Top 10 Coldest Places on Earth

2023-04-19 by Worldeyess

Top 10 Coldest Places on Earth

In this article, we discuss the coldest places on Earth. It can be intriguing to explore the coldest spots on Earth, whether it’s for planning a future trip or merely for personal interest. For those who are fascinated by icy landscapes, this article will provide you with all the necessary information regarding the world’s coldest locations. The areas above the Arctic Circle and the frigid Poles of the Earth are home to millions of resilient individuals.

In regions of Russia, Scandinavia, and North America where people inhabit, temperatures frequently drop below zero Fahrenheit, and in some cases, individuals have even faced temperatures as low as minus 80, minus 90, or even negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Surviving in such conditions comes with unique challenges, such as limited resources and transportation by snowmobiles, and the absence of daylight for 24 hours a day. Despite these challenges, people have managed to thrive in these frigid locales, and some even call them home. Take Antarctica’s Vostok Station, for example, where the ground temperature has plunged to a bone-chilling -128.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The planet’s coldest spots are as fascinating as they are frigid, and here is a brief overview of some of them.

Table of Contents of Top 10 Coldest Places on Earth

Dome Fuji in Antarctica
Antarctica’s Vostok Station
Russia’s Third City of Verkhoyansk
Oymyakon in Russia
Yakutsk, Russia
Astana in Kazakhstan
Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia
Snag in Canada
Yellowknife in Canada
Barrow in the USA

Dome Fuji in Antarctica

Dome Fuji in Antarctica, Coldest Places on Earth

In 2010, scientists’ predictions about the frigid climate in a prominent ridge on the East Antarctic ice sheet were confirmed by the Landsat 8 satellite. The satellite’s sensors revealed an astonishingly low temperature of -92.3°C, officially designating this barren, frozen desert as the coldest spot on Earth. This surpassed the previous record held by Vostok Station since 1983.

Despite the average annual high temperature hovering around -30 degrees Celsius, humans have managed to not only survive but also thrive in this region. Nearby, the Dome Fuji Station was established in 1995 and has since been open to the public. Researchers have extracted ice cores from the vicinity, revealing the climate patterns of the region over the last 720,000 years.

If you’re up for the challenge of experiencing this extreme environment, make sure to bring a thermos for hot drinks to keep yourself warm. The opportunity to explore the coldest spot on Earth and witness its stunning natural beauty might be an adventure of a lifetime for some. Dome Fuji is top of the Coldest Places on Earth.

Antarctica’s Vostok Station

Antarctica's Vostok Station, Coldest Places on Earth

During the warmer months, Vostok Station is home to a total of around 25-30 individuals. Located near the center of the East Antarctic Plateau, about 800 miles away from the South Pole, only a few brave souls dare to endure the harsh conditions of winter. While the record low of -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit at Vostok Station is unimaginably low, it’s worth noting that it could be even worse.

Data collected in 2018 indicates that the ice sheet in this region could reach temperatures as low as -144 degrees Fahrenheit. The atmosphere is so dry that it removes all water vapor, allowing any heat given off by the ice sheet to dissipate directly into space. It’s hard to deny that this is one of the world’s oldest urban centers. Antarctica’s Vostok Station is also added to the Coldest Places on Earth.

Established in 1957, Vostok Station is a Russian research station located in Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica, south of the Pole of Cold. It boasts the lowest reliably measured natural temperature on Earth of -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius). The station is primarily used for conducting ice core drilling and magnetometry research. It was named after the lead ship of the First Russian Antarctic Expedition, the Vostok.

Russia’s Third City of Verkhoyansk

Russia's Third City of Verkhoyansk, Coldest Places on Earth

The remote town of Verkhoyansk in the heart of the Siberian Forest has a rich history dating back to its founding as a fort in 1638. Over the centuries, it served as a hub for tin mining and livestock industries, and a refuge for political exiles between the 1860s and the early 20th century. Today, it is home to 1,311 residents, according to the 2010 census. The town is located about 1,500 miles south of the North Pole and is situated near the Arctic Circle, close to the Yana River.

While Verkhoyansk has relatively mild summers, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the winters are unforgiving. The average low temperature for January is -44 degrees Fahrenheit, and every month from October through April has an average low below freezing. The official record low temperature for the city is -90 degrees Fahrenheit, but in February of 1892, the temperature dropped to a staggering -93.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature ever recorded in a permanently inhabited settlement.

Verkhoyansk is also known for holding the Guinness World Record for the greatest temperature range on Earth at 189 degrees Fahrenheit (105 degrees Celsius). The town is considered one of the two poles of cold in the Northern Hemisphere, with the other being Oymyakon. Despite the extreme conditions, Verkhoyansk continues to thrive, and its residents have adapted to the harsh environment over generations.

Oymyakon in Russia

Oymyakon in Russia, Coldest Places on Earth

Located in the northeast region of Russia, the city of Oymyakon shares the same freezing climate as Verkhoyansk. This city holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in a populated area in the northern hemisphere, with a bone-chilling low of -90 degrees Fahrenheit on February 6, 1933. Interestingly, this temperature record was legally divided between Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon, as they both experience similarly extreme weather conditions. As of the most recent census taken in 2010, Oymyakon had a population of 462 inhabitants.

Despite the frigid temperatures, some brave residents of Oymyakon venture to the adjacent hot spring in winter, which is the reason for the town’s name. The city even promotes the icy climate as a unique selling point for visitors. Oymyakon is one of the Coldest Places on Earth.

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Situated in the Sakha Republic of Russia, Oymyakon is found on the Indigirka River and is about thirty kilometers northwest of Tomtor on the Kolyma highway. This region is considered one of the coldest permanently inhabited places on Earth, with a census estimate of just 500 inhabitants as of 2011. The area is characterized by an extreme subarctic climate that creates harsh living conditions for its residents.

