When we think of cold, we usually imagine the cool chill of a December evening or the quietly falling snowflakes on a winter day. However, in some places in the earth are extreme lows temperature. In this post we will look into the most extreme coldest places in earth.
| # | Location | Average Winter Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska, USA | -30°C to -25°C |
| 9 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | -25°C to -20°C |
| 8 | Snag, Yukon, Canada | -35°C to -30°C |
| 7 | Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska, USA | -40°C to -30°C |
| 6 | Vostok Station, Antarctica | -65°C to -55°C |
| 5 | North Ice, Greenland | -40°C to -35°C |
| 4 | Eismitte, Greenland | -50°C to -45°C |
| 3 | Verkhoyansk, Russia | -45°C to -40°C |
| 2 | Oymyakon, Russia | -50°C to -45°C |
| 1 | Antarctica (East Antarctic Plateau) | -75°C to -65°C |
10. Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska, USA
Located at the northernmost point of the United States, Barrow, also known as Utqiaġvik, experiences long, harsh winters with average temperatures of -20°C (-4°F). The town’s unique Arctic culture is shaped by its environment, where residents rely on traditional hunting and fishing practices to sustain their way of life. The community’s resilience is evident in their ability to adapt to the extreme conditions, with homes designed to withstand the relentless cold and darkness of winter.
9. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Located at the Mangolia, the average winter temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -24°C (-11°F). Residents frequently wear layers of traditional Mongolian clothing, known as “deel,” to stave off the cold, which contrasts with the city’s distinctive modern and traditional architecture. The city’s rich history and culture stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding frigid environment.
8. Snag, Yukon, Canada
With an average winter temperature of -38°C (-36°F), Snag holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in Canada. With only a few dozen residents, this tiny village is proof of how resilient people can be when faced with bitter weather. The area is a winter wonderland with frost-covered trees and peaceful quiet, and the locals are skilled in winter survival skills.
7. Denali (Mount McKinley), Alaska, USA
Denali, the highest peak in North America, is a difficult task for both climbers and explorers. The harsh weather conditions on the mountain can be deadly with typical winter temperatures of -40°C (-40°F). Its massive glaciers and majestic peaks serve as a stark reminder of the strength of nature and the fortitude needed to traverse such harsh landscapes.
6. Vostok Station, Antarctica
Vostok Station, a Russian research facility close to the South Pole, is another important site in Antarctica. It is among the coldest sites where scientists live, with an average winter temperature of -65°C (-85°F). The station is well-known for Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake that may contain unusual microbial life. It is located beneath the ice and has been isolated for millions of years.
5. North Ice, Greenland
Once a British Arctic research station, North Ice has an average temperature of -29°C (-20°F). Despite its relatively milder temperatures compared to other locations on this list, the isolation and severe weather conditions make it a daunting place for researchers. The site has contributed significantly to our understanding of polar climates and the effects of climate change.
4. Eismitte, Greenland
Nestled in the heart of the Greenland ice sheet, Eismitte experiences an average winter temperature of -30°C (-22°F). This research site, established by German scientists in the early 20th century, serves as a vital location for studying climate patterns and glaciology. The breathtaking vistas of ice and snow create a surreal landscape, but the harsh conditions make it a challenging place for human habitation.
3. Verkhoyansk, Russia
Just a stone’s throw from Oymyakon, Verkhoyansk competes for the title of the coldest inhabited location. With average winter temperatures hovering around -48°C (-54°F), this remote town has witnessed some of the most extreme weather conditions on record. The locals have developed a unique culture that thrives in this icy realm, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human life in the face of nature’s fury.
2. Oymyakon, Russia
Known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon is a small village in Siberia where winter temperatures average around -50°C (-58°F). The residents have adapted to the extreme cold, with many homes equipped with outdoor heaters for vehicles and specialized clothing to withstand the biting temperatures. The village’s name translates to “water that does not freeze,” a nod to the nearby river that remains liquid even in the harshest winters.
1. Antarctica (East Antarctic Plateau)
The East Antarctic Plateau, where the average winter temperature can drop to an astounding -94°C (-137°F), is the epicenter of extreme cold. The record for the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth, a bone-chilling -128.6°F (-89.2°C) at Vostok Station in 1983, is held by this barren environment. An unearthly setting that has largely been unaffected by human activity is created by the enormous ice sheets and the constant darkness.
