14 Cities to Experience the World’s Coldest Temperatures

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a huge fan of cold weather. The Midwest is cold enough for me, averaging about 40°F in January. But in the scheme of things (and as you will soon see), the Midwest has nothing on these coldest cities in the world we are about to explore.

We’re not talking about your average winters here; we’re talking about bone-chilling, teeth-chattering realms where frostbite is a genuine concern. These cities are practically showing off their freezing temperatures, making you question why anyone would willingly choose to live there. But hey, some people are just built differently, braving the kind of cold that’ll make your nose hairs freeze, and your breath turn into icy smoke.

So, grab your warmest coat, bundle up tight, and join me as we explore these freezing realms where surviving the cold is practically an extreme sport. Get ready to shiver, shudder, and embrace temperatures that would make even a polar bear shiver.

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Oymyakon, Russia

Meet the heavyweight champion of colds. Oymyakon isn’t just cold; it’s an unrelenting deep freeze. Known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, this Siberian village is where winter decides to flex its muscles.

Locals here don’t just survive; they thrive (or at least tolerate) temperatures so low your eyelids might freeze shut if you blink too slowly. Imagine having to keep your car engine running 24/7 so it doesn’t, you know…die from frostbite.

Norilsk, Russia

Norilsk – it’s like someone dared winter to go all out. This industrial city sits above the Arctic Circle, earning it year-round bragging rights for hosting about 45 days of actual darkness. And it’s practically an icy dystopia.

The city, often called “the most polluted cold city,” gears you up for a somber yet unforgettable experience. Did you know that it’s so cold that the pipes are above ground? It’s because the permafrost won’t allow anything else.

Yellowknife, Canada

Say hello to Yellowknife, the frosty gem of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Known for its ruthlessly long winters, this city gives you a legitimate excuse to wear three pairs of socks…at once.

Here’s the upside, though: the Northern Lights dance over Yellowknife more frequently than you check your social feed. And it’s dreamy enough to almost distract you from the fact that stepping outside feels like getting slapped by ice cubes.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Welcome to the coldest capital city in the world! Ulaanbaatar doesn’t just dabble in cold – it commits. Winters here are savage, and stepping outside might require a motivational speech and a thick coat of yak wool.

Yet somehow, this city offers more charm than frostbite. Pair the icy air with rich history, Buddhist temples, and steaming bowls of mutton soup, and you might just forget that your toes are considering mutiny.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska’s second-largest city is basically Winter Wonderland’s cooler younger sibling who insists they’re “different.” After all, Fairbanks boasts dry, harsh cold – where your nose hairs freeze faster than you can say “sub-zero.”

But wait; it’s not all doom and gloom. Locals here spin tales of ice sculptures that look like frozen art installations. Plus, Fairbanks is another prime location to catch the Northern Lights. Aurora selfies, anyone?

Harbin, China

Harbin – otherwise known as the city that decided, “Why Not Make Freezing Gorgeous?” This Chinese city turns winter into a literal work of art during its iconic International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

Gargantuan castles made of frozen water, detailed sculptures lit with rainbow LED lights – it’s Frozen (but IRL). And while you’re there, don’t miss the hotpot restaurants to warm up…before your face falls off.

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

Astana might be an architectural marvel, but it’s also serious about its winters. If you think you’re tough, try waltzing through its icy streets, where just breathing outside can feel like a free face-lift.

And this city isn’t playing around, with bone-chilling temperatures and howling winds. But hey, its futuristic skyline covered in snow might just be a sight worth braving the frostbite for.

Moscow, Russia

Oh, Moscow. By Russian standards, 20°F might be considered practically tropical, but for the rest of us, it’s still very much “teeth-chattering cold.”

Its winters are as famous as its history, so if you ever decide to visit in winter, there will be plenty to see and do. Just make sure to grab some warming borscht to offset the city’s luxuriously chilly vibe.

Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital knows exactly how to do winter right. Helsinki is magical when it’s blanketed in snow…complete with fairy-tale lights and cozy cafes.

While the temperatures might not knock the air out of your lungs, you’ll still want to layer up. And the best part? After a cold walk along frozen harbors, you can end the day in a toasty Finnish sauna. Bliss.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius in winter feels like stepping inside a snow globe. Its charming Old Town – lined with cobblestones and pastel-colored buildings – becomes quite the photo op under a frosty glow.

And the cold might nip at your nose, but a mug of warming honey liquor should fix that right up. The city proves that winter doesn’t have to be harsh; it can be enchanting, too.

Riga, Latvia

Riga combines icy conditions with artistic flair. Yes, it’s cold enough to freeze your eyelashes, but it’s worth it to wander through a city full of Art Nouveau beauty.

Pro tip? Go ice skating in Bastion Hill Park and then reward yourself with piping hot black balsam (read: Latvia’s spiced liquor cure-all). Riga makes the cold seem almost…sophisticated.

Tallinn, Estonia

Think medieval villages are just for summer? Tallinn says, “Try me.” Estonia’s capital is postcard-worthy year-round, but there’s something extra dreamy about its frosty medieval rooftops.

Honestly, strolling through Tallinn’s Old Town in winter feels like being cast in a Hallmark holiday movie. Yes, your ears might go numb, but hey – priorities.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo doesn’t shy away from flaunting its winter credentials. The Norwegian capital is all about cold-weather adventures. Cross-country skiing trails practically begin in your backyard here.

And when you’re done braving the elements, Norwegian hot chocolate (spoiler alert, it’s addictive) is waiting for you. Oslo may chill you to the bone, but it’ll warm your heart.

Stockholm, Sweden

This Swedish beauty comes with a bonus – its sprawling archipelago that turns into a winter paradise unlike any other. And Stockholm’s mild winters (for Scandinavia, at least) make for perfect city exploring…without completely freezing your soul.

Toss in a fika cafe moment, and you’ve got the full “Scandi” experience.

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