In 1924, the temperature in Oymyakon hit a record low of -71.2 degrees C (-96 degrees F), which was the lowest recorded temperature in a populated area at the time. However, this record was broken on February 6, 1933, when the temperature plunged to an even colder low of –67.8 degrees C (-90 degrees F). Such frigid temperatures are rarely seen outside of Antarctica.

Yakutsk, Russia

Yakutsk, Russia, Coldest Places on Earth

Yakutsk, a city located on the coast of Russia, experiences extreme subarctic climate characterized by temperatures below freezing from October to May. In fact, in January, the average high temperature is a frigid -28.4 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the lowest temperature ever recorded in Yakutsk was on February 5, 1891, and it was a bone-chilling -83.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the harsh conditions, over 300,000 individuals call Yakutsk home. The mining sector in the region is a significant source of employment for the local population. However, the city’s frigid weather can be extremely hazardous, as seen in 2008 when a series of pipeline explosions caused two nearby villages’ residents to seek shelter from the cold by huddling around improvised wood heaters. Despite these challenges, the people of Yakutsk continue to thrive and adapt to their unique environment.

Astana in Kazakhstan

Astana in Kazakhstan, Coldest Places on Earth

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, boasts a modern and cosmopolitan landscape. The city is adorned with glistening mosques, towering skyscrapers, and a wide array of dining and entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

However, the weather in Astana can be harsh, particularly during winter. The city experiences a lengthy and dry winter season, with temperatures dropping to extreme lows of -61 F/-51.5 C in January. Despite this, the monthly average temperature during winter is a milder 6.4 F/-14.2 C. The cold season in Astana is in stark contrast to the pleasant summers, which are relatively warm and mild.

Interestingly, the Ishim River, which runs through Astana, freezes over from around the middle of November until the beginning of April. This makes Astana one of the oldest inhabited places on Earth, with a rich cultural heritage and history. The freezing of the river also brings unique activities and experiences for the residents and visitors alike, such as ice-skating and ice-fishing.

Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, Coldest Places on Earth

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is known for its extremely cold temperatures. Sitting on a high plateau of 1,300 meters above sea level, the city is home to half of Mongolia’s three million residents. During January, the temperatures in Ulaanbaatar can be bitterly cold, hovering around -16°C. Despite this, the city has plenty to offer visitors looking for a respite from the cold. The city is also famous for being the Coldest Places on Earth.

The city is rich in cultural and historical attractions such as temples, museums, and galleries. The International Intellectual Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in logic games, puzzles, and riddles. The museum has an extensive collection of exhibits that are sure to keep visitors engaged and challenged. Additionally, the city boasts a lively nightlife scene with many bars and clubs, which provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Snag in Canada

Snag in Canada, Coldest Places on Earth

Snag, located in the Yukon Territory, is a village situated on a small, dry-weather side road 25 kilometers east of Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada. It holds the title of the coldest city in all of Canada, with a record low of -81 degrees Fahrenheit that was reached on February 3, 1947. This is the lowest temperature ever measured in North America. If you love Coldest Places on Earth then we recommend you visit Snag.

Due to its extremely cold temperatures, Snag is number 6 on the top ten coldest places on Earth, having recorded a low temperature of -81.4 degrees F (-63 degrees C). However, during the same period, another city called Fort Selkirk claimed an even lower temperature of -85 degrees F (-65 degrees C), which is located 180 kilometers northeast of Snag. As of 2006, there was no population recorded for Snag resulting in the census for the location being closed.

January is particularly cold, with an average low of 13.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while July is milder, with an average high of 57.4 degrees. Despite the frigid temperatures, visitors can still explore the area’s natural beauty and unique history, including the abandoned buildings and artifacts from the Klondike Gold Rush.

Yellowknife in Canada

Yellowknife in Canada, Coldest Places on Earth

Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a city that is 250 miles below the Arctic Circle. It is a city that boasts frigid temperatures and snowfall. According to Environment Canada, Yellowknife had the coldest winter, lowest average annual temperature, longest average snow cover season, and the highest average wind chill out of 100 Canadian municipalities. The city is the Coldest Places on Earth.

In July 1997, it was the sunniest month ever recorded in Canada’s history, but it was also the coldest month on record for Yellowknife with temperatures dropping to -60 F/-51 C. Despite the cold temperatures, the city has a rich history as a gold-rush town and offers a variety of activities such as dog sledding, midnight sun hiking, driving a snowmobile, and viewing the stunning northern lights.

Barrow in the USA

Barrow in the USA, Coldest Places on Earth

Barrow, Alaska, also known as Utqiaġvik, is the northernmost city in the United States, located well above the Arctic Circle. Its frigid temperatures earn it a reputation as one of the coldest cities in Alaska, with an average temperature of just 10.2 degrees Fahrenheit (-12.1 degrees Celsius).

The biting cold is made even worse by the constant drizzle and gusty winds, which can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. In Barrow, there are only about 120 days a year when temperatures consistently rise above freezing, and during 65 of those days, the sun never rises above the horizon.

Despite the extreme cold, Barrow has a lot to offer visitors. It’s a prime location for viewing the northern lights, with the aurora borealis visible for nearly eight months of the year. The city is also home to a unique Inupiat culture, with many opportunities to learn about their traditions and history. Barrow is included in the Coldest Places on Earth.

Beyond the city limits lies the Arctic Ocean, where visitors can witness the annual migration of bowhead whales, hunt for ivory and other marine mammals, and explore the vast wilderness of the North Slope.