Do you know where the coldest cities on the planet are? Here are the top 10 shiver-inducing places, including freezing temperatures, habits, and life below zero
The coldest temperatures on the planet aren’t limited to the polar ice caps. It’s important to know that there are cities where extreme cold is an integral part of daily life. From Siberia to North America, passing through Mongolia and the Russian Arctic, millions of people face endless winters, annual averages below freezing, and infrastructure built to withstand the cold.
In these areas, the climate affects everything: from the economy to social habits and culture, and even the cuisine. Below, we’ll discover the 10 coldest cities in the world, based on real, up-to-date climate data. We’ll analyze not only temperatures but also the unique characteristics that make each place special.
Oymyakon, Russia: The Coldest Inhabited City in the World
Located in the Sakha Republic, Oymyakon is recognized as the coldest inhabited city on the planet. With an average annual temperature of approximately -15.5°C, this town recorded a record low of -67.7°C in 1933. Despite the extreme conditions, Oymyakon is home to a resilient community that has adapted its daily routines to the harsh climate.
Yakutsk, Russia: The Capital of Frozen Sakha
With a population of approximately 330,000, Yakutsk is considered one of the coldest cities in the world. The average annual temperature is approximately -10.7°C. If all this weren’t enough, temperatures can drop to -64°C (-90°F) in winter. A major mining center, known for diamond mining, Yakutsk represents a unique example of human adaptation to extreme conditions. Despite the intense cold, Yakutsk boasts schools, universities, and an international airport, making it a hub in Eastern Siberia.
Norilsk, Russia: Arctic Industrial Center
Norilsk, located above the Arctic Circle, has an average annual temperature of approximately -9.1°C, with short, cool summers and long, harsh winters. The city is a major industrial center, known for its nickel mines and for being one of the most polluted cities in the world. Despite the extreme climate, Norilsk is inhabited year-round, with a community that has adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic region.
Yellowknife, Canada: Capital of the Northwest Territories
Yellowknife, with a population of approximately 20,000, recorded an annual average temperature of approximately -2.6°C in 2024. The city is famous for its spectacular Northern Lights and as a launching point for Arctic explorations. Despite the cold, Yellowknife offers a high quality of life and a welcoming community.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The Coldest Capital in the World
Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world, with an annual average temperature of around 0.2°C. Winters are long and harsh, with temperatures that can drop to -40°C. The city is an important cultural and political center, with a rich history linked to Mongolian nomadic traditions. Despite the extreme climate, it continues to grow and develop, combining modernity with centuries-old traditions.
Harbin, China: The City of Ice
Harbin, located in Heilongjiang Province, records an average annual temperature of around +5.2°C. The city’s climate is characterized by stark seasonal contrasts: winters are very cold, with January recording averages around -17°C, while summers can be surprisingly hot. The city is famous for its International Ice and Snow Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world. Every winter, it transforms into an evocative landscape of ice and lights, becoming a unique tourist destination.
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA: The Northern Lights Capital
Fairbanks, with a population of approximately 32,000, has an average annual temperature of approximately -17°F (-8.3°C), making it one of the coldest cities in the United States. The city is famous for its spectacular Northern Lights, visible especially during the winter months. The city also serves as a jumping point for Arctic explorations and offers a high quality of life, with a welcoming community. The combination of native traditions and modern infrastructure makes Fairbanks a fascinating place for both residents and visitors.
Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan: The Frozen Capital
Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is the capital of Kazakhstan and has an average annual temperature of about 3.9°C (38°F), with hot summers and long, cold winters. In the coldest months, between December and February, temperatures can drop to -35°C (-31°F), making winters particularly harsh. Despite the harsh climate, Nur-Sultan is a major political and economic center, known for its futuristic architecture, representing a unique combination of modernity and Kazakh tradition.
Vorkuta, Russia: The Mining City of the North
Vorkuta, located in northern European Russia, has an average annual temperature of about -5.5°C (22°F). Once an important mining center, the city is now facing population decline. Despite this, Vorkuta maintains a historical significance linked to the industrial development of the Arctic. Its industrial past and extreme climate conditions continue to make it a symbol of human resilience in the Arctic regions.
Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska: the northernmost city in the United States
Utqiaġvik, also known as Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States, with an average annual temperature of approximately -9.8°C. The city is characterized by unique natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and the polar night. The Inuit community here has developed traditions and ways of life closely linked to the Arctic environment. Despite the extreme conditions, Utqiaġvik is an important research center on climate change and life in the polar regions.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Qual è la città più fredda al mondo? Ecco 10 posti da brividi
