Discover The 5 Coldest States In June

Written by Luke Stevens
Updated: September 24, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Introduction

For most places in the United States, June is a warm summer month associated with days by the pool, outdoor picnics, and sunshine. During the summertime in the United States, rays of sunlight hit the Earth at a much steeper angle. Due to this concentration of energy from the sun, temperatures increase dramatically during the summer months. However, while most states are warm and pleasant, some remain colder than the rest. Temperatures may still rise for these states during June, but they are not well known for the classic summer feeling most months provide. Keep reading to discover the 5 coldest states during the month of June.

#1 – Alaska

Scenic highway in Alaska, USA. Dramatic view clouds

Alaska is the coldest state during the month of June.

©Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock.com

Located in the northwest region of the United States next to Canada, Alaska is the coldest state during the month of June. While the state has some of the longest days due to its location in the northern hemisphere, Alaska still remains relatively cold during the summer.

Temperatures in Alaska

On the coast, the temperature in Alaska ranges from 40 degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius) to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). Moving inland, temperatures reach a maximum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). In the northernmost arctic regions of the state, temperatures can dip as low as 29 degrees Fahrenheit (negative two degrees Celsius). In 1971, Alaska experienced its lowest-ever recorded temperature at a staggering negative 80 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 62 degrees Celsius)!

Alaska Population and Wildlife

As of 2021, Alaska reported a population of 732,673 residents. The state has the third smallest population out of all of the United States. The majority of Alaska’s population lives in Anchorage, a fairly large city located along the coast.

Alaska is no stranger to wildlife. All around the state, bears, bald eagles, moose, and wolves can be seen trotting through the forests. On the coast, one can find many different species of whales and hundreds of different kinds of fish.

#2 – Washington

Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington

While Washington is known for its rainy days, it also has some of the coldest temperatures during the month of June.

©iStock.com/LoweStock

Washington is located on the northwest coast of the United States just above Oregon and bordering Canada. It is home to cities like Seattle and Spokane, as well as lush, expansive wilderness. While Washington is known for its rainy days, it also has some of the coldest temperatures during the month of June.

Temperatures in Washington

On the western coast of Washington, temperatures range from 45 degrees Fahrenheit (seven degrees Celsius) to around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). In the southernmost region of the state, temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Northern Washington can get as cold as 37 degrees Fahrenheit (three degrees Celsius) in the Cascade Mountains. Eastern Washington is the warmest area in the state, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in some counties. The coldest temperature in Washington state was recorded in 1968, measuring negative 48 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 44 degrees Celsius).

Washington Population and Wildlife

Washington’s current population is estimated to be around 7,785,786 people. A majority of the population resides in Seattle and the greater Puget Sound area, located on the northwestern coast of the state.

Aside from Washington’s big cities, the state has an abundance of wildlife. Visitors and residents will be able to see creatures such as river otters, beavers, coyotes, and Olympic marmots across the state. Near the coast, dolphins, whales, and many species of salmon can be found swimming in the clear Pacific waters.

#3 – Idaho

Goldbug Hot springs Idaho

Idaho is the third coldest state during the month of June.

©linber/Shutterstock.com

Neighboring Washington and bordering Canada, Idaho is the third coldest state during the month of June. Often referred to as the “Gem State,” Idaho has an abundant supply of minerals and precious gems sought after by many. In addition, Idaho produces the most potatoes annually out of all 50 states!

Temperatures in Idaho

In central Idaho near the Sawtooth Mountains, temperatures can get as low as 31 degrees Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius). Other areas of central Idaho are much warmer, averaging around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). In the east, temperatures range from 40 degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Southwestern Idaho temperatures can get as hot as 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), and measurements in the north don’t drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). The coldest temperature ever recorded in Idaho was at the Island Park Dam in 1943, measuring negative 60 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 51 degrees Celsius).

Idaho Population and Wildlife

Idaho currently has a population of 1,939,033 residents. The majority of the population lives along the Snake River Plain, which encompasses cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, and Meridian.

Idaho has an abundance of wildlife across its sprawling meadows, roaring rivers, and snowcapped mountains. Common sightings include pronghorns, Peregrine Falcons, wolverines, and mountain goats.

#4 – Oregon

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is located on the Oregon Coast, near Newport.USA

Oregon is located on the northwestern coast of the United States.

©CK Foto/Shutterstock.com

Nestled in between California and Washington, Oregon is located on the northwestern coast of the United States. On top of its stunning natural beauty, Oregon is the only state with an official state nut! 99 percent of all hazelnuts in the United States are grown in Oregon, making it a huge commercial crop for the state.

Temperatures in Oregon

Along Oregon’e coast, temperatures range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). In central Oregon, temperatures can be as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius), and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). The eastern region of the state has the most volatile temperatures, ranging from 35 degrees Fahrenheit (two degrees Celsius) to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). The coldest temperature ever recorded in Oregon was negative 48 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 44 degrees Celsius). This occurred in Seneca, Oregon in 1933.

Oregon Population and Wildlife

Oregon has a current population of 4,240,137. Most residents live in the Willamette Valley. This valley encompasses areas such as Salem, the state’s capital, and Portland, the state’s largest city.

Across Oregon, wildlife such as mountain lions, sea otters, and great horned owls can be spotted. Oregon is also home to a large number of beavers, giving it the nickname the “Beaver State.”

#5 – Wyoming

Historic barn in front of the Grand Tetons in Moose, Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its large grassy fields in between breathtaking mountains.

©Matt Grimaldi/Shutterstock.com

Wyoming lies just east of Idaho, and directly south of Montana. Meaning “large plains” in Native American tongue, Wyoming is known for its large grassy fields in between breathtaking mountains. The state is home to two national parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Temperatures in Wyoming

In central Wyoming, temperatures range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit (two degrees Celsius) to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). In the northern region of the state, temperatures reach a low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (four degrees Celsius) and a high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). South Wyoming ranges from 35 degrees Fahrenheit (two degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). The varying degrees in temperature result from Wyoming’s ever-changing elevation throughout different regions in the state. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Wyoming was negative 66 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 54 degrees Celsius). This occurred in 1933 in the state’s portion of Yellowstone Park.

Wyoming Population and Wildlife

Wyoming currently has a population of 581,381. This makes it the least-populated state out of all the other 50 states. Most of Wyoming’s population resides in the state’s capital city, Cheyenne.

Wyoming’s vast expanse of wilderness and two federally protected national parks make it a great spot for wildlife. Across the state, one can spot bison, whitetail deer, elk, and wild horses.

Summary of the Five Coldest States in June

RankStateAverage Temperature (Fahrenheit)Average Temperature (Celsius)
#1Alaska50.510.3
#2Washington61.616.4
#3Idaho61.816.5
#4Oregon6216.6
#5Wyoming62.116.7

Where Is The Coldest Place on Earth in June?

In June, Vostok station in Antarctica experiences the coldest temperatures in June, with a reading of -69°C (-92.2 F).

However, the Eastern Antarctic Plateau is renowned as the absolute coldest place on Earth. Satellite data collected from 2004 to 2016 across Dome Argus and Dome Fuji, an area comparable in size to Australia, indicates that air temperatures might plummet to an absolutely staggering -94°C (-137.2 F).

This could potentially qualify as the lowest temperature recorded on Earth, although researchers believe that the exceptionally dry air in the region could drive temperatures even lower.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

My name is Luke, and I currently a student at the University of Southern California. I love the outdoors, learning, and writing. I am also involved in several groups focusing on the entertainment industry and business administration. My favorite animals are dogs, koala bears, and dolphins.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.