The coldest nation on Earth maintains an average temperature below freezing.

Humans have adapted to survive in a vast array of climates, from extreme heat to severe cold. While modern times differ in many respects from the past, we continue to inhabit diverse environments, from sweltering heat to freezing temperatures.

Curious about the coldest nation and its nearest competitors? We've got the details. But, if you plan to visit these frigid lands, don't forget to bundle up!

Top 10 Coldest Countries on the Planet

For this article, we'll be referencing data from the World Bank, which maintains accurate records on a wide range of topics, including this one, broken down by country. The temperatures presented here are averages calculated over the 10-year period from 2012 to 2022.

As we go through the list, you'll notice that many of these might be fairly obvious, though a few may come as a surprise. Additionally, the ranking might not be what you anticipated.

1. Canada (24.8 F / -4.0 C)

Canada, known for its vast tundra and expansive boreal forests, holds the title of the coldest country in the world. Its proximity to the Arctic Circle results in long, harsh winters, significantly lowering its average temperature.

2. Russia (26.4 F / -3.1 C)

Russia, unsurprisingly, claims the position of the second-coldest country in the world. The nation's winter temperatures, especially in the vast, icy expanse of Siberia, are extremely cold.

Even the southern parts of Russia — particularly in the western regions — experience cooler temperatures due to their higher elevation.

3. Mongolia (34.5 F / 1.4 C)

Mongolia, nestled between China to the south and Russia to the north, ranks as the third-coldest country. With an average temperature just above freezing, the country experiences extremely cold winters. The rugged, mountainous landscape contributes to its chilly climate, with much of the country situated at high altitudes.

4. Iceland (36 F / 2.2 C)

The name itself is a clue: Iceland is known for its cold climate, with harsh winters that are often accompanied by heavy snowfall and, of course, ice.

This comes as no surprise, considering its subarctic climate classification. However, Iceland's weather is somewhat softened by the Gulf Stream, which carries warmer air to the region.

5. Norway (36.7 F / 2.6 C)

Now we're in Scandinavia, one of the best places in Europe to witness the Northern Lights. Norway, located in the northernmost parts of Europe, experiences extremely low temperatures during the winter, often plunging well below freezing.

6. Finland (37.4 F / 3.0 C)

Finland, Norway's neighbor, also experiences extremely cold winters, with temperatures dropping as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit, or about minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Although the northern regions are the coldest, even southern Finland endures frigid winters. When looking at historical averages, Finland's winter temperatures are slightly colder than the next country on our list, justifying its higher ranking.

7. Kyrgyzstan (37.4 F / 3.0 C)

Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia, features a diverse climate due to its unique geography, leading to significant temperature swings across the country.

In Kyrgyzstan, the lowland regions experience scorching summers with temperatures that rarely cool down, while the northern highlands are subject to freezing winds and harsh winters.

8. Sweden (38.5 F / 3.6 C)

Sweden, a Scandinavian nation like its neighbors, is famous for its harsh winters. However, much like the other countries stretching from north to south, the climate varies significantly depending on the region.

While most of Sweden experiences a temperate continental climate, the northernmost areas, especially at higher elevations, can get extremely cold.

9. Tajikistan (40 F / 4.2 C)

Tajikistan, located in Central Asia and bordering Kyrgyzstan, has a climate that varies greatly, with its frigid winters pushing the country toward the colder end of the spectrum on average.

In warmer regions, air temperatures can occasionally surpass 104°F (40°C), while in the frigid Pamir Mountains, temperatures can plummet to as low as -58°F (-50°C).

10. Estonia (44.2°F / 6.8°C)

Estonia, situated across the Baltic Sea from Sweden and the Gulf of Finland from Finland, experiences a milder climate compared to both of these neighboring countries.

Being a relatively high-latitude state, Estonia would rank higher on this list if not for the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean currents, which bring warmer air inland.

Calculating Average Annual Temperature

To identify the coldest countries globally, we examined their average annual temperature, often referred to as the mean temperature.

This is a basic calculation you might have learned in school: Gather the temperatures for each month (or even daily, depending on available data), sum them up, and then divide by the total number of measurements taken.

The result is the mean or average temperature of that location. It's worth noting that even the countries that rank at the top of our list may experience warm summers or have hot areas. However, their vast territories with cold climates over extended periods significantly lower their overall average temperature.

It's important to point out that this approach does not factor in extreme cold events, which may happen due to rare weather phenomena. By focusing on average temperatures, we can get the most accurate representation of a country's typical climate throughout the year.

What Affects a Country's Temperature?

When evaluating a country's average temperature throughout the year, two major factors come into play. While local weather patterns and climate conditions certainly have an impact, the primary influences are: