The world is home to a wide range of climates, from tropical to arctic, but some countries experience consistently frigid temperatures that define their landscapes and lifestyles. Below, we explore the top 10 coldest countries in the world, where the thermometer often dips far below freezing, and winters dominate the calendar.
Though not a country, Antarctica deserves a mention as the coldest place on Earth, with recorded temperatures plummeting to -128.6°F (-89.2°C). This frozen desert is primarily inhabited by researchers and is not included in the main list of countries.
Country | Average Winter Temperature (°C) |
---|---|
Russia | -30°C to -50°C |
Canada | -15°C to -40°C |
Mongolia | -20°C to -45°C |
Norway | -6°C to -40°C |
Kazakhstan | -20°C to -40°C |
Finland | -6°C to -35°C |
Greenland (Denmark) | -20°C to -30°C |
Iceland | -5°C to -30°C |
United States (Alaska) | -10°C to -40°C |
Sweden | -4°C to -30°C |
Russia is widely regarded as the coldest country in the world due to the Siberian region, where winter temperatures can drop to as low as -50°C. Cities like Yakutsk and Oymyakon are known for their extreme cold, with Oymyakon often referred to as the coldest inhabited place on Earth.
Canada experiences frigid winters, particularly in its northern territories. The average winter temperature ranges from -15°C to -40°C, with regions like Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories bearing the brunt of the cold.
Mongolia’s vast steppes and high-altitude terrain contribute to its harsh winters. Temperatures often drop below -40°C, especially in remote areas, making it one of the coldest countries globally.
Norway’s coldest regions are found in the Arctic Circle, particularly in Svalbard. Winters are long and dark, with temperatures often plummeting to -40°C in the northernmost areas.
Kazakhstan’s continental climate results in bitterly cold winters, especially in the northern regions. The capital city, Astana (now Nur-Sultan), often experiences temperatures as low as -40°C.
Finland’s Lapland region is known for its severe cold, with average winter temperatures ranging from -6°C to -35°C. The country’s Arctic winters are also famous for their stunning auroras.
Greenland’s icy landscape is synonymous with cold. Winters see temperatures plunging to -30°C, particularly in the interior regions, while coastal areas are slightly milder.
Despite its name, Iceland is not the coldest on this list. However, its winters are still severe, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -30°C, particularly in the northern parts.
Alaska, the northernmost state of the U.S., experiences extreme winters. Temperatures in some areas can drop to -40°C, especially in the interior and northern regions.
Sweden’s winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C to -30°C. The northern regions, close to the Arctic Circle, are the coldest.
These countries showcase the incredible resilience of both nature and humans in enduring and thriving in extreme cold. From Russia’s Siberian wilderness to Canada’s Arctic tundra, these regions provide breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures shaped by the chill. While these countries might be among the coldest, they undoubtedly have their own warm allure.
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