extreme temperatures, human body parts like the eyes, nose, and lungs would freeze within minutes. Previously, the coldest air temperature recorded was at Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1983, at -89.2°C.

Vostok, located in Antarctica, is a major Russian research station established in 1957. Vostok holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica, reaching -89°C on July 21, 1983. This temperature is even lower than the freezing point of CO2 in the atmosphere.

In 2005, temperatures at Vostok dropped to -86°C. It remains one of the coldest places on Earth. Even in summer, temperatures at Vostok never exceed -21°C, yet people continue to work there year-round.

At the coldest recorded spot at Vostok, Russian scientists are required to wear air-warming masks before inhaling, as breathing the frigid air directly could cause pulmonary congestion. However, this is at stations where humans can access. In more remote areas, temperatures are measured by satellites to track ice surface temperatures.

Vostok is located in the central eastern part of Antarctica, where temperatures can plummet to -128.6°F. Despite these extreme conditions, Vostok offers an ideal location to study Earth's atmospheric changes. During the summer months, up to 25 scientists and engineers work there, while only 13 remain during the winter.

Plateau Station is a research facility located in the heart of the Antarctic Plateau, established by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Navy. The station is home to fewer than 20 scientists who live and work here for research purposes. The lowest recorded temperature at this site was -84°C, typically observed during June and July.

Antarctica is, on average, the coldest, driest, windiest, and highest continent. It is the largest desert in the world, with annual precipitation of only 200mm (8 inches) along the coast, decreasing further inland. The coldest temperature ever recorded here was −89°C (−129°F), while the average temperature during the coldest quarter of the year is −63°C (−81°F).

Though no permanent residents live in Antarctica, between 1,000 and 5,000 people stay each year at scattered research stations across the continent. Only cold-loving microorganisms, such as algae, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and certain animals like mites, roundworms, penguins, seals, and tardigrades, are capable of surviving here. The region's vegetation is limited to mosses and lichens.

Despite its well-known reputation for being the coldest, most frozen land on Earth, with thick snow and drifting icebergs, Antarctica offers many hidden wonders that adventure lovers seek to explore. The continent holds 90% of the world's fresh water in its massive ice sheets.

Operated by the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Navy, Plateau Station remains one of the country's key research stations located at the center of the Antarctic Plateau. The coldest month here is July, with temperatures dropping as low as -119.2°F.

Oymyakon is a village located in the Oymyakonsky district of the Sakha Republic. Once home to around 210,000 people, the population has now dwindled to just 472, as many residents have relocated to warmer settlements. The extreme cold in Oymyakon has made it famous as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

Residents of Oymyakon are so accustomed to the harsh temperatures that they must keep their cars running all day to ensure they start again, as the cold can easily freeze the engine. The village experiences year-round snow and ice, contributing to its status as a top tourist destination, which plays a significant role in the local economy. Despite the bitter cold, nearly 800 people, including Russians and various indigenous minorities, still call Oymyakon home.

Oymyakon's record low temperature is a staggering -71.2°C, and its proximity to the Arctic Circle, just 350 km away, makes it one of the coldest places on Earth. The severe climate, particularly during the winter months, makes survival a constant challenge, but the community endures, with tourism contributing significantly to their livelihood